TSB Super Admin, Author at trackschoolbus

How TrackSchoolBus System Keeps Your Bus Fleet Running Smoothly

Posted on April 18, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

To efficiently manage a fleet of buses is obviously a painstaking task, not to mention the problems that arise despite the hard work. But, with technology, like TrackSchoolBus System, you can definitely have your efforts halved and results improved.

TrackSchoolBus System is an all-in-one application that suits the needs of parents, drivers, and transport managers alike, with bus safety as a priority. Here’s how it helps you get a better grip of your job and keep the bus fleet running smoothly.

Plan bus routes efficiently

Planning bus routes manually may be a nightmare to most transport managers. It takes days to collect data regarding traffic and routes. To organize the information, to sit together with your team, and plan the routes may take another few weeks.

And no matter how much effort you have taken, you may end up making mistakes, the most common one being allotting two or more routes for the same bus, or vice versa. Such errors may cause all your week-long hard work to go down the drain.

School-Transport-Software--Ensure-enhanced-student-safety

In the case of school bus fleet, the Parent App integrated with the TrackSchoolBus System provides residential information of students, making it easy to allot pick-up points.

Even if a student relocates,the auto routing feature of TrackSchoolBus System makes the job easier for transport managers. In short, TrackSchoolBus System assists you in assigning buses and planning bus routes. But you, as the transport manager, will have full control over the bus fleet management process.

Keep track of bus drivers

Efficient management of fleet also involves taking enough steps to ensure bus safety. Despite sufficient background check before hiring, it is not always easy to detect driver malpractices until they start the job.

Malpractices like over speeding, drunken driving, taking a route different from the original, etc., can affect bus safety as well as add to the operational costs. Therefore, it is important to monitor bus drivers while on duty.

TrackSchoolBus System makes it possible for you to keep track of bus drivers’ performances, a task which is manually impossible.The application utilizes GPS to gather data and notifies transport managers real time regarding the speed of the bus, unwanted stops, punctuality, etc. All these data gets stored for future use.

Reduce operational costs

An important portion of an organization’s expense comprises operating the bus fleet. The operational costs include amount spent in terms of maintaining the fleet, refuelling, the distance covered by the buses, and the like. Manual labour and driver malpractices can also add to the expenses.

TrackSchoolBus System allows constant monitoring of fleet, thus helping you to avoid unwanted expenses. Since bus drivers are aware of being monitored, they will not attempt vehicle misuse or other malpractices.

This helps to save fuel, avoid accidents and as a result, the maintenance costs can be reduced. Also, since the application helps reduce manual efforts, labour costs can be halved as well.

Ensure BusSafety

Bus safety is also an important part of efficient bus fleet management. The TrackSchoolBus System helps you to keep driver behaviour at check by providing you with real-time notifications regarding location and speed of the bus. This helps curb any sort of driver malpractices.

Also, the school bus tracking software provides information regarding passenger attendance. This is helpful especially when you are managing school buses. Parents are often concerned whether their kids have boarded the right bus and through their journey to school and back.

TrackSchoolBus System provides real-time information notifications to parents as well so that they feel ensured. It also notifies you at times of emergency so that you can act quickly.

Fleet management software has become popular in the past few years. Many companies have come forward with their own versions of software. But, amongst them all, here is how TrackSchoolBus System stands apart.

User-friendly interface

TrackSchoolBus system comes with a simple interface that can be easily used by transport managers, authorities, drivers, and parents, alike. It saves you from the extra expenses usually spent over training sessions to acquaint everyone with complex fleet management software.

Cost effective

Most organizations rely on technology to cut down costs. But, most of the time, the opposite happens. The above-mentioned points regarding how TrackSchoolBus System helps you handle bus fleet efficiently are the perfect reasons to why it is a cost-effective solution.

Customizable

“Comfort” is one of the factors that any organization looks into in any software they plan to use. TrackSchoolBus System can be customized according to the needs of whoever is using it.

