Assessing Your Options
By: Gary Wright
Every school day, nearly 475,000 yellow school buses are out in force on the streets in cities and towns all across America. According to the National School Transportation Association, that’s two-and-a-half times more school buses operating daily than all other modes of mass transportation combined—including public transit, intercity bus lines, commercial airlines, and commuter rail systems.
School bus transportation plays an important role in the national education system. For many children, the school bus is their only means of getting to and from school and therefore provides their only access to education.
Each day, 25 million children ride a school bus to and from school in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Education figures. While that number may seem large, it is only about half the number of children in schools. It seems a shame that ridership is so low when there are many reasons why riding a school bus makes sense. It is undoubtedly the safest and one of the most environmentally sound ways for children to get to and from school.
For these reasons, leaders in school communities have a responsibility to promote school bus ridership among both elementary and high schools and to fight for transportation funding when budgets are reviewed.
Following are some key facts and important insights school administrators should keep in mind when assessing transportation options and selecting a school bus contractor.
Safety
According to a study by the Transportation Research Board, children are 13 times safer riding to school in school buses than in any other kind of vehicle. High schools take note: another sobering statistic shows riding a school bus is an incredible 44 times safer than riding to school with a teenage driver.
Unlike public transportation, no one is allowed to ride on a school bus except other students from the school. Children are riding with schoolmates, not strangers.
What safety elements should you look for in a school transportation provider?
* Seek a company that truly promotes safety as their No. 1 priority.
* Confirm safety crossing gates are present on the front of all buses to keep children from crossing directly in front of the bus so drivers can better see them.
* Check to be sure all buses are equipped with flashing lights and extended stop arms to alert motorists that children are boarding or unloading a bus.
* The seats should be designed with high backs that are heavily padded to create a protective area, much like an egg carton. This is known as “compartmentalization,” which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the safest restraint system for large school buses.
* Smaller buses for preschool children should be equipped with car seats and restraints and have a monitor on board at all times.
* An electronic reminder system should be utilized on buses to aid drivers in checking for sleeping children at the end of each route.
* Buses equipped with a GPS computerized safety, security and electronic vehicle inspection system are a plus. This technology can ensure pre- and post-trip compliance and safe driving throughout the day.
* Cameras installed on buses, where allowed, provide an added level of security for students and drivers.
* Confirm that pre-route vehicle safety checks are performed before each route.
* Verify certified mechanics check the buses at regular intervals.
* Ask if driver applicants undergo extensive background checks and substance screens before they are hired.
* Look into the company’s driver training requirements—both in-class and behind-the-wheel.
Environmental Concerns
In addition to the solid facts about school bus safety, riding the school bus is an environmentally sound transportation option.
Every school bus replaces as many as 50 or more passenger vehicles. With 475,000 school buses out on the road each day, that means there are nearly 10.5 million less cars, pick-ups, and SUVs emitting exhaust fumes, tying up traffic, and inducing wear and tear on our nation’s roadways. If more students who were eligible rode the bus (especially high school students) then that number would jump exponentially.
As the school bus industry continues moving towards greener engine technologies and cleaner fuel burning options, there is no better time for today’s environmentally conscious youth to utilize this viable transportation option.
Here are some environmental-related factors to look for when choosing a school bus contractor.
* Verify the ages of the buses in a company’s fleet.
* According to the Clean School Bus USA partnership, buses built beginning in 2004 are 6 times cleaner burning than buses built before 1990; buses that meet 2007 standards are 60 times cleaner.
* Look for buses retrofitted with special exhaust particulate filters to reduce emissions.
* Confirm that a strict no-idling policy is enforced that specifies a five-minute maximum idling time in an effort to reduce emissions. Drivers also should be instructed to shut off bus engines as soon as possible after parking and limit idling time during early morning warm-up in colder climes.
* Ask if the company offers green technology or biodeisel options.
Other Key Elements
You should choose a contractor that has a solid reputation in the industry and has proven experience in student transportation. This ensures they will be knowledgeable about regulations, costs, and procedures for the safe, efficient operation of your school’s buses.
Other questions to ask when evaluating a student transportation contractor include the following:
* What is the contract retention rate?
* What is the customer satisfaction rating?
* Can the contractor take advantage of economies of scale to lower costs of equipment, operation and support?
* What are the provisions for fuel costs?
* Does the fleet support a variety of vehicles? The right size bus makes the most sense operationally and economically.
* Does the school bus provider have charter capability to provide transportation for extra-curricular activities?
* Can the contractor meet your special education transportation needs?
The United States is the only country in the world with an established system dedicated to transporting children to and from school. The army of yellow school buses on the road each day in America is proven to be the safest way for children to travel to school and also provides a reliable, environmentally conscious choice for student transportation.
Gary Wright is senior vice president of sales and market for First Student, Inc., www.firststudentinc.com. With a fleet of 62,000 yellow school buses, First Student safely transports nearly 4 million students to and from school every day across the U.S. and Canada.
