School bus driver behavior and motivation are continuing concerns for leaders/administrators in the field of transportation. Motivation begins with selection of a potential new driver. Drivers must like children and be patient, loyal, and punctual. The applicant's background must be verified, in view of the national concern for child safety.…

This student handbook is one of the publications used for the Oregon Bus Driver Training Core Course. Handbook content focuses on those aspects of driving a school bus that differ from driving an automobile and that are essential for the safe transporting of students. Designed to accompany the four classes (each two and one-half hours long), the…

From observations during an investigation of children's behaviors on school buses, two general points seem important. First, current selection and training procedures for bus drivers generally ignore issues of pupil management. Second, focusing on pupil management issues in the selection, training, and supervision of drivers can have a number of…

This guide contains safety regulations for Alaska school district transportation systems including insurance, school bus inspection, and bus driver's permit and certification. Samples of required reports and forms are included. (MLF)

A review of significant activities in the area of computerized school bus routing is conducted. The various factors which contribute to the complexity of transporting students to and from school are first surveyed and, following this, the overall problem is formalized in terms of a system of nodes and links. An analysis of several routing systems…

Historically, the insurance industry has been cyclical in price and the types of risks it will insure. Schools should carefully consider developing long-term relationships with companies committed to school bus insurance. Buyers can exchange information with their insurers to improve their risks. (MLF)

The majority of school bus fatalities occur to children who must walk in front of the school bus upon discharge. Drivers must be educated about this startling fact and know which passengers are more susceptible to fatal accidents. Children must be taught safety precautions. (MLF)

Students need training at home, at school, and on the bus concerning their own actions while traveling on school buses. The training needs to focus on the dangers, on how students can help to save their own lives, and on developing a positive attitude toward safety and the driver. (MLF)

Adequate staffing for pupil transportation provides for the following: (1) drivers are appropriately instructed; (2) school buses meet the highest standards of construction and maintenance; (3) discipline is uniformly administered; (4) instruction in safe riding practices is provided; and (5) salary and fringe benefits retain the best qualified…

Any district board of education considering seat belt installation on large school buses should examine all the research available prior to making a final decision. New Jersey's Guide for Analyzing a Pupil Transportation Program is provided. (MLF)

School systems will soon be using microcomputers to design their school bus routes and aid in the management of transportation programs. Offers guidelines to bring microcomputer bus management to school systems. (MLF)

Because diesel engines are more economical and longer-lasting than gasoline engines, school districts are rapidly increasing their use of diesel buses. Dependence on diesel power, however, entails vulnerability to cost increases due to the unreliability of crude oil supplies and contributes to air pollution. (MCG)

Examines critically the National Transportation Safety Board's post-1977 school bus standards, which encourage but do not require seat belts. (JBM)

School-bus handrails have had the same basic design for more than 30 years. However, students' recent propensity to wear oversized and baggy clothing increases the likelihood that clothing or accessories may become snagged on bus handrails. Children across the United States have been injured or killed when their clothing or accessories caught in…

Alternative ways of financing school bus purchases include financing privately through contractors or commercial banks, financing through sources such as insurance companies and pension funds, leasing the buses, or contracting for transportation services. (Author/MLF)