Bus Briefs

Fleeing suspect tries to hijack school bus
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A fleeing burglary suspect was shot and killed by police moments after he attempted to commandeer a school bus. The man had slipped out of restraints, kicked out a patrol car window and jumped out. After attempting to carjack passing vehicles, the man tried to gain access to a Rio Linda School District bus with about 20 children on board. A deputy hit him with a Taser as he tried to force open the bus door. The man then ran to a nearby police car and got in on the driver side, where he reportedly had access to a loaded shotgun. A deputy fired at the suspect, striking him in the upper torso and killing him.

NSTA to hold second security workshop
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) will hold its second Safety & Security Training Workshop in Tinley Park, Ill., March 15-16. During the two-day course, industry experts will cover how to identify and handle safety and security issues. The workshop will include the School Bus Watch anti-terrorism training program. The NSTA held its first Safety & Security Training Workshop last summer in Washington, D.C.

Group pushes for CNG cylinder inspections
ACWORTH, Ga. — The Clean Vehicle Education Foundation launched a campaign to remind operators of CNG vehicles to have their fuel storage cylinders periodically checked by qualified inspectors. FMVS standards require vehicular CNG cylinders to have a notice reading, “This container should be visually inspected after a motor vehicle accident or fire and at least every 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, for damage or deterioration.” Authorities said that despite the notice, only a small percentage of CNG cylinders have undergone qualified inspections.