Big changes to how entry-level school bus driver training is handled are coming, with new hurdles that new drivers have to clear before getting their license. These changes are coming from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of ..
School_bus_driver_trainig
An electric school bus is one of those ideas that often seems to sound better on paper than it is in practice. Everyone knows that fossil fuels won't last forever, and they’re bad for the environment. But the costs of moving to electric, and the significan..
alternative_fuel, electric_school_buses
No one likes to contemplate the idea of a school bus being involved in a major accident, such as one which leads to it flipping or rolling. But, the reality is that such accidents are always a possibility. Even the best-trained school bus driver can be und..
school_bus_driver
More and more districts are starting to adopt GPS tracking systems in their buses, to help them track and optimize their fleets. However, GPS systems can have another big benefit. When paired with the right school bus GPS parent app, it can make life easie..
school_bus_routing_software, GPS_Parent_App
It’s a situation bus drivers have seen countless times: They bring the bus to a stop, extend the stop-arm, begin to let students disembark – only to see a car behind them ignore the stop sign and speed past. Every time this happens, children are endangered..
school_bus_routing_software, stop-arm_camera_technology, Student_School_Bus_Safety
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Districts everywhere are suffering from a lack of school bus drivers, and the shortage shows no signs of going away. If you’re going to get the drivers you need, you often have to be more clever than other recruiters. In previous blogs, we’ve covered many ..
school_bus_drivers
-1.jpg)
Has your district recently reviewed their policies for dealing with wheelchair-bound students on school buses? Ever since the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1976, schools have been required to make accommodations for children in wheelchairs,..
school_bus_safety
Just as with every other aspect of your district, it’s important to have goals for your student bus transportation in the coming year. Some of these may simply be along the lines of “stay within all relevant regulations,” but some might be a bit more ambit..
student_bus_transportation
Vehicle technology is advancing at an incredible pace these days, probably the fastest since the early days of automobiles. The convergence of tech fields such as cloud computing, vehicle tracking, high-resolution optics, and artificial intelligence is cau..
School_bus_driver_safety
School transportation budgets are often tight, and that can make proper school bus fleet development a real challenge. It becomes easy – perhaps unavoidable – to look at fleet development in terms of small ad-hoc changes as budget allows, without much plan..
School_bus_fleet_development
It seems like a problem which should be preventable, yet it still happens with some regularity: children being forgotten and left behind on school buses. Proper school bus safety procedures mandate the driver always check for overlooked riders, but mistake..
school_bus_safety
How much does your district spend on school bus safety training? If yours is a typical district, it's probably not much. Yet, over and over, districts which have implemented more robust programs have found that bus safety training can significantly reduce ..
Student_School_Bus_Safety
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While it's true that bus driver training is already a fairly lengthy process, more school districts are starting to add another element to their curriculum: diversity training. Providing diversity training to your school bus drivers can help them fit in be..
school_bus_drivers
The EPA receives a grant of approximately $7,000,000 which will be used in a school bus rebate program, encouraging districts to upgrade older diesel buses. These buses contribute huge amounts of CO2 and NOX to the atmosphere, so it's in everyone's interes..
school_bus_maintenance, School_Bus_Rebate_Program
Many challenges face school district transportation managers when it comes to the current bus driver shortage, but one of the biggest issues is keeping driver quality high. Even when good drivers are hard to find, that can never justify hiring a bad driver..
school_bus_safety
Technology is making lives easier in just about every way, and school districts are now harnessing the power of these advancements to keep students safe. RFID student ridership tracking has now been implemented in school buses around the country, and these..
