Strategies for Saving School Bus Energy...

Transportation Management Software, school bus routing software, school bus tracking software, student transportation software, Student School Bus Safety, route efficiency, school bus route planning software, school bus route optimization, school bus route scheduling software

Strategies for Saving School Bus EnergySchool bus transportation is one of the main forms of mass transit in the United States. This transportation program provides great savings in fuel costs as large numbers of students ride in one school bus as opposed to small numbers of students riding in cars. School buses are also one of the safest forms of transportation available.

Unfortunately, due to the increase in energy costs, many school boards have been forced to find strategies that will reduce the financial burden of running and maintaining their school buses. The most effective plan will involve strategies for saving school bus energy. In order to accomplish this goal the plan will need to include changes to the vehicles, the routes and drivers of the buses.

Many school buses on the road today were built in the last millennium. Their fuel efficiency features and ratings are far inferior to the buses that have been manufactured in the last five years. Newer vehicles would offer boards higher fuel economy ratings which would amount to a decrease in spending in operating costs.

School bus routes that can be shortened will result in even more reductions in operating costs for school boards. This strategy would have to involve designing safe walking zones and adding more crossing guards to ensure the safety of the students who will walk to school. Specialized computer software can also be introduced that will design the shortest routes possible along with the largest number of students transported on each bus.

Bus drivers can be offered specific training that will provide them with the skills needed to use smoother acceleration and braking techniques, save fuel, and refrain from idling their buses whenever possible.

By installing a GPS system on each school bus, the school board would be able to track the efficiency of its vehicles, routes and drivers. The program will provide detailed information on idling time, driving times, along with records of arrivals and departures.

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