Compatible

TrackSchoolBus System works well with any device and latest Operating Systems.

In short, depending on technology, like TrackSchoolBus System, can help you get past the hurdles put forward by manual bus fleet management and ensure a smooth running bus fleet for your organization.

8 Road Safety Tips For Pedestrians

Posted on April 12, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Pedestrians also have the responsibility to follow certain traffic rules while on road. Your behaviour should not be the reason for any casualty. Try to be more attentive to your surroundings and follow the rules, as pedestrians your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping you safe.

HERE ARE FEW TIPS YOU CAN FOLLOW AS PEDESTRIAN

Don’t jaywalk
Use sidewalks as much as possible, if not walk facing the traffic signal to know your surroundings
Mind the signs and signals
Use pedestrian crossings to cross the road
Before crossing the road look both sides to make sure there aren’t any vehicles
While on road do not text, play or hear music. Avoid distractions as much as possible
When you’re with children try to make sure they are not walking by the side of the road. Always maintain 3 feet distance from the road
During harsh weathers or at night, try to wear light coloured clothing so that you are visible.

3 Key Benefits of Video Camera on School Bus

Posted on April 10, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Video cameras are becoming a necessity in society today. Video surveillance can reduce diverse safety risks on as well as off the bus. The American School Bus Council has reported that each year school buses are transporting more than 25 million children from and to school.

Continuous monitoring can improve safety. In most cases, server inside the video records and wirelessly transfers the recordings and the data to the administrative server, which school board members can check.

Govtech.com has recently reported that school districts are adding safety cameras to its new fleets; they are now considering a four-camera system on their buses where now they have a two camera system.

The school board will be placing those two additional cameras, on the front dash that faces forward and another on the stop arm that faces backward. These cameras help to capture stop arm violations, by improving Wi-Fi capability within the district.

Here are three important benefits of video cameras on a school bus

1. Ensures student safety

By monitoring students, drivers and other staff in the bus, school districts can ensure that their students are safe during their bus journey. In school grounds students are under observation.

Video cameras can improve safety of students from the time they leave the parents to the school campus till they reach home back. But when travelling in bus, chances for bullying and other wicked happenings are more, which often go unnoticed.

Awareness of the fact that they are being observed in bus too will discourage any such acts and if it continues they will be punished. Not only school authorities, it also help drivers to watch each kid closely, thus preventing any sort of accidents.

To ensure safe off-loading and on-loading of students, most school boards are now considering stop-arm cameras that can protect students even outside the bus.

Such cameras placed on the stop arm of school buses can automatically capture stop-arm violations along with key details such as date, time and GPS location, which helps in legal enforcement review. These cameras also capture license plate numbers of violators in high-definition and can download stop-arm events automatically via Wi-Fi.

Such measures also prevent on-board deaths. Incidents were reported earlier on such issues, where kids who go asleep are left behind in their school bus, leading to consequences.

UAE school buses have installed “sleeping child check buttons”, which works via a mobile app that parents can access. This app will work even if bus supervisors fail to do their duty perfectly. Video surveillance also helps to make sure that the child still in the bus.

2. Monitors driver behavior

Video footage also helps to monitor driver’s behavior and activities. Often drivers get involved in issues such as rash driving, sudden braking, improper behavior, over speed, getting late than usual pick-ups and drop-offs and more.

Any such activities inside and outside the bus can be easily captured with videos surveillance and school authorities can take action to prevent them. With video camera surveillance system, drivers will be careful about breaking the school bus safety rules.

3. Prevents other vehicle’s illegal passing

overtaking of vehicles are getting increased day by day, this can endanger the lives of students when they are getting in or out of the bus. Law in most countries recommends motorists to stop their vehicles when school buses are boarding students or getting them down.

Also bus drivers are recommended to stop buses completely at places like railroad crossings to ensure student’s safety. In its 2017 National Stop Arm Violation Count report, the National State Directors of Pupil Transportation Service (NASDPTS) has highlighted that over 104,000 school bus drivers reported that 77,972 vehicles passed their schools buses illegally all on a single day.

