IC Bus maintenance program deemed a success

WARRENVILLE, Ill. — IC Bus completed its first IC University during the weeks of Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 in Tulsa, Okla. Over 150 school bus technicians from the U.S. and Canada attended the sessions.

The technicians attended classes on engine diagnostics, bus electrical and bus maintenance and transmissions. Lunch presentations discussed air conditioning, lifts, stop arms and crossing gates. Evening classes were held on brake systems and lifts for special-needs buses.

Attendees were also taken on a guided tour of the Tulsa bus plant to provide them with a firsthand look at bus construction methods.

“We had a great two weeks and [the] response from school districts and contractors from all over the country was outstanding,” said John Thompson, training director for IC Bus. “We could have easily filled several more classes.”

Attendees will receive credit for 34 hours of training through IC parent company Navistar Inc.

Moreover, plans are now underway for additional IC University classes that will be held next year during the weeks of March 23, April 13 and May 18.

“Potential attendees should begin making their plans to attend now as I would expect these classes to fill up quickly once we announce registration procedures,” Thompson said. “We have decided to cut down the number of attendees in any one week session from 75 to 60. This will allow for smaller classes and more hands-on activities.”

Registration for the 2009 IC University schedule will begin in January.