Throughout my school transportation career, I have heard numerous people say, “You know the first two weeks of school is always a mess.”
My reply to that negative thought is, “It doesn’t have to be.” There are several steps that you as a transportation director or contract manager can take to ensure that you keep your job and that your school bus operation hits the ground running with a great first day of school.
Essentially, the strategy is the same as what it takes to get to Carnegie Hall or the major leagues: practice, practice, practice. To expound on that idea, here are six tips to follow for a smooth school start.
1. Conduct dry runs
Make sure that your school bus drivers get their routes in ample time to do a sufficient dry run. The dry run should be done in a bus similar to their regularly assigned route bus, at approximately the same time as their morning/afternoon route would be run.
The addresses for all bus stops should be identified so there won’t be buses driving around in circles looking for a stop on the first day of school. Drivers often think they know the routes, but there might be unexpected changes. In urban areas, two-way streets have been known to convert to one-way streets. In urban, suburban and country areas, road repairs cause detours. Trees and bushes may need attention, etc. Routing software has been known to direct a bus to turn into a brick wall.
A dry run will sort out all of these issues that can destroy a route on the first day. There should be no exceptions — dry runs should not be optional. Transportation managers should use GPS (if available) to verify that the routes were run in their entirety.
This tip may sound basic, and it is. But you would not believe the number of transportation managers who do not require this exercise to ensure a better first day of school.
The school district and the community should appreciate seeing the school bus drivers out practicing their routes.
2. Inform parents
Many first-day calls to the transportation office originate because parents or guardians of kindergarten/pre-K students just do not know the routine. School bus drivers should get contact lists for first-time riders, primarily kindergarten and pre-K students, and talk to their parents or guardians on the phone.
These parents and guardians should be informed of the school bus identification information and the time and location of their child’s bus stop. If possible, transportation staff members should be available at school open houses to spread important transportation information.
3. Prep the buses
School bus preparation is an important step toward a smooth school start. You should begin the new school year with clean, fueled, well-maintained buses.
Most school bus operations have an entire summer to prepare buses. Be sure to address the following items, among others:
• Repair or replace bus seats.
• Tires should be within required margins.
• Check crossing arms, stop arms, cameras, air-conditioning systems, GPS and all lights.
• Wheelchair lifts should be working according to spec.
In other words, all components and equipment should be confirmed to be functioning properly. Don’t skimp on anything.
4. Cold-start the fleet
Another way to ensure that your yellow buses will be ready to go on the first day is to conduct a cold-start exercise. This means starting up the entire school bus fleet the day before school begins.
You don’t want any of your drivers to have a bus that doesn’t start on the first day, leaving them frustrated and in need of a spare bus.
Maybe you already do cold starts on very cold winter days. Consider also doing a cold start at the end of the summer, the day before the school year begins.
"A dry run will sort out all of these issues that can destroy a route on the first day."
