Safety Vests in the Spotlight
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) has issued an information paper to provide guidance on the use ...
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) has issued an information paper to provide guidance on the use of safety vests in school buses for children who weigh 50 pounds or less. The paper was issued in response to concerns about whether commonly used safety vests (also known as restraining harnesses or positioning vests or harnesses) comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213. Section 5.3.1 of FMVSS 213 prohibits the use of add-on child restraint systems that attach to the seat back solely by means of the seat back or seat cushion. Correspondingly, the NASDPTS paper suggests that child safety restraint systems that meet FMVSS 213 should be the “first choice” of school bus operators. If a safety harness is used, it should be certified by the manufacturer as meeting all FMVSS 213 requirements, according to the paper. To read the full report, visit NASDPTS’ Website at www.nasdpts.org and click on “Focus Topics.”
More Management

Predictability Is Like Ketchup (According to 6-Year-Olds)
To students, a different school bus can feel like a full-blown crisis. One driver reflects on why familiar routines, showing up on time, and being reliably boring matter more than we think.
Read More →
Samsara Launches Free Driver Rewards Program
The new Driver Perks program gives eligible professional drivers access to discounts and offers without adding a cost for participating fleets.
Read More →
How Tax-Exempt Municipal Leases Can Help Finance School Buses
Let’s explore school bus financing options, including municipal leases, vendor payable accounts, and balloon payments, and how they can help stretch fleet budgets.
Read More →
Nominate Rising School Transportation Pros Under 40!
We’re searching for the next generation of leaders making an impact across the K-12 student transportation industry to recognize as SBF’s 2027 Trailblazers. Nominations are open now!
Read More →
Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.
Read More →
The Most Expensive Thing You Do Before Selling a School Bus: Wait
When should you sell an aging school bus? Learn how maintenance, mileage, corrosion, specifications, and timing can affect resale value long before the auction.
Read More →
American Student Transportation Partners Acquires AJ Myers and Sons
A new deal brings a 75-year Pennsylvania student transportation provider into one of the nation’s largest private school bus contracting groups.
Read More →
What I Brought Home From SBFX: Relationships, Leadership, and Preparing What's Next
Who could lead your transportation operation tomorrow if you couldn't? Bernando Brown explores succession planning, mentorship, and preparing emerging leaders to step up.
Read More →
Inside School Bus Fleet ConneX 2026: Industry Leaders Connect in Scottsdale [Photos]
See highlights from SBFX 2026 in Arizona, where school bus operators and suppliers gathered for meetings, education, networking, awards, and more.
Read More →
School Transportation’s Biggest Pressures and Opportunities: SBFX Attendees Weigh In
School bus operators point to rising costs, staffing, and vehicle prices as immediate pressures while identifying technology, training, and routing as opportunities for growth.
Read More →

