Updates unveiled for 2015 National Congress on School Transportation

Preparations are ramping up for the event, which is held every five years in Warrensburg, Mo. Congress officials provide updates on the new location of the organization's website, when registration will open and a new committee called "Telling the School Bus Story."

Fleetio Import Feature

Fleetio’s new import feature allows customers to upload unlimited vehicle details, fuel records, service history, employee profiles and more to their accounts with just a few clicks, company officials said.

Azuga G2 GPS Fleet Tracking System

Azuga G2 reads the vehicle’s engine data every second and delivers emissions idling reports 60 times more often than traditional GPS systems, officials for Azuga said.

Q’Straint advises early planning to meet updated wheelchair passenger safety standards

The new WC18 standards will take effect December 2015. Q’Straint has developed the QRT-360, the first retractor to comply with the standards, according to the supplier.

Blue Bird rallies in Fort Valley, ramps up business

Four years after consolidating large bus assembly at its central Georgia headquarters, Blue Bird has boosted efficiency and production capacity, and business is on the upswing. The company’s total sales have increased about 40% from 2012 to 2014, and its propane school bus sales have multiplied.

Emission-control technology offers low-maintenance solutions

Diesel particulate filters, mufflers and engine pre-heaters help school bus operators keep the air in and around their vehicles clean with minimal maintenance required. Technology upgrades now allow for optimal operation and pre-programmable engine pre-heating in even lower temperatures.

The trouble with cutting bus service

Increased traffic around schools is one of the key problems. In situations like this, long lines of vehicles often build up in the morning and afternoon.

Alt-fuel school bus options are growing

Manufacturers are meeting the demand for clean-burning, money-saving yellow buses by offering more powered by propane autogas and compressed natural gas, as well as all-electric units. Here’s a look at some of the school buses in development, on the market and in service at operations.

John Clements to serve as advisor for Motiv Power Systems

In the part-time role, Clements, who retired last year as director of transportation for California’s Kings Canyon Unified School District, will offer school bus industry advice and general operations knowledge to the company, among other duties. Last year, Motiv partnered with Trans Tech Bus to develop the SSTe all-electric school bus.

PHOTOS: Animals and Insects Go Yellow