STA adds 18 propane buses to service Pennsylvania districts

The NexBus units, manufactured by Collins Bus Corp. and powered by a liquid propane injection system from CleanFUEL USA, are expected to run 15,000 miles annually. The buses are being delivered to Hempfield School District and East Penn School District.

PHOTOS: Back to school safety drill for bus drivers

District changes safety policies for special-needs students after driver arrest

Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, will no longer allow bus drivers to buckle and unbuckle seat belts and restraints after a former bus driver was charged with allegedly molesting two special-needs students. The district will also randomly select buses and review security video daily, as opposed to only when concerns are raised.

REMINDER: Nominate a great transportation director

Do you know an exemplary school transportation director who deserves recognition for his or her efforts? SCHOOL BUS FLEET is getting ready to select a recipient for our annual Administrator of the Year award, and we’re accepting nominations. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 29.

Past NAPT President Lenny Bernstein retires

After nearly 20 years at North Rockland Central School District, Bernstein has stepped down from his role as the New York district’s coordinator of transportation and emergency management. Beyond his district positions, Bernstein served terms as president of NAPT and the New York Association for Pupil Transportation.

School bus funding increased by 36% in Massachusetts

The fiscal year 2015 budget signed by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick last month includes an $18.7 million increase for regional school transportation. Administration officials said that the new total of $70 million is the highest-ever level of state investment in school bus service.

Texas fleet veteran transfers to new school district

Mark Swackhamer, who has been a driving force in implementing alternative fuels, GPS and efficient-driving training at Houston Independent School District, moves to Humble Independent School District to become assistant director of transportation.

Arkansas launches school bus safety campaign

The statewide effort aims to inform motorists of the importance of stopping for stopped school buses. Arkansas state pupil transportation director Mike Simmons and Kimberly Friedman of the state Department of Education have been making media appearances to promote the campaign, dubbed B.U.S.

Some N.Y. school bus drivers may get more pay

The City Council is planning to vote to give $42 million to school bus companies to increase the salaries of experienced drivers who were forced to take pay cuts after the former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg awarded new bus contracts that cut hundreds of millions of dollars from a $1.1 billion school transportation budget. Some of the savings came from removing seniority protection.

STI unveils safety app

SchoolWheels SafeStop allows parents, students and schools to securely pinpoint the location of a vehicle on its route to and from school. The app updates in real time with stop/arrival information and includes notifications of when a student has boarded or exited the bus, according to the company.