School buses approach individual custom design when all the options and accessories have been chosen. Available options and accessories are listed. (Author/MLF)

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)

The most urgent order of business in the national scene is to complete the development of a series of new performance tests for school bus bodies and chassis to establish a benchmark for safe construction that can be verified by independent testing agencies. Such performance tests should incorporate the new Federal Joint Strength Efficiency…

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)

To avoid losing money when buying a bus, a school board should know its district's needs, use the district transportation officer's expertise, investigate local dealers' credentials, learn about differences in bus quality, follow detailed specifications, and pay promptly upon purchase. (RW)

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…

Financing enables school districts to operate new buses when funds for outright purchase are not available. This article examines reasons, sources, and pitfalls of school bus financing. (MLF)

In 1981 the transportation costs of an Ohio school district had increased 63 percent over a four-year period. A cost-cutting program was initiated that year, and by 1984 transportation cost increases had been cut to one percent. Includes a list of seven factors that contributed to the cost-cutting program. (MD)

Choosing the number, types, and sizes of school buses requires analysis of the following factors: the number and distribution of students who need transportation; characteristics of the district such as topography, narrowness of streets, and rural or urban location; extracurricular activities and special education programs; and economics and…

The purpose of this study was to explore alternative methods for saving public funds in the purchasing of school bus bodies in the state of Georgia. Officials from each of the 50 states responded to a questionnaire that solicited descriptions of the methods used by state officials in purchasing school bus bodies. The discussion focuses on (1) the…

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)

Suggests specific ways for school districts to control rapidly rising transportation costs and assure many years of quality service. (Author/MLF)

Explores some of the factors to consider before school planners decide to buy new school buses. Provides a checklist to help build and maintain a bus fleet. Concludes by addressing bus safety and advertising. (GR)