Horlock points to growth in propane business for Blue Bird

With Blue Bird recently netting its biggest-ever order of propane school buses — more than 400 — President and CEO Phil Horlock is ebullient about the fuel’s potential. Here, he discusses alternative fuels, the state of school bus sales and other pertinent topics.

1 of Chowchilla school bus kidnappers denied parole

A California board again finds James Schoenfeld unsuitable for release from prison, but he will be re-examined in three years. In 1976, Schoenfeld and two others hijacked a school bus and imprisoned the 26 children and their driver in a buried moving van.

Ralph Braun: a pioneer in mobility

Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 6 years old, went on to develop innovative mobility products, including a motorized scooter and a vehicle wheelchair lift. The founder and CEO of The Braun Corp., who passed away on Feb. 8 at age 72, is also remembered for his contributions to safe pupil transportation.

At 90, school transportation veteran still on the job

Earl Rineer continues to pass his annual physical, train and test school bus drivers, and drive when needed. On his 90th birthday, Pennsylvania officials honor him for his school transportation career and other service.

Snapshots — Fall 2012/Winter 2013

Bob Austin remembered as pupil transportation mentor, pioneer

Austin, who passed away on Jan. 7 after a long battle with cancer, led the creation of an innovative joint-powers school transportation agency in California and later imparted his knowledge and passion to school bus driver instructors with the state Department of Education. California state director Anna Borges discusses Austin’s contributions to pupil transportation.

Thomas Built produces 50,000th Saf-T-Liner C2

Contractor Dean Transportation takes delivery of the milestone school bus. Thomas Built Buses launched the C2 model in 2004, designing it from the ground up and building it in the High Point, N.C., production facility created specifically to produce the innovative bus.

Longtime Wolfington salesperson retires

Frank Shicatano joined the school and commercial bus distributor in June 1957 as a clerk typist and began selling school buses five years later. Company President Richard Wolfington says the success of Wolfington Body Co. can be “directly translated to the ability and professionalism of men like him.”

Kerlin shows commitment to training, customers

As Indiana's Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing celebrates 50 years as a Thomas Built Buses dealer, the family-run company focuses on providing instruction for bus drivers and technicians so they are well-versed in the industry's latest technology.