Yellow school buses are an everyday fixture in our neighborhoods and communities, yet there’s a more complex story behind the design, safety and routes that transport students to and from school. School bus carriers operate the largest mass transportation fleet in the country, and the industry itself is projected to grow even more during the next five years. This includes the traditional school transportation industry as we’ve known it for decades, as well as school bus-related technology including fleet telematics and school bus tracking apps.

Topics: Bus Safety, School Buses, Bus Tracking App, Student Transportation, Child Safety, school bus tracking, transportation system, school bus routes, school bus

Defensive driving techniques are required training for school bus drivers. These techniques are designed to save lives, time, and money for bus fleets. As a transportation director or school administrator, it is your job to ensure your drivers are always ready for what lies ahead. Drivers must know how to identify, avoid, and respond to hazards, all while their school bus is in operation.

Topics: Student Transportation

School bus drivers shoulder a tremendous responsibility. Every day, they must safely transport children to and from school. They must know how to avoid road hazards, and respond effectively when problems occur.

Topics: Bus Safety, Student Transportation, bus drivers, crossing guards

Technology-wise, how does your school stack up? Are you using paper and pencils, or Android tablets and digital textbooks? Do students have access to remote learning? Does your school’s bus fleet have WiFi so students and teachers can access the Internet while on the move?

Not too long ago (think early 2000's) a computer lab was the pinnacle of technology for any school. But today, technology has spread outside the lab and into the classroom. Many of your students spend each morning and afternoon on the school bus, so shouldn’t your school bus fleet get with the times? 

Topics: Bus Tracking App, GPS, Student Transportation

Whether you’re a school administrator or transportation director, you should be concerned about your school’s bus routing system. While choosing the right bus route can save your students time and ensure safe transportation, failure to consider better transportation routes can cause delays and may even be dangerous. 

Topics: School Buses, Safety, Student Transportation, Weather

Most school bus rides go smoothly and remain incident-free. But sometimes students need a little gentle discipline to encourage better bus behavior. What can you do to ensure that all students exhibit proper school bus conduct?

Topics: Bus Safety, Safety, Bullying, Student Transportation

A quality infographic is worth a thousand words. Put simply, an infographic is a graphic that lays out information in a visually accessible format. Infographics are a great tool for teachers, school administrators, and transportation directors to quickly learn or teach others about safety tips, teaching methods, and new classroom technology.

Topics: Bus Safety, Safety, Schools, Student Transportation

Preparing your school bus fleet for the winter months can save you time by preventing malfunctions and money in potential repairs. One key area of focus that is sometimes overlooked is maintaining and replacing shock absorbers. Failure to inspect and repair damaged or malfunctioning shocks can lead to more than just an uncomfortable ride — it can cause unsafe driving conditions.

Topics: Bus Safety, School Buses, Safety, Student Transportation, Weather

Propane, diesel fuel, and electric — fuel options for school district transportation administration have never been better.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American school buses transport approximately 25 million children more than four billion miles each year. In response to government programs, environmental impacts, costs of operation, and fluctuating gasoline prices, school administrators and transportation officials continue to evaluate alternative bus fuels to eliminate expensive trips to the gas station.

Topics: School Buses, Student Transportation

School’s cancelled! Winter is the season for making the most of a school day even when school is not in session.

Each school district has its own inclement weather policies. You may receive your “school’s cancelled” alert from the school, television, or through an app like SafeStop. When you get the announcement, the best thing to do is relax. It’s time for the children to sleep in, and for you to plan your day.

Read more about planning ahead for school cancellations...

Topics: Schools, Student Transportation, Weather