RFID_student_ridership_tracking
The iconic school bus is a familiar site during the fall months. Driving this vehicle is still a major responsibility, but advances in transportation technology have done their part to improve the school bus driver experience and make the daily ride safer ..
school_bus_driver
Though riding a school bus remains one of the safest forms of transportation available, an increased emphasis on school bus driver training across the country aims to increase student safety for those with special needs. At the most recent STN EXPO, three ..
driver_training
Technology is rapidly changing the way that school districts manage their transportation departments. Along with solutions like bus routing and tracking software programs, many professionals are relying on fleet management software to keep on top of their ..
fleet_management_software
The current shortage of school bus drivers is really a twofold problem. Part of the problem is recruitment, but the other part is in retention. School bus drivers have a turnover rate that's significantly higher than average - particularly when it comes to..
school_bus_drivers
Is it time to consider student tracking systems? For an increasing number of school districts, the answer is yes. Student tracking, such as through RFID systems, offers many distinct benefits in terms of both safety and streamlined administration, with rel..
student_tracking, RFID_School_Bus_Tracking
.jpg){kind=tracking}
School bus tracking systems are gaining in popularity, but how effective are they? Over the last several years, transportation technology has developed by leaps and bounds, so it can be difficult for school districts to sift through the options and determi..
school_bus_tracking_systems
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One of the biggest mistakes we occasionally see people make in regards to bus driving is believing that school bus safety begins and ends on the school bus itself. It's understandable how someone might take a reductive view on the matter since, after all, ..
school_bus_safety
School bus tracking systems that utilize GPS technology have been around for a while, but there is still some controversy surrounding their use. Though the same types of systems are commonplace in privately owned cars, taxis, and public transportation vehi..
School districts across the country are struggling to fill vital school bus driver positions. There’s a reason that great school bus drivers are difficult to find and keep: driving a school bus requires more than just driving skill and patience. The job re..
school_bus_driver
School districts all across the country are implementing GPS Student Tracking programs. The reasons for implementing GPS technology vary, and it can be confusing to know who benefits most from it. However, there are distinct reasons why school districts, p..
GPS_Student_Tracking
Taking preventative measures to reduce risks when routing children is especially important in all sectors. Managing risk is an important component of school bus fleet management and technology is helping to ease the burdens that transportation officials fa..
School_Bus_Fleet_Management
Radio frequency identification, also known as RFID, is a state-of-the-art technology that is used for many purposes, including keeping students safe. A student’s unique information is stored on a chip within a special ID card. This chip transmits identific..
RFID_School_Bus_Tracking
Nothing is more important for school bus driver training than encouraging them to drive safely. With dozens of young lives at stake on every drive, this is inarguably the #1 priority for any school district. Unfortunately, not every driver training program..
school_bus_driver_training
There’s no denying that advanced technology is a part of the daily lives of most Americans. School district staff and parents expect to locate students quickly when an issue arises, and they expect transportation departments to have access to the technolog..
GPS_Student_Tracking
What was once the stuff of science fiction, are now a way of life. The Internet is everywhere, even on school buses! One district in California made the bold decision to make Wi-Fi available to its student population and the concept is quickly catching on...
Wi-Fi_on_School_Buses
There are a lot of factors behind the current shortage of school bus drivers. One of the biggest reasons is that school bus driving can be seen as an unattractive career choice. There are many common problems and complaints about school bus driving which c..
school_bus_driver
There are many challenges involved in running and managing a school transportation system, but the issue of transporting special needs children is its own special category. Because schools are generally obligated to provide services and work around the nee..
transport_special_needs_students
The school bus driver shortage isn't getting any better. In recent nationwide surveys of school districts, nearly all reported difficulty in maintaining driver staffing levels and roughly 30 percent described their shortage as "severe or desperate." Many s..
school_bus_driver_retention, driver_recruitment
For trend-watchers, these are exciting times for school bus technology. Unlike many other fields where tech trends are pushed by frivolous consumer whims, technology for school buses is inherently practical. BusBoss stays up-to-date with the technology tre..
School_Bus_Technology
Alternative fuels such as propane or compressed natural gas (CNG) are a hot topic within the transportation industry, including those involved in school bus fleet management. Everyone knows we have a limited supply of petroleum on the planet and that regul..
