School Bus Watch becomes 'Eyes on the Road'

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed changes to its security training program for the school bus industry.

The information was presented in a recent highway security workshop held by TSA. Bob Riley, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), attended the workshop and shared the details with association members.

The School Bus Watch and Highway Watch programs were initially administered by the American Trucking Associations, but TSA did not renew the contract. It was awarded through a bid process to HMS Co., which took over the programs in August.

Highway Watch, the trucking industry program, has been redeveloped and christened “Eyes on the Road.” HMS will next launch a school bus version under the same name.

Riley said that HMS President Charles Hall has asked for assistance from NASDPTS and the other two national associations — the National School Transportation Association and the National Association for Pupil Transportation — to ensure that the program will be up to date and meet the needs of the industry.

“The goal is to have the school bus training program and delivery system completed and available within a short period of time,” Riley said.

A new security call center, through which school bus drivers can report highway security concerns, has been established. The number is (888) 217-5902.