The Computerized Fleet Maintenance (CFM) program of a New York school district has major component areas of garage operation, vehicle replacement, and fuel consumption. CFM detects high expenditures and provides the rationale for bus replacement. (MLF)

Delineating the current costs and quality of service of pupil transportation provides a basis for evaluating alternatives. With this, districts can identify the opportunities to (1) provide the current service more efficiently; (2) modify the current service parameters; and (3) provide service under a more efficient operating system. (MLF)

Computerized pupil transportation systems offer promising benefits to school districts. Outlines ways school administrators can select the right product by following some traditional business approaches. (MLF)

School districts experiencing student transportation problems along with limited staff ability and time, and extremely sensitive issues, can benefit from a transportation consultant. A pupil transportation consultant can assist districts in management studies, staff development, and operations. (MLF)

Michigan has long advocated local control of education, a philosophy that particularly applies to purchasing school buses. To counter adverse legal actions stemming from noncompetitive bidding practices, the Michigan School Business Officials and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation collaborated to develop a comprehensive,…

Under the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school districts must transport students with disabilities to a site providing a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. This article discusses federal and state laws governing student transportation, including wheelchair…

Findings from a second annual transportation survey mailed to 6,000 school officials, with a 15 percent response rate, reveal that transportation costs, difficulty in hiring and keeping qualified bus drivers, and the condition of buses topped the list of concerns. (MLF)

Reviews conflicting federal and state developments (including liability lawsuits) involving seat belt installation on school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board differ on this issue, and several states are considering seat belt legislation or crashworthiness studies. Hints are…

Discusses conditions preventing school bus drivers from maintaining discipline and safety and proposes administrative remedies. Gives examples of overlooked hazards in both riders' and drivers' behaviors. (MCG)

Two bus accidents taught a school district the value of a self-developed plan of response to a school bus accident. Provides a sample school bus accident preparedness plan. (MLF)

To protect special education students fully, bus drivers must be trained to respond to emergencies in an organized fashion. This article describes special equipment and procedures used in Baltimore County buses for the handicapped, along with yearly evacuation drills to hone drivers' skills. Speed was not a factor in these exercises. (MLH)

School systems are being required to extend transportation services to more severely handicapped children and younger handicapped children. Discusses new legislation and bus driver responsibility and training, and advises administrators to become involved in special education students' individualized education programs. (MLF)

Recognizing safety procedures and minimizing disciplinary problems on school buses are the responsibilities of school bus drivers. Describes elements of driver training, lists student control guides for bus drivers, and summarizes the procedures followed by the Halifax County-Bedford District School Board in Nova Scotia. (MLF)

Proposed rules by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for drug and alcohol testing of school bus drivers are expected to be implemented by early 1994. DOT regulations are very specific. School districts need to decide whether to establish their own program or contract with a full-service drug-testing firm. Explains the seven major elements…

Transporting infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities to provide early intervention services is part of this nation's commitment to young children. Explains relevant federal statutes; lists acronyms and public laws affecting school transportation; and summarizes training issues to provide safe transportation for this diverse…