School_Bus_Fleet_Management
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The current school bus driver shortage means that holding onto your existing drivers is of paramount importance. If you lose a good driver, it could be months - or more - until you find a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, due to the pressures and proble..
school_bus_driver_retention
Parents need to know what is happening with their children once they leave their home and are in the custody of their district. Here are just a few things you can do to ease their concerns. 1. Have multiple forms of contact Don't rely solely on telephone, ..
school_bus_routing_software, student_bus_transportation, parent_notifications
Given how badly the school bus driver shortage is affecting school districts around the country, it's absolutely vital that school transportation directors and administrations do whatever they can to retain the drivers on their payroll. In many areas, this..
Drivers, school_bus_drivers
School districts across North America are switching to alternative fuel sources for their bus fleets, and for good reason. Propane helps to reduce the costs of school bus transportation while also helping to reduce emissions.
fuel_efficiency, alternative_fuel, propane_fueled_buses
New standards for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which includes school buses, were designed to improve fuel efficiency and decrease pollution. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issue..
fuel_efficiency, school_bus_fleet, fuel_management
Depending on the state where your school district is located, you may be receiving Medicaid reimbursement dollars for the transportation of special needs students. As with any reporting for government funding, the process of collecting and communicating th..
student_tracker, student_transportation_software, school_bus_ridership
The debate over the installation of seatbelts in school buses isn’t likely to end soon. Many states now require, or have introduced legislation to require, seatbelts on vehicles that transport students. While it’s easy to assume that installing seatbelts w..
seat_belts, school_bus_safety, school_bus_seat_belts
School districts across North America are seeking out ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and transportation departments are playing a major role in this process. Of course, switching to propane or other cleaner fuels to power school buses is one way to..
reducing_carbon_footprints, school_bus_transportation, school_bus_ridership
There are things we do in BusBoss to minimize left turns, but we do not prevent them. Specifically, in the routing algorithm, we assign a "value" for navigating an intersection. It's not exactly like this, but it's close enough for discussion purposes.
bus_routing_software, fleet_optimization, bus_route_planning
A Policy Overhaul Keeping students safe from accidents and violent behavior in the classroom is naturally a top priority for school districts across the country. Student safety is just as important during the trip to and from school, where small distractio..
school_bus_safety, South_Carolina_school_buses, school_bus_policies, school_bus_riders
With challenges such as students moving in and out of the school district and moving to new homes within the district, school bus drivers need to stay informed about where to pick up the children they are driving to school. When student bus stops change, w..
route_software, route_planning_software, school_bus_routing_software, school_bus_drivers
Though national safety groups, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are now advocating for the installation of seatbelts on buses, most states do not require this feature. Nebraska State Senator Robert Hilkemann would like to add h..
school_bus_safety, school_bus_seat_belts, Nebraska_school_buses
Ensuring the safety of students that use wheelchairs can be a challenge. School bus safety has come a long way in the last several years. Specific regulations now include safety provisions for all students, regardless of their ability.
Student_Safety, school_bus_safety, students_with_disabilities
In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced its endorsement of seat belts on school buses. The National Safety Council (NSC) now shares this view and has made its endorsement of seat belts on school buses public.
school_bus_routing_software, school_bus_safety, school_bus_seat_belts, National_Safety_Council
Options in gasoline alternatives for student bus transportation continue to expand. As we've talked about before, both propane and natural-gas engines are becoming more popular with school districts, thanks to their lower ongoing costs and better emissions..
school_bus_routing_software, school_bus_fleet, student_bus_transportation, electric_school_buses
Use of alternative-fuel school buses continues to expand around the country, and represents a promising shift away from unsustainable (and polluting) oil-based fuels. Today's news comes out of North Kansas City School District (NKCSD), in Missouri, which h..
fleet_optimization, alternative_fuel, Missouri_School_buses
It's one of the most common pieces of common knowledge regarding school bus safety: Buses don't need seat belts because they're already so safe that belts simply aren't necessary, so there's no point installing them. But is that about to change?
school_bus_safety, school_bus_seat_belts, Iowa_student_transportation
Millions of students ride school buses each day, and they are considered to be one of the safest forms of transportation. Unfortunately, emergencies do happen and it’s important for drivers to be prepared, especially when they transport students with disab..
school_bus_safety, students_with_disabilities, school_bus_fire_safety
School districts across the country are struggling to determine how to best utilize the limited number of dollars that are available to them. As these districts face sharp increases in expenses, revenue is decreasing, forcing them to be tight with resource..
