As with every other system in the country, we are constantly on the alert to save costs, and, as with most other systems in the snow belt, a major seasonal cost is that of plowing the white stuff off the depot lots so yellow buses can pick up the children on time.

Fittingly, the American School Bus Council (ASBC) wrapped up its Love the Bus tour on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, in the nation’s capital. The weeklong tour featured events in seven cities beginning in Dallas on Feb. 7.

How do you, as transportation professionals, prepare your staff for situations that are not explained in your policies and procedures manual?

School bus operations need to be prepared to fight false injury claims. Crash investigation skills and sound record-keeping are the first line of defense.

Department newsletters can help to disseminate information, spotlight positive achievements and build morale. Keys to a successful newsletter include proper planning, content development and consistency.

We take great pride in our safety record, as we should. Children are 13 times safer riding in a school bus than traveling to and from school in any other mode, whether that’s walking, bicycling or riding in an automobile.

Dear Phyllis, I am not sure you will remember me, but my name is Kathy Gorecki. You were my children’s school bus driver for many years. My reason for writing to you is to tell you how you have changed and influenced my life, how you have come to be my hero and my inspiration.

Students from across the U.S. and as far away as Seoul, South Korea, competed in the 2006 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

North Clackamas School District bus drivers, mechanics and other school associates participate in "The Biggest Loser" competition.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses began renovations to its 1408 Courtesy Road plant late last year and expects the $10.3 million improvement plan to be completed by January 2008.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Jan. 18, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) ruled that the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) has illegally engaged in school bus operations.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Collins Industries, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles, has named Kent Tyler as president of its bus division, effective immediately.

WATERBURY, Conn. — Prospective school bus drivers in Connecticut must now pass more stringent background checks.

Did you ever wonder what eventually happens to abandoned, out-of-service school buses?

President John Manzi says the key to success lies in understanding and meeting the end-users’ needs. Meanwhile, tough competition and rising costs provide challenges.

North Carolina pupil transportation director is recognized for his numerous contributions to his state and the larger pupil transportation industry.

To further recognize the invaluable service provided by the nation’s pupil transportation programs, we present the seventh installment of our “Great Fleets” series. Find out how this year’s 10 outstanding operations have raised the bar in safety, efficiency, maintenance and other areas.

For the two decades that I’ve been associated with pupil transportation through this magazine, our industry has fought against those who would have us equip large school buses with active passenger restraint systems, whether they’re lap belts, lap-shoulder belts or other devices.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses reached a milestone as it handed over the keys to its last customer-ready FS-65 conventional school bus.

Pupil transportation officials called a study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics “a valuable contribution to the investigative literature concerning school bus-related injuries.”