Minn. district eyes transit busing for high-schoolers

Minneapolis Public Schools is considering unlimited-ride transit passes instead of yellow school bus service for high school transportation. The district cites potential benefits for students but acknowledges that it would have less control over stops and routes and less ability to mitigate certain risks.

‘Red light’ game puts N.Y. district officials ill at ease

Peter Lawrence, director of transportation for Fairport (N.Y.) Central School District, speaks with SBF about an incident on a district bus in which a student forces his way from one end of the bus to the other while other students try to physically prevent him from doing so — a game called "red light." Lawrence offers tips for school bus drivers who might experience similar incidents.

The New Lives of Old School Buses

Pupil transporters plan activities, issue tips for School Bus Safety Week

From industry associations to school districts to contractors, officials are gearing up to observe the national event, which will be held next week. Participation in Operation Safe Stop, poster and writing contests, and recognizing bus drivers for performance excellence are among the activities in the works. Officials urge students and motorists to use caution when walking and driving around school buses.

Trans Tech goes green with electric school bus

The Type A school bus manufacturer’s 42-passenger eTrans unit will feature a zero-emissions chassis, a regenerative braking system and the ability to travel 100 to 130 miles per charge. The bus is scheduled to debut at this year’s National Association for Pupil Transportation conference and to go into production next year.

NASDPTS issues guidance on pedal misapplication

The association provides steps for state directors to take in educating school bus operations about the risks of pedal misapplication, which has been cited as a factor in several bus crashes in recent years.

District cuts costs by running propane-powered buses

Zeeland (Mich.) Public Schools purchased nine new Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses in August 2010. Transportation Director David Meeuwsen says the district averages a savings of 80 cents per gallon with propane versus biodiesel fuel, and that once the district applies for the 50-cent-per-gallon government tax credit, he approximates fuel savings of 30 percent.

Student Transportation supports anti-bullying campaign

Bus drivers, mechanics, monitors and office staff for the school bus contractor donned blue T-shirts on Monday in support of the Stomp Out Bullying campaign’s “Blue Shirt Day.” The employees were promoting the reduction and prevention of bullying on the school bus.

Donald Tudor retires after 20 years as state director

The industry stalwart from South Carolina plans to remain active in pupil transportation, offering consulting services to school districts. Tim Camp, who has been working for Tudor for the past seven years, is named the new state director.

Bus driver recommends student for sports wheelchair

Jordan Avis receives the new wheelchair from a foundation that raises money to benefit special-needs students during an assembly at his high school. Avis' school bus driver alerted the foundation that Avis' regular wheelchair, which he was using while playing basketball, was falling apart.