Student_Transportation, student_transportation_software, school_bus_costs
With a combination of GPS-based school bus tracking systems and RFID-based student tracking software, it's far more difficult for a school system to ever lose track of a student. When you know exactly which students are on each bus, and you know exactly wh..
Student_Safety, Student_Tracking_Software, parent_notifications, social_media_postings
Illegal passing is an enormous school bus safety concern around the country. One recent New York study shed some light on the problem and just how vast it’s become. According to the report, tens of thousands of vehicles pass stopped buses each and every da..
Student_Safety, school_bus_safety, illegal_passing, New_York_school_buses
School buses transport millions of students each day to and from schools and special activities. During an average school year, around 10 billion student trips are made. Buses come in many designs and capacities and different districts have varying require..
school_bus_maintenance, student_bus_transportation, maintaining_school_buses
More school districts are discovering that propane could be one of the big keys to cutting school bus transportation costs. In fact, according to a 2014 Department of Energy study, "Propane buses are now mainstream, and represent the nation’s fastest growi..
alterative_fuel, propane_fueled_buses, Pennsylvania_school_buses
Every year, school buses across Ohio transport more than a million students to and from school. School bus safety is a top concern and a recent training hosted by Austintown schools focused on ways that drivers and administrators can keep students safe.
student_tracking, school_bus_safety, student_ridership, driver_training, Ohio_school_buses
Earlier this year, the New Jersey Governor signed a law that requires all new school buses to be equipped with motion sensors. These sensors will detect people or objects that are in the blind spots in front of or behind the bus. Legislators and safety exp..
student_tracking, routing_software, school_bus_safety, school_bus_fleet, motion_sensors_on_school_buses
Michigan, as well as many other states, encourage their school districts to embrace robust end of route student checks within their student bus transportation systems. After all, many school districts have horror stories about students being left on the bu..
student_tracking, student_ridership, student_bus_transportation, Michigan_school_buses, end_of_route_checks, rfid_tracking_system
Student safety is a major concern across the country, and in California, specific measures have been taken to improve air quality so that all residents breathe easier. Student bus transportation programs are required to do their part by following certain r..
Student_Safety, school_bus_safety, California_student_bus_transportation, school_bus_idling_rules
With school district finances being stretched to the max, administrators are being asked to find innovative solutions for saving money to avoid cutting programs. School District transportation departments are often called upon to minimize their budgets and..
School_Buses, fuel_efficiency, fuel_management
School bus maintenance is vital for keeping students safe on the road, but ensuring that maintenance staff stays safe should also be a top priority. It’s estimated that over 15,000 accidents leading to hospitalization or death happen each year because of v..
school_bus_maintenance, fleet_maintenance, vehicle_lift_safety
Someone call Hank Hill: Propane could be one of the solutions your school district is looking for in lowering school bus transportation costs!
alternative_fuel, school_bus_transportation, Arizona_school_buses
The laws surrounding the operation of school buses vary from state to state and even district to district, but by utilizing specific best practices, drivers are helping to keep students safe when they enter and exit the bus. Loading and Unloading School Bu..
bus_routing_software, school_bus_safety, unloading_school_buses, loading_school_buses
It’s no secret that school districts across the country are having a difficult time balancing their budgets. Whenever a school district faces financial challenges, the transportation department is a likely target for cuts. Eliminating bus stops and changin..
bus_routing_software, bus_routing, Save_Route_Costs, school_bus_routing_software, school_bus_ridership
The Internet has literally changed the face of American education. Unfortunately, for some students in rural Minnesota it is nearly impossible to access the Web once they’ve walked out of the classroom doors. This has led educators and lawmakers to find ne..
school_bus_management, school_bus_routing_software, GPS_Tracking, school_bus_broadband_access, Minnesota_School_Buses
School-related violence is on the rise in the United States and this has parents and school district officials worried about the safety of students on buses. Bus drivers work in tight spaces and must constantly multitask. This stressful environment can be ..
