During the 1995-96 school year, the Savannah-Chatham County (Georgia) Public Schools averaged 800 daily telephone complaints about transportation. Applying total-quality-management principles improved client satisfaction via a Pareto problem analysis chart, a customer response data-collection team, and driver teams who strategized ways to reduce…

Explains how the use of lifts, restraints, and movable seating on school buses helps schools provide safe transportation to students with special needs. The importance of air conditioning for students with respiratory problems, particularly as the schools expand their summer courses, is highlighted. (GR)

A study to assess whether the school bus speed limit should be changed in Virginia is described in this report. The relationship between the safety characteristics of Virginia's three-tiered speed limit system and school bus operation is examined to determine the optimal level of safety for school bus travel. Virginia allows the following three…

The booklet presents recommendations from an Illinois task force on procedures for transporting special education students to and from public schools. An introductory chapter considers eligibility for special transportation services and suggests the types of information that should be involved in the decision. Desirable vehicle characteristics,…

This manual provides school bus drivers and school officials with pertinent material relating to safe and efficent school transportation. Chapter I presents the laws governing pupil transportation. Oregon motor vehicle laws are identified by an ORS (Oregon Revised Statute) number, and pupil transportation regulations are identified by an OAR…

The computerization of school bus maintenance records by the Niskayuna (New York) Central School District enabled the district's transportation department to engage in management practices resulting in significant savings. The district obtains computer analyses of the work performed on all vehicles, including time spent, parts, labor, costs,…

The Alaska State Board of Education has adopted the national "Minimum Standards for School Buses, 1970 Revised Edition." The purpose of this document is to specify school bus minimum standards for Alaska that are in addition to the national standards. All regular school buses must comply with applicable federal motor vehicle safety…

While the appearance of a school bus is important, it is often overlooked. The problem has been economically solved in one school district. (Author/MLF)

Introduces a computer program for school bus routing. (MLF)

Arguments for and against the installation of seat belts in school buses are discussed. (DF)

Presents factual data on research in school bus safety that shows that seat belts in school buses may actually be detrimental to students. Includes data from surveys and research tests and sources for additional information on seat belts in school buses. (MD)

Outlines two case histories of schools districts that have used microcomputers in the planning and management of pupil transportation systems. Using microcomputers in transportation planning is new and most effective in smaller, rural districts. (MD)

Outlines the development of the National Minimum Standard Conferences. The major purpose of these conferences has been recommendations regarding standards and operations for school buses. (MD)

This guide was designed as a reference for school administrators in special education and transportation to help them in arranging for and providing special transportation for students with disabilities. The guide has four chapters that examine: (1) questions often asked about a school district's responsibility for special transportation; (2)…

Lists several safety features for school buses and their approximate costs. School districts often miss out on these features if they operate under a low-bid-takes-all purchasing system. (Author/WM)