Many states and their school districts are now placing cameras outside the bus to record illegal passing and thus punish motorists who pass stopped school buses.

They don’t wait for the red lights to stop flashing which indicates that the motorists can proceed. Often drivers illegally passing stopped school buses will be issued tickets for which they have to pay heavy penalties.

Stop arm cameras can identify such motorists who are not obeying the law. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recommends most U.S. states including Georgia to post a warning sign on all school buses which has a monitoring system installed and this indicates the use of such a system.

In case of any accidents, video footage can provide evidence on who is responsible and statements from eyewitness can provide details on what actually happened. Stop-arm cameras can also provide high definition photos of any vehicles passing through and its license plate.

However, in each country usage of video cameras for school purposes or even individual needs should be adhered to certain standard rules and policies.

For instance, in Canada, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador – Donovan Molloy has recommended that installing and using cameras in schools and on school buses needs to be identified under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015).

If not it will be considered as a law violation, leading to punishments and penalties. School districts considering outsourcing their transportation tasks should also mention their video surveillance policies in the contract they sign with the partner company.

10 Reasons Why Eco Friendly School Buses Are Common In USA

Posted on April 8, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

School buses are the main mode of transportation of students to and from school. Approximately half a million buses transport around 25 million students each day of the school year in the USA.

Buses transport an average of 50 students as opposed to a passenger car which on an average transports only 2 students per car. School buses thus save billions of gallons of fuel and a proportionate amount of dollars.

Majority of the buses are fuelled by diesel. Diesel emissions and its effect on health and environment are of major concern around the world.

The environment protection agency (EPA) in US has bought in regulations for bus emissions to reduce pollution in the environment. This in turn has made school authorities look for other viable eco-friendly options.

Reasons why school buses are eco-friendly:

1. Emission Standards By EPA

Diesel emissions are highly toxic and pollute the environment.

Particulate matter includes small solid or liquid particles found suspended in the air. Inhaling this air is hazardous to drivers and students cause breathing problems.

Nitrogen oxide emissions when mixed with moisture and air make tiny particles when inhaled cause bronchitis or heart disease. Carbon monoxide or green-house gas absorbed in large quantities might prove lethal. They replace the oxygen in the red blood cells. Non-methane hydro-carbons produce smog.

To circumvent these hazards to human health and environment, the EPA in conjunction with school bus manufacturers set higher emission level standards.

Schools had to adopt ways to comply with these stringent emission standards for their buses.Using alternative fuel instead of diesel helped in promoting cleaner air and being eco-friendly.

2. Environmental Harm

Emissions from diesel vehicles are harmful to humans, animals, flora and fauna, vegetation and the air in general. Emissions from diesel exhaust cause smog, haze, acid rain and other pollutants in the air.

School buses mainly travel through busy roads, crowded cities, and residential areas and school zones. They make numerous trips, circulating in and out of avenues, exposing many people to the risk of inhaling the fumes.

Large numbers of school buses shifting to alternative fuel will help to reduce these emissions to a zero level. This in turn will leave the environment and the air cleaner. Replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels, reduce use of earth’s natural resources which takes years to replenish.

3. Health Hazard

Breathing in diesel fumes leads to health problems like asthma, allergies and infections. Federal agencies have classified the emissions as a probable carcinogen. The students taking school buses were found to breathe in more particulates than students who used other means of transport.

The air inside the school bus is found to be polluted than the air outside. The air inside is noxious by the frequent opening and closing of the doors. The bus emits pollutants into the air while idling.

Children breathe faster than adults and their lungs are not fully developed. The particles inhaled settle in the airways and cause long term breathing difficulties.

Low sulphur content diesel lowers the emission rate by 85%. Minimal limited exposure to this can be harmful.

This one most important factor has lead to usage of alternative fuel.

4. Alternative Fuel

The most commonly used alternative to diesel is the low-level emission fuel propane. CNG and gasoline are also low-level emission fuels. The current best alternative is Electric buses.