school_bus_safety, bus_driver_training, school_bus_violence, bus_monitors
School buses continue to be touted as one of the safest forms of transportation around, but does school bus ridership also influence student engagement? An Education Week report suggests that student engagement starts to drop between the fifth and sixth gr..
student_bus_transportation, student_engagement, school_bus_ridership
This fall, Wisconsin implemented an eight-way light system for school buses throughout the state. This measure aims to increase the safety of students who rely on school bus transportation. A law that went into effect on August 16 now requires the eight-li..
school_bus_safety, school_bus_transportation_software, school_bus_transportation, Wisconsin_school_buses
School districts across the country are dealing with a critical bus driver shortage. This is not a new problem, but it’s an issue that is increasing in severity. In 2014, only 15 percent of school bus contracting companies reported no driver shortage. In 2..
school_bus_transportation_software, school_bus_driver_shortage, student_transportation_management, school_bus_drivers
Indiana recently began conducting its standard yearly school bus safety inspections on all the vehicles across the state, and the good news is that there were very few problems. According to police conducting the inspections, most of the problems found wer..
school_bus_safety, Indiana_school_buses, school_bus_inspections, school_bus_safety_inspection, fleet_gps_tracking
Survey results released by the Florida Department of Education indicate that illegal passing of school buses is a continued problem. Nearly 10,000 drivers across the state participated in the survey, which documented the number and type of illegal incident..
school_bus_safety, school_bus_tracking_software, illegal_passing, illegal_passing_of_school_buses
Fulton County, Georgia, is implementing a new program that will use stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass school buses. School districts across the country are finding success with similar programs, designed to enhance school bus safety. Sto..
illegal_passing, stop-arm_camera_technology, Georgia_school_buses
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that affects millions of Americans. Those that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience pauses in breathing throughout the night, which can lead to daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, decreased m..
bus_driver, school_bus_safety, bus_driver_training, sleep_apnea_screening
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed regulations for entry-level commercial truck and bus drivers to complete certain training prerequisites before obtaining their commercial driver's license (CDL).
school_bus_safety, school_bus_tracking_software, driver_training_requirements, transport_management_software, school_bus_driver_training
Bullying is a major concern across the country, and in Central Florida, a special two-day training session provided special tools for bus drivers facing this issue. Bullying on the Bus Close to 1,500 employees of the Orange County School District in Florid..
school_bus_bullying, school_bus_safety, school_bus_transportation_software, school_bus_driver_training
Most experts agree that taking students on field trips is a positive educational experience. A recent study cited by the National Education Foundation found that, regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status, gender or ethnicity, students who take field ..
Save_Route_Costs, routing_software, school_bus_tracking_software, field_trip_budget, fiels_trip_planning, field_trip_route_planning_software
Even though big yellow buses are most commonly associated with schools, that doesn't mean school bus transportation is only about schools. A fleet of buses is a genuine asset for any community, and they can be put to creative use in ways that go beyond the..
school_bus_routing_software, school_bus_fleet, student_bus_transportation, school_bus_transportation
It's no secret that many school districts around the country are looking for creative new ways to make up budget deficits, but some ideas are going down easier than others. The Dallastown Area School District (DASD) in Pennsylvania has made headlines recen..
Student_Transportation, Pennsylvania_school_buses, school_bus_transportation
One of the most critical --and often overlooked-- areas of school transportation systems is the problem of maintaining high standards and high morale among school bus drivers. It's a high stress and often seemingly thankless job, yet an absolutely vital po..
school_bus_driver, bus_driver_training, Florida_school_buses, school_bus_software
Returning to school after a fun-filled summer, the last thing that will be on your mind is checking your credit or worrying about your identity being stolen. This unexpected crime to students leaves them being the least prepared to ward off identity theft ..
