This study has been undertaken to assess the magnitude of the school bus safety problem and to develop a plan to improve pupil transportation safety. The resulting report provides estimates of school bus population and daily usage, gives an account of injuries and fatalities that occur annually, and compares the safety records of school buses to passenger cars. Also provided is an analysis of the school bus vehicle, which reveals that three aspects of school bus design and construction are in need of improvement. These improvement needs are in the vehicle brakes, the structural integrity of the vehicle, and the seats. The operational aspect of State safety programs for pupil transportation including the driver, his training, the program administration, uniform State laws, and the use of buses for extracurricular activities are also reviewed. A series of recommendations concludes the report. (Author/MLF)