School bus passenger protection off ‘Most Wanted’ list

NTSB removes the issue from its recommended transportation safety improvements, citing NHTSA’s final rule that increased school bus seat-back height and established specs for voluntarily installed seat belts.

STA offers 'stimulus plan' to school districts

The contractor has designated $100 million to help district-owned pupil transportation operations convert to privatized service with the aim of reducing costs so that more money can be spent on education. STA says it will replace older buses, hire local and existing bus drivers, and purchase equipment and supplies from local merchants.

Specialists in Non-Emergency Medical Transport

St. Louis-based EMT has found a market in assisting school districts with special-needs and homeless student transportation. After launching in St. Louis, franchises have been established in nine states.

Evolution of the School Bus

First Student wins Kansas contract

The contractor will serve Wichita Public Schools 259 under a seven-year agreement that will begin on Aug. 1. First Student will manage 600 buses, each of which will be outfitted with a digital video camera, GPS and an electronic vehicle inspection component.

Don't even go there

For those involved in pupil transportation, illegal passing of school buses is a persistent and dangerous scourge. So what do you do when the vehicle that illegally drives by a school bus is … another school bus?

Opportunities for Stimulating Special-Needs Training Abound

Instruction in this area is important for school bus drivers and aides to successfully work with students with disabilities, and changing how the information is delivered and who delivers it helps promote trainee engagement. There are numerous resources within and outside of school districts that can enliven sessions and motivate employees.

ASBC encourages the public to ‘Love the Bus’

Students, parents and teachers can recognize and thank their school bus drivers this month as part of the Love the Bus program in a variety of ways, including making Valentine’s cards for the drivers. The program is also an opportunity for the public to learn about the environmental and safety benefits of school bus transportation.

District considering EpiPen training for bus drivers

Officials from a Massachusetts school district are planning to discuss with its contractor the possibility of training school bus drivers on how to use EpiPens. A state law going into effect in March will require the training only for new school bus drivers.

District must increase security for special-needs students on buses

Under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, a Tennessee school district is required to enhance the safety of students with disabilities by taking such steps as staffing monitors to assist drivers on all special-needs buses. The settlement is the result of a lawsuit stemming from episodes of peer-on-peer sexual harassment on buses operated by the district.