I now live far from the Washington, D.C., pressure cooker of my working years. Folks here are not as immersed in the minutia of public policy as those in and around the nation's capital.

Sometimes we need to be protected from legislators. But sometimes they really do have our protection in mind.

Structured interviews will reduce the incidence of unsafe behaviors and make the kids safer. In today's economy, you can be more selective about whom you hire.

An increase in pitch while speaking, repetition and inappropriate humor are several signs of impending dangerous behavior. Stepping in when they are heard can help to prevent students from harming others.

School bus OEM appoints Kelley Platt as the successor of John O’Leary, who moved into a new role with Daimler Trucks North America. Platt played a pivotal role in Daimler’s acquisition of Thomas Built in ’98.

Industry professionals offer tips on how to select the best tires for a fleet of buses and discuss the value of running tests to help determine which tires are well suited for an operation's needs.

Officials at tire companies, along with technicians, say that checking for proper inflation, axle alignment and tread depth helps keep tires in good condition. They also provide tips on mounting, inspection, repair and replacement.

School bus contractors offer insights on the advantages of contracting in the current economic climate as well as the impact of state and national regulatory issues.

While most of us are dealing personally or professionally with the roller coaster that is our current economy — and the school bus industry is certainly no exception — there are some who are dealing with much more.

We found from speaking with executives at school bus contractor companies featured in the March issue's contractor roundtable that competition is "brutal" and prices being quoted are lower now than ever before.  

This year for our annual series, we've profiled five maintenance programs at school district and contractor fleets around the country that have led them to excel on state inspections. They have also helped to reduce the operations' costs and enhance safety.

I also have to wonder whether the story would have spread so fast and so far if it hadn’t initially been called a “school bus crash.”

Compromising safety because of cost is a shortsighted decision. It is important to remember that the value of a human life does not change in a recession.

An accident involving a fatality will test the mettle of any school bus operation. Overcoming one takes careful planning, practice and systematic execution. (This article originally appeared in our August 2001 issue.)

Here, we provide details on a variety of innovative school bus air conditioning offerings from six manufacturers.

Requirements for transporting non-disabled students vary widely by state and may be subject to far-reaching cuts, but requirements for disabled students are governed by IDEA. Still, opportunities exist to boost efficiency and reduce expenses.

Greg Bennett and Steve Girardin discuss the joint venture to merge the manufacturers’ Type A bus products.

St. Louis-based EMT has found a market in assisting school districts with special-needs and homeless student transportation. After launching in St. Louis, franchises have been established in nine states.

Here’s a look at the latest in pupil transportation products that were on view at the NAPT trade show in Louisville, Ky. New technologies included high-intensity LED warning lights and a browser-based fleet maintenance system.

Instruction in this area is important for school bus drivers and aides to successfully work with students with disabilities, and changing how the information is delivered and who delivers it helps promote trainee engagement. There are numerous resources within and outside of school districts that can enliven sessions and motivate employees.