A checklist that drivers can follow to help keep school buses in top condition. (MLF)

Preventive school bus maintenance to reduce long-term costs should include daily visual inspections by drivers, frequent checks by mechanics, and comprehensive inspections every 5,000 miles. Mechanics recommend checking tail lights, batteries, brakes, lug nuts, leaf springs, tail pipes, and exhaust pipe hangers. (RW)

Superintendents in two states agree that the problems with new buses are caused by a lack of quality control in the manufacturing process, problems with communication and delivery between chassis and body manufacturers, unavailable replacement parts, and difficult access to dealerships for inspection and service. (Author/IRT)

Describes a computer program, developed for an Ohio school system, that monitors school bus repair and maintenance records. (MD)

Provides 39 tips than can save school systems gas, money, or both. The tips are arranged in three categories--general policies, bus maintenance, and gas-saving purchases. (Author/IRT)

This report presents the findings of a voluntary program conducted over a 10-month period during which school buses were tested for carbon monoxide (CO) levels under different climatological conditions. The objective of the test program was to determine whether or not there are any serious CO intrusion problems or indications of potential problems…

Outlines five successful administrative practices to follow to prevent problems with school buses. (MD)

This handbook is designed as a guide for those who may be involved in the administration or management of pupil transportation in New York State. It is especially geared to central, union free, and city districts under 125,000 population, and is designed to complement other New York State Education Department publications. Guidelines include…

This article reviews the history of Maryland's controversial requirement that school buses use single-piece wheel rims. The author suggests precautions for using explosion-prone multipiece rims. (MCG)

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…

Through a joint venture between the school district and the municipality of Scarsdale (New York), the district's buses are serviced in a $2 million maintenance and ground facility. The arrangement has reduced vehicle down time, saved wear and tear on the buses, and reduced fuel consumption. (MLF)

This paper is based on a committee report of the last National School Bus Conference on "Minimum Standards for School Buses." Standards for school bus operations are included for (1) administrators, (2) supervisors, (3) school bus drivers, (4) student passengers, and (5) maintenance and service personnel. The report deals also with procedures for…

Increasing multi-purpose utilization of school buses is forcing costs upward, and some school officials are considering contracting with outside agencies for their transportation needs. Two school business managers air contrasting opinions on ownership vs. leasing of school buses. (DE)

The annual cost of repair to a Wood County (West Virginia) typical bus (called "Number 87") mounts in ever-steeper steps. The usage-and-repair study underscores the disparity between legislative educational planning nearly a decade ago and the facts of school life today. (Author/MLF)