Trans Tech Bus adds 2 new dealers, Altoona-tests SST model

The Type A school bus manufacturer appoints two new dealers for the Canadian market and announces that its complete product line is now available in Canada. Meanwhile, Trans Tech’s SST school bus goes through Altoona STURAA testing, with results including an average miles per gallon of 9.60.

Short on funds, Indiana district cuts buses, lengthens routes

After a year that saw a transportation funding referendum defeated and a waiver to end school bus service denied, Muncie Community Schools redesigns and rebids its bus routes to cut costs. Most of the routes are now longer and will carry more students on each bus, and there are fewer buses overall.

PHOTOS: Washington district’s old and new transportation facilities

Iowa updates school bus spec rules

Among changes to the state's school transportation equipment specs are requirements for remote-controlled mirrors, fluorescent seat belts for drivers, and fire block upholstery in all seating positions. Lap belts are no longer allowed on new school buses in Iowa, except for use with child seats.

Free webinar on working with Safe Routes to School

The web seminar on Thursday will address how student transportation departments can collaborate with Safe Routes to School to help children get to school safely. The program will also showcase a transportation department that gets kids to school by foot, bicycle, scooter, school bus and carpool.

Nominations open for 2014 Sustainability All Stars

The awards program recognizes fleet professionals who have made significant contributions to fleet environmental sustainability, such as deploying alternative-fuel vehicles or implementing idle-reduction policies. Last year’s Sustainability All Stars included several recipients from the school transportation industry.

District to implement tiered bus scheduling system

Indian River (Del.) School District will implement new daily starting and ending times for several district schools. The district is trying to accommodate an increase in student enrollment and the rollout of full-day kindergarten, which have put a strain on the transportation system in recent years.

First Student names area general manager for Washington

Bill Noftz will be responsible for the overall performance of the school bus contractor’s Washington state locations, including financial results, operational performance, safety, fleet and maintenance. Noftz has more than 25 years of experience in the school transportation industry.

School bus driver honored for starting reading program

The Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation names Rudy Rhodes of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District the 2014 School Bus Driver of the Year at its annual conference on Wednesday. Rhodes was nominated by a coworker for his community service activities, including initiation of the Book Buddies program at Prairie View Elementary School.

Job fair aims to attract nearly 100 school bus drivers, attendants

More than a dozen Michigan school districts and one school bus contractor are holding their first-ever joint job fair to recruit transportation candidates. The operations promote their positions as offering on-the-job training and certification, flexible hours and benefits.