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Thomas McMahon

Executive Editor

Thomas had covered the pupil transportation industry with School Bus Fleet since 2002. When he's not writing articles about yellow buses, he enjoys running long distances and making a joyful noise with his guitar.

Articlesby Thomas McMahonJuly 25, 2013

Carrollton bus crash survivor points to the positives

It has been 25 years since the fiery Kentucky bus crash that killed 27 people. Jason Booher, now a high school administrator and coach, recounts his narrow escape from the burning bus and discusses the safety improvements that stemmed from the tragedy.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 25, 2013

Past champs take top titles again in bus safety competition

At the 2013 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, Larry Hannon of Pennsylvania places first in the conventional category — his ninth win. Antonio Perez of California wins the transit category for the second year in a row.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 23, 2013

NAPT developing enhanced security training

The association conducted a safety and security survey, which provided insight into school bus operations' current security-related training and procedures, as well as what they want more of. Executive Director Mike Martin discusses the survey results and how NAPT is using them to develop specific training.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 23, 2013

NTSB: Proper lap belt use could have lessened injuries in bus crash

In its investigation of last year's fatal Chesterfield, N.J., school bus crash, the National Transportation Safety Board finds that some students wore their lap belts improperly and some didn't wear them at all. The agency says it believes that lap belts can provide a benefit to most school bus passengers who wear them properly, although the addition of shoulder belts would reduce flailing injuries and provide greater protection.

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The right way to make a left

There’s no good way around it: We have to turn left sometimes, often without the “protection” of a solid green arrow. For school bus drivers, training to “perfect the art” of knowing the bus and how to steer it will allow them to focus on watching out for objects in the intersection. ...

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 18, 2013

Alabama district to end regular-ed transportation

Hoover City Schools officials expect that ending the service — to go into effect in August 2014 — will save more than $2.5 million per year. The district cites "sharply declining revenues" as a key factor in the decision.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 18, 2013

NTSB to meet on 2 fatal school bus crashes

In a meeting next week, National Transportation Safety Board members will address last year's Chesterfield, N.J, and Port St. Lucie, Fla., school bus crashes. The board will also consider possible recommendations on school bus safety.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 17, 2013

NAPT: ‘Walking bus’ shouldn’t sideline the yellow bus

While walking school buses may make sense in some cases, parents should be informed that the traditional yellow school bus remains the safest way for children to get to school, NAPT Executive Director Mike Martin says. The walking bus concept has made headlines recently with a high-profile nod from first lady Michelle Obama.

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 12, 2013

School bus driver arrested for DWI after route

Police in Geneseo, N.Y., encountered Manon Coyne after she had transported five students to summer school. She allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .24%. The New York Association for Pupil Transportation says that "if all the charges are proven true, her actions were inexcusable and put the lives of the children on her school bus at risk."

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Newsby Thomas McMahonJuly 11, 2013

New Hawaii measures target rising school busing costs

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signs two bills that are expected to help the state more efficiently manage its student transportation system. Under one of the measures, the Hawaii Department of Education will not need to require school bus contractors to certify that they pay the same wages as public officers and employees.

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