Each system brings a diverse set of functions to the school bus market, including inventory tracking and work order generation, and many are customizable to meet operations’ individual needs.

With a background in the fire truck industry, Dan Peters comes to Collins Bus Corp. with a keen understanding of the importance of building a top-quality vehicle for the job of protecting people.

The collaborative atmosphere at the School District of Manatee County’s transportation department ensures that everyone works together to do their jobs efficiently, minimizing unnecessary expenditures. A combination of factors, including providing ongoing driver instruction to help them operate new buses that have been purchased, has saved the district about $400,000.

To shed some light on the personalities that make up the National Association for Pupil Transportation board of directors, the association has launched a series of board member profiles. Here, we hear from Barry Sudduth.

Regardless of whether the driver obeys the commands or resists a hijacker, every single school bus driver must understand that their No. 1 priority is the protection of the children on board. Drivers must be prepared mentally for these situations and conduct drills to reinforce proper procedures.

What about having conversations with kids (or even aides) on the bus while driving? Is that a source of distraction that should be avoided?