Presents the opinions of four transportation experts on issues related to school buses. The experts respond to the following questions: will advertisements placed on buses be used to generate district revenue; will compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas become standard fuel for school buses; and will school bus seat belts be mandatory and…

In 2001, the California School for the Blind (CSB) was faced with a dilemma. The dropoff point for the day buses had to be changed. The new route to the only logical location for this change sent the buses through a driveway where residential students crossed to travel between the school and the dormitories. Some staff members wanted to eliminate…

In 1982-83, the Austin (TX) Independent School District chose to use its Chapter 2-Formula funds for two sets of activities: bus monitors and extracurricular transportation for desegregation purposes. This report summarizes the evaluation findings for these two activities, as well as what happened to programs funded under the Emergency School Aid…

Despite what a study indicated, one school district found that operating its own fleet of buses was cheaper and better than contracting for service with the local transit company. (Author/IRT)

The safest means of transportation in the United States is the school bus fleet. Each school day, over 350,000 school buses transport about 22,000,000 children ages 3 to 21--from wheelchair pupils to varsity football players--to and from school in weather conditions ranging from those for Fairbanks, Alaska, to those typical of Cave Creek, Arizona.…

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…

In New York State, all plans and specifications for the erection, repair, enlargement, or remodeling of school buildings in any public school district must be reviewed and approved by the Division of Educational Facilities Planning. The Division also strives to offer advice and counsel to school districts and architects to help them resolve their…

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…