Here’s a look at the latest in pupil transportation products that were on view at the NAPT trade show in Myrtle Beach, S.C. New technologies included a driving simulator and a seat belt monitoring system.
Device alerts drivers to light malfunctions
The Universal Exterior Light Monitor continuously checks all of a school bus’ exterior lights. When a problem develops, the position of the failed light illuminates on the monitor, alerting the driver to loose or cut connectors or blown fuses. The device works with LED and incandescent lighting, or a combination of both, for below- and above-the-belt applications. It can monitor four, eight, 12 or 16 lights.
Doran Mfg.
Simulator puts drivers in variety of virtual environments
The 460 SchoolBus interactive school bus driving simulator replicates the driving compartment of a typical late-model school bus. Trainees navigate through various scenarios in virtual driving environments, including urban, suburban, rural, industrial and interstate areas, where they encounter obstacles, traffic, pedestrians and inclement weather.
Doron Precision Systems Inc.
Software suite tracks all aspects of fleet management
The Everyday Solutions suite of software provides a Web portal to manage a fleet with integrated applications for rider attendance, workflow, dispatcher control, payroll and system health reports. Multiple users can access data, maps and reports. The company can also host the system so end users do not need to buy servers or install software. Suite components include voice communication, GPS location, route integration, time cards and inspections.
Everyday Solutions
Digital video system provides flexibility
The new Nitro digital video system allows operators to download and e-mail video quickly and easily, using the removable COMRAD USB thumb drive. Although compact and lightweight, the Nitro can record up to 185 hours of video with extended hybrid DVR available in 120- and 160-gigabyte drives.
GSI (Gatekeeper Systems Inc.)
Flooring prevents leaks, maintenance issues
The Koroseal One-Piece Transit Floor eliminates aisle trim for improved maintenance and appearance, and provides a water-resistant barrier for protection of the transit vehicle subfloor and supporting structures. The flooring system is highly resistant to wear from foot traffic, absorbs sound and is thermally insulative.
Koroseal Transit Products
One-touch emergency system releases seat belts
M2K’s new seat belt monitoring system allows the school bus driver to see on a dash-mounted display which students have their belts buckled. In the event of an emergency, the driver can use a one-touch button to release all the seat belts at once.
M2K LLC
Tires engineered for long life
The Michelin XZE2 features Matrix Siping technology to help prevent irregular wear and increase traction. Extra-strong curb guards help protect sidewalls against most impacts and abrasions for long casing life. Rectangular bead bundles simulate a solid steel rod “strapping” the tire onto the wheel, stabilizing the bead region and minimizing fatigue.
Michelin
Integrated seat adjusts to passenger size
The new ICS (Integrated Child Seat) for the school bus market is designed for children from 20 to 60 pounds, as well as adult passengers. The shoulder straps can be adjusted quickly without taking apart the seat. Freedman’s seating options for school buses are FMVSS 222 compliant.
Freedman Seating Co.
Recorder captures interior, exterior images
The palm-sized Dual Vision recorder unit is secured to the bus’ windshield and records audio and video continuously. The system captures images from both the interior and exterior of the vehicle and is available with optional integrated GPS tracking.
Rosco Vision Systems
System tracks driver, aide work hours
Synovia now offers Driver Time Management (DTM), a service that allows districts to accurately and reliably manage driver and bus aide work hours. Synovia’s hardware- software combination can record and interpret work time and share it with other software systems such as Time/ Attendance and Payroll applications. The DTM module works seamlessly with Synovia’s AVL/GPS application.
Synovia
Warning light offers upgradeable LED technology
The 1020-9000 Series LED Warning Light can be disassembled to change the lens or upgrade its LEDs, eliminating the need to replace the entire light. Patented V-LED technology provides superior thermal efficiency and brightness, while eight high-powered LEDs provide optimal output intensity and fully illuminate the lens. An advanced lens design facilitates maximum optical performance. The light is available in amber and red.
Weldon Technologies
