WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following his address at an industry conference last week and a Love the Bus event in February, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is continuing to spread the word about the benefits of school bus transportation.

In a Thursday post on his “Fast Lane” blog, LaHood conveyed the safety and environmental advantages of the yellow school bus — as well as its critical role in the education system.

“The folks who provide [school bus] service are not just carting passengers back and forth; they are connecting America's children with all of the great opportunities that come from the chance to learn, grow and succeed at school,” LaHood wrote.

He added that research indicates that a positive experience in getting to school is important for a good school day, and that the school bus is the only reliable way for many families to get their children to and from school.

LaHood also discussed his appearance at the National School Transportation Association meeting in Baltimore last week.

“I was happy to talk with members of the National School Transportation Association and thank them for their hard work,” he wrote. “I wanted to let them know that we at [the Department of Transportation] appreciate the many benefits their buses and drivers provide.”

To read the full blog entry, go here.