Articles

Management•by Nicole Schlosser•February 21, 2020

Transitioning to a New School Bus Facility: What You Need to Know

The Chandler (Ariz.) Unified School District #80 transportation team recently moved its operations from three small locations to a new facility that features significant upgrades. Here, they detail the process and share lessons learned.

a man drives a school bus and talks through the radio

Management•by Stuart Vogelman•February 20, 2020

Message Received: Best Practices for Effective Radio Communication

Proper etiquette is critical to seamless operation between dispatchers and drivers. Tips on training and messaging include using equipment properly, creating clear emergency protocols, and keeping messages brief.

Maintenance•by Sadiah Thompson •February 20, 2020

6 New School Bus Shop Tools

A mobile app that offers engine software updates, vertical rise vehicle lifts, and battery technology that can reduce emergency repairs are some of the latest products designed to boost shop efficiency.

Management•by Nicole Schlosser•February 19, 2020

5 Questions: Cheryl Fisher on Teamwork, Driver Shortage

Fisher discusses her love of an unpredictable workday, legislation to combat driver shortage, and taking the helm at the Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation.

Special Needs Transportation•by Sadiah Thompson •January 29, 2020

School Bus Alternatives Meet a Range of Standards, Student Needs

Some pupil transporters increasingly look beyond the big yellow bus to transport students with special needs and those who are homeless or in foster care, choosing minivans, taxicabs, and other smaller-capacity vehicles.

Management•by Nicole Schlosser•January 28, 2020

IC Bus, Dealer Introduce Suspension System for a Smoother Ride

Drivers taking part in demos say that LiquidSpring, which adjusts the bus floor level in response to rough roads, makes the ride more comfortable. The system is available on IC Bus’s Type Cs.

Special Needs Transportation•by SBF Staff•January 27, 2020

Q & A: Blue Bird’s John Barrington on Special-Needs Trends, Customization

The school bus manufacturer's director of product planning discusses embracing alternative fuels and customizing buses to meet a variety of special needs.

Special Needs Transportation•Cover Story•by Lynda Van Kuren•January 24, 2020

Making the School Bus Ride Easier for Students With Autism in 7 Steps

Students with autism can become overwhelmed by the noise and crowded space on a school bus. Drivers and aides can help by accessing transportation plan information to minimize triggers, establishing consistent routines, and giving calm, clear direction.

Management•by Hal Mattern•January 22, 2020

As Performance Testing Recommendation Is Handed Down, A New York District Shares Success

A fatal Iowa school bus fire spurred the NTSB to recommend that physical performance tests be mandated for all school bus drivers. A New York school district details the success it has seen as a result of requiring the testing.

Special Needs Transportation•by Nicole Schlosser•January 15, 2020

5 Questions: Anthony Pollard on Special-Needs Service, Bolstering Driver Training

Pollard talks about creating a successful annual driver training event, his passion for serving special-needs students, and the “special ride” he was able to coordinate for a student with autism.

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