Missed NAPT? Read our recaps
More than any other time in recent memory, this year's National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit proved to be the place for the biggest news in the school bus industry.
Like it or not, NHTSA chief Mark Rosekind stole the show with his statement on school bus seat belts.
More than any other time in recent memory, this year's National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit proved to be the place for the biggest developments in the school bus industry.
Like it or not, Dr. Mark Rosekind stole the show with his much-anticipated address. The administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration raised more than a few eyebrows when he announced his agency's new position: “Every child on every school bus should have a three-point seat belt.”
Rosekind's speech didn't just have conference attendees buzzing — it attracted a frenzy of reporters and led to news coverage around the nation.
Still, there was a lot more to the Summit than just seat belt talk. From new school bus models to inspiring presentations to well-deserved awards, there was plenty for us SBF editors to cover in Richmond. (By my count, we've now posted more than 20 stories related to the NAPT and NASDPTS conferences.)
If you missed the Summit this year and haven't yet read our coverage, here are a few of the highlights. Look for more in our upcoming January issue.
• NHTSA chief: ‘School buses should have seat belts. Period’
• PHOTOS: Stimulating speakers, surprises at the Richmond conferences
• NASDPTS supports feds’ new 3-point belt policy
• NAPT awards highlight heroism, training efforts
• Also, read about new offerings from school bus OEMs Thomas Built Buses, Blue Bird, IC Bus and Collins.
More Blog Posts
The Sound of Summer Starting [Guest Editorial]
That unmistakable school bus rumble? It carries childhood memories, community routines, and a whole lot of unseen work behind the scenes.
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The Technology Power Combo That Enables EV Charging on Difficult Sites
As the pace of fleet electrification increases and charging infrastructure continues to pose challenges, many fleets find themselves puzzling over the question: how do I install charging infrastructure faster and more cost-efficiently?
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Trip Sheet: Farewell, Faithful Readers – Keep on Rolling
Executive Editor Wes Platt offers parting thoughts as he parks the School Bus Fleet bus to focus on ultra-local community journalism, making way for someone else to take the wheel as the pupil transportation industry continues to evolve.
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Trip Sheet: School Transportation Pros Can Champion Children's Mental Health
Children's Mental Health Awareness Day underscores the significance of school bus drivers in fostering supportive environments during students' journeys. SAMHSA's initiatives, including stigma reduction and access to resources, complement the Biden-Harris administration's funding efforts to enhance youth mental health services and workforce development.
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Trip Sheet: Is It Time for Daylight Saving Time to Clock Out?
How do you think the potential shift to permanent Daylight Saving Time or standard time would impact our daily lives and routines, especially considering the divided approach across various states?
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Trip Sheet: Meeting a Hero in My Own Back Yard
I remain impressed by the matter-of-fact heroism that’s often demonstrated by school bus drivers like Deona Washington who are caught in these situations where the best of us might lose our cool and panic. But, then again, bus drivers are a unique breed.
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Trip Sheet: 3 Takeaways from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program
Most applicants sought grant funding to acquire electric school buses, with propane coming in a distant second. No one indicated plans to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in this round. That’s not terribly surprising, I suppose, given how few school districts listed the inclusion of CNG buses in their fleets for our 2023 top district fleets survey.
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Trip Sheet: Let's Get Rolling: What's Coming in 2024?
Calendar pages keep flipping toward the mandates set in states like New York and California to transition their school bus fleets from diesel to zero-emission, but there’s plenty of reluctance and pushback.
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California School Children Ride in Green School Buses
Today, California prides itself on utilizing the most zero-emission (ZE) school buses in the country with over 1,689 being used by California school districts; and while the state is on a positive health trajectory thanks to a decree to eliminate gas and diesel vehicles, more work needs to be done to improve children’s well-being.
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Behind The Wheel of Childrens’ Safety Aboard the School Bus
Bus drivers are the primary caretakers of children during their commute and thus bear responsibility for their safety. By prioritizing proper operating procedures, maintenance checks, and additional precautions, drivers can help avoid the loss of precious young lives under their care.
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