Since 2006 when EPA lowered emission levels, a good percentage of school buses started using propane as the fuel. The price of propane as compared to diesel was found to be 5 times cheaper. An excise tax rebate of 50 cents per gallon is applicable on propane. The fuel cost reduced considerably.

CNG is cheaper and a considered option. CNG operated buses perform in comparison with diesel vehicles with the additional benefit of reduced emissions. Lesser availability and mileage are its drawback. The safety factor in the event of an accident has placed it on the lower rung of options.

Electric buses are expensive to purchase but cheaper to run. They are more efficient than conventional buses. Their drawback is the short driving range and long charging time.

Improved performance, reductions in battery costs and longer driving ranges have currently made electric buses a viable option. A study shows that if all school buses in America are replaced with electric buses, an average emission of 5 million tones of green house gases can be prevented.

5. Economies of Alternative Fuel Buses

The price of a full propane bus is about $4000 more than a diesel bus. But given the long term use of a bus for an average of 15 years there still saving approximately $100,000 in running costs. Long term usage of buses is of primary concern to schools.

Electric buses are expensive to buy, but proves cost effective over the life-time of the bus, Use of electric buses can save fuel and maintenance expenses. Power for these buses can be tapped from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, geo-thermal etc.

Energy efficient and low emissions solutions become viable only over a time period. Initial costs involved being higher, EPA has suggested retrofitting and up-gradation of existing vehicles. Bus manufacturers advocate use of clean diesel which emits 85% less gases. The diesel buses are less expensive, low maintenance and long life machines.

6. Noise Pollution

Buses using alternative fuel have quieter engines. Electric buses are swift and noise free while running. The students inside the bus, while speaking to one another, do not have to shout above the engine sound. Buses while running through residential areas do not pollute or disturb the neighborhood.

7. Idling Pollution

Green-house gases are released by idling vehicles which pollute the air. Idling of school buses is inevitable and happens frequently in traffic jams and at bus-stops. The pollutants and carbon monoxide gases emitted into the air are harmful to the drivers, students and the general public.

A new bus parked next to an idling old bus can also have high levels of diesel exhaust fumes.

Schools should chart bus routes minimizing idle time and avoiding major traffic blocks. They should allow free flow of buses from the bus parking lot in school where the majority of time is spent idling.

Alternative fuel has helped reduce this considerably.

8. Power Company Assistance

Some of the schools have electric buses to transport their students. Electric buses are about three times more expensive than a conventional bus. This is prohibitive for most of the school districts.

In some towns in USA, schools have purchased buses from the local utility electric company. In summer when the schools are closed, the utility company gets to use the buses. The buses are plugged into the grid and used to store surplus power for use whenever required.

This arrangement benefitted both. The schools saved around one third the cost of the bus and with an additional grant they were able to purchase an electric bus at almost the same price of a conventional diesel bus.

This model is an incentive for the schools to use eco-friendly transport.

9. EPA Assistance

Schools having old buses which do not comply to current emission standards can be retrofitted with newer engines to suit the fuel they propose to use. EPA and some school bus manufacturers jointly provide help to upgrade engines. They assist and offer rebates to schools that cannot afford to change their fleet at one go.

Since electric buses and propane buses are expensive, EPA has suggested use of clean diesel technology. The devices can be refitted with filters or devices to capture diesel particles or direct fired heaters to reduce idling.

10. Go Yellow, Go Green Campaign By NSTA (National School Transportation Authority)

This campaign encourages use of eco-friendly buses. Reducing carbon emissions and usage of fossil fuel is the main aim. It advocates use of cleaner school buses by replacing, retrofitting and idle minimization.

NSTA has instituted an annual award to a leader in the school bus industry to recognize their efforts and commitment to environmental factors. NSTA provides ample help to school bus operators to go green

School buses reduce the number of cars on the roads going up and down to drop and pick children from school. This by itself reduces pollution on the roads. In addition to this, use of non-diesel buses help to reduce the emissions to zero levels resulting in a pollution free environment.

