Maryland, New York, and California districts skip the typical small-scale purchase of one or two electric buses for a pilot and plot complete fleet transitions. Plans include funding and making the undertaking budget neutral.
With more schools reopening for in-person instruction, campuses are again at heightened risk of school shootings. A security consultant shares a handful of indicators to look for.
Momentum is growing to return to full operation. For pupil transporters, that means addressing potentially greater driver shortage, factoring in the added responsibilities of sanitizing the buses — possibly as a permanent practice — and returning to managing more staff members in person.
Two U.S. Representatives reintroduce the Stop for School Buses Act, which would require a review of laws, practices, and technologies aimed at preventing the illegal passing of stopped school buses.
Some components under the hood, such as hoses and coolant, are the same. Key differences include the need to disable batteries during repairs, a noise generator, and significantly fewer parts in an electric motor.
As more schools return to full in-person instruction, shortages may be exacerbated. Close relationships with neighboring districts, advance planning, and using routing software and combining stops by increasing walking distance can help.
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services details the actions it has taken regarding the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations based on four school bus crash investigations.
More than 51% of students nationwide can receive in-person instruction, and less than 20% attend school virtually. New 3-feet social distancing guidance from the CDC is expected to accelerate on-campus learning.
Two school districts and one bus company weigh in on lessons learned during operation. They recommend planning to expand infrastructure, keeping range and charging in mind, and prioritizing driver training.
Schetky Bus and Van Sales receives orders from five Seattle-area school districts for a total of seven Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley buses.
The National Congress on School Transportation’s Steering Committee postponed the Congress from this May due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, state delegations can submit urgent or emergency proposals.
The number of students attending school virtually drops to under 25% as COVID-19 cases decline. Governors push for some students to return to campus in March or April.
The new executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services emphasizes the need to acknowledge the changes that the pandemic has brought to student transportation and imparts leadership advice to those new to the industry.
Despite the challenges we still face brought about by COVID-19, school bus fleet electrification just keeps ramping up. Meanwhile, there is new leadership at one of the top national pupil transportation associations.
Findings from “Education on Proper Use of Seat Belts on School Buses” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the most crucial factors for effective use are training, education, and enforcement.
