Twenty important things to know when you buy a school bus. (WM)

A special study of school bus transportation that (1) describes board responsibility for bus transportation (2) discusses the merits of buying, leasing, or contracting for buses; (3) points out the inadequacy of State safety requirements; and (4) presents the merits of L.P.-gas powered and diesel powered buses. (JF)

Despite what a study indicated, one school district found that operating its own fleet of buses was cheaper and better than contracting for service with the local transit company. (Author/IRT)

Provides an update on emerging safety issues, new technological developments, and upcoming regulations that could affect school transportation programs. Two new sets of federal regulations to watch for will govern underground fuel storage tanks and hazardous materials, and restrict asbestos in vehicle brake linings. (MD)

Reports on the Supreme Court's decision not to rule on a case involving the formation of an extracurricular religion club. This leaves the schools with no definitive legal decision for guidance in these cases. Also reports on court decisions in two recent cases involving schools' responsibility for protecting students on their way to and from…

A March 1982 Jonesboro, Arkansas, school bus accident in which nine people were killed has rekindled the debate over school bus safety, says the author. The article discusses briefly the opposition historically between school bus manufacturers and safety advocates and presents cost-benefit arguments concerning mandatory seat-belt installation.…

Presents five arguments against requiring seat belts on school buses, including the need for better trained drivers, the danger that students will be trapped by seat belts in emergencies, and other problems relating to practicality and cost. Included is an editorial insert indicating how safety advocates respond to such objections. (JBM)