Several Colorado and Kansas school systems are having their school buses rebuilt commercially, saving $5,000 to $17,000 per bus. In deciding whether to replace or rebuild buses, districts should consider age and mechanical condition, local climate, safety concerns, and regulatory requirements. (MLH)

The change from gasoline power to compressed natural gas for 34 school buses in Bentonville (Arkansas) has saved the school district money, reduced its maintenance needs, and increased bus safety. (MLF)

The experiences of several school bus garages around the country show that it is possible to modernize equipment and upgrade training while also holding the line on costs. Computer software is used to track servicing, inventory, and other information about a bus fleet. Related factors in improved bus maintenance are the quality of the vehicles and…

In Antelope Valley, California, a regional transportation consortium, cooperatively run by six adjacent school districts, is operating an electric-powered school bus as a pilot project. Although the prototype bus cost nearly six times more than a traditional school bus, lower operating and maintenance expenses and safety factors appeal to many…

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)

School transportation experts consider the following essential rules in purchasing school buses: know your geography; know federal and state regulations; write specifications carefully; plan for replacement and growth; check out prospective bidders; keep up with recent trends; and remain flexible. New Jersey enacted a law last year requiring seat…

Administrators looking for budget relief might look for cost savings in pupil transportation. The basic school bus that meets federal standards, with no optional equipment, is the safest vehicle on the road. The best investment in a transportation program is driver training. Route and schedule changes might lead to an increase in efficiency…

Provides information for student transportation system budgetary decisions that can reduce costs and yet maintain an adequate transportation system. Suggestions include establishing staggered school opening and closing times, extending walking distances, and eliminating or charging for extracurricular activities. (MLF)

This booklet contains the revised minimum standards put into effect and enforced beginning with new school bus models that appeared after January 1, 1972. These standards apply to (1) conventional type body-on-chasis vehicles having a seating capacity of 24 or more pupils; (2) conventional type body-on-chasis vehicles that are less than 96 inches…

This publication contains an encapsulated report on a 1973 pilot project on computer aided bus routing and scheduling involving 22 diversified school districts of New Jersey. Called Transportation Information Planning Service (TRIPS), the project sought to develop and subject to initial test a man-machine system that would offer optimum latitude…