Student_Safety, Safety
School bus transportation is one of the easiest and safest ways for students to get to and from school. Students with special needs, however, may need certain accommodations to ride the bus safely. School districts across the country are assessing the effe..
student_tracking_system, bus_route_planning, special_needs_student_transportation, student_bus_transportation, specialized_transportation_services, bus_route_planning_software
This summer, School Transportation News, along with the Propane Education & Research Council, presented the first annual Leadership with Propane Autogas Awards to three seperate school districts. These school districts were honored for adopting alterna..
alternative_fuel, propane_fueled_buses, fuel_management
Indiana is now leading the way in the push to increase school bus safety with stop-arm cameras. The East Noble School Corporation (ENSC) in Indiana has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the state's Department of Homeland Security specifically for the purpose..
school_bus_safety, illegal_passing, stop-arm_camera_technology
Introduced by California State Senator Tony Mendoza, the Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law was developed after the death of a 19-year-old special needs student who was left on a school bus during a dangerously hot day. This new school bus safety law, schedule..
school_bus_safety, child_check_technology, California_student_bus_transportation
Autism is a term frequently used to describe a group of neuro-developmental disorders. Students on the autism spectrum generally experience challenges related to communication, social interaction and restrictive or repetitive interests or behaviors. These ..
school_bus_safety, special_needs_student_transportation, students_with_autism, school_bus_transportation
School bus drivers have a tremendous responsibility. They are, after all, transporting precious cargo. Not only do they need to possess the skills to operate a large vehicle safely, they also need behavior management, problem solving, and risk management k..
school_bus_fleet, driver_record_evaluation, Texax_school_buses, Texas_school_bus_drivers, school_bus_drivers
In recent years, many school districts have experienced an uptick in the amount of requests to transport service animals. In fact, some states now require this service by law. There are many reasons that a student may work with a service animal, usually a ..
school_bus_safety, special_needs_student_transportation, service_animals_on_school_buses
Student bus transportation technology has advanced tremendously over the past several years. Today, transportation professionals are relying on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to increase efficiency and manage their programs with ease. Here ..
student_bus_transportation, GIS_technology, GIS_routing_systems
To outsource or not to outsource? For decades, this has been a pressing question which student bus transportation coordinators have wrestled with. A recent study by The Mackinac Center for Public Policy looked at outsourcing by school districts in several ..
student_bus_transportation, contracted_services, Pennsylvania_school_buses
State laws regarding school transportation and required school bus safety procedures vary vastly from state to state. Until just last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommended against the use of seatbelts on school buses...
school_bus_safety, school_bus_seat_belts, Florida_school_buses
The subject of child safety restraint systems such as seat belts on school buses has been hotly debated for many years. Properly installed child safety restraint systems keep small children restrained in their seats during bus travel. They can come install..
seat_belts, school_bus_safety, school_bus_transportation_software, child_restraints, restraint_systems
When school budgets are tight, many districts turn to their transportation departments to cut costs. There are many ways to save money, when it comes to school bus fleets. Switching to alternative fuels, minimizing field trip transportation and contracting..
school_bus_safety, school_bus_fleet_optimization, school_bus_fleet
As technology advances, many school districts are incorporating state-of-the-art safety equipment into their transportation programs. This means that along with keeping buses in good working order, many school bus maintenance departments must now consider ..
school_bus_maintenance, video_surveillance, school_bus_video
It’s understandable that parents and school district staff would wonder about the safety of school buses. After all, school buses carry their most precious cargo. Though accidents do happen, school buses remain the safest way to transport students to and f..
school_bus_safety, School_Buses, keeping_students_safe
The school bus route management process has a reputation for being complex and difficult to manage. Fortunately, route optimization software has eased the burden for school districts across North America. Bus routing software allows districts to create hyp..
bus_routing, route_planning, route_software
It’s no secret that school districts across North America are looking into alternative fuels for their pupil transportation, not only to minimize negative impact on the environment, but also to save money. While a majority of school buses are still powered..
Save_Route_Costs, propane_fueled_buses, Pupil_Transportation_Considerations, pupil_transportation_planning, going_green, pupil_transportation, transportation_costs
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Orbit Software, Inc.
424 King Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(484) 941-0820