Electric school buses are seen as the future of eco-friendly transportation. Technological developments and citizen awareness of environmental pollution has urged the US to adopt eco friendly policies. By 2030 they expect to have zero emission traffic and cleaner air.

6 Leading School Bus Rental Companies in Philadelphia

Posted on April 5, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Established in 1818, the Philadelphia school district is the eighth largest in terms of enrolment in the U.S. The school district operates 214 out of the 300 public schools and they include 149 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and 49 high schools. The remaining public schools are operated by independent charter schools which are authorized by the school district.

A number of school bus rental companies operating in Philadelphia cater to the transportation needs of these children. Some of the top rental service providers are:

1: YellowBird Bus Company

Since 1981 YellowBird has been providing school bus services for the children of the greater Philadelphia area. Known for providing services on time and quoting competitive rates, it is considered to be one of the most reliable school bus service providers in the area.

Over the years, the company’s fleet has grown from about a dozen vehicles to more than 100 buses and carries hundreds of students on a daily basis to and from schools.

YellowBird Bus Company is a family-owned business that provides safe rides to school children all over Philadelphia as well as the Bucks and Montgomery counties.

In addition to providing daily transportation services to school children, the company caters to bus needs for special events such as class field trips and wide array of private events. They include sports events, bachelor parties, wedding parties, and senior events, among many others.

2: David Thomas Transportation

The school bus rental company David Thomas Transportation operates the latest model school buses that can carry 16, 20, 48, and 50 students. The company also offers 14 passengers shuttle buses.

Their entire fleet has AM/FM Stereo Radio, Public Address System, CD player, and a cell phone for emergency calls. David Thomas also makes available air-conditioned school buses. They come with more headroom as they are designed for adults.

The company is well known in Philadelphia for operating school buses at affordable rates and providing safe transportation to school children. For chartered trips, the company offers services on all the 7 days of the week.

David Thomas Transportation, established in 2001, caters to the transportation needs of school children in and around the Philadelphia area.

The company also arranges buses for school field trips, after-school sporting events, and many other school activities. The air-conditioned school buses operated by David Thomas are licensed to travel even to destinations outside Pennsylvania.

Finally, the company ensures the buses are clean and well maintained and are driven safely by knowledgeable, friendly, and professional drivers, who always present themselves in uniform.

3: Maytav Bus Company

Maytav Bus operating in Philadelphia specializes in providing low-cost bus services for the metropolitan area. Maytav operates on rental basis on school bus routes for transporting students, taking them to and from school.

In addition, the company rents out buses for other school trips, day camps, senior groups, daycares, and private requirements.

Read Also: Top 10 School Bus Companies

Maytav has a professional set of staffs on their rolls. Further, Maytav’s busses are all equipped with a GPS device. This is to make sure that the passengers reach their destination on time without fail.

In addition to offering quality service all the time, Maytav ensures safe travel at very competitive rates.

4: Total Transportation Corp

The school bus and charter company Total Transportation serves NYC, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. With a professed mission to provide dependable and safe transportation services to its clients, TTc has been operating school bus and charter bus services for more than 40 years now.

Furthermore, the company is committed to offering distinctive and tailored services so as to address the needs of each client.

Total Transportation owns and operates several transportation companies. Mat Bus Corp is the company that operates transportation services for school students in the Philadelphia school district.

5: Durham School Services

Durham is a provider of safe and reliable school student transportation services across the United States of America, including Philadelphia.

The company transports over 1,000,000 students on a daily basis. Schools and school districts making use of their services don’t have to worry about capital for new buses, routing issues, driver recruitment and training, and bus breakdowns.

This is because the company has the expertise and experience in providing transportation services and nation-wide resources.

Durham School Services is a division of National Express LLC which is the subsidiary of the U.K. based National Express Group in North America.

At Durham, the safety of the children is the #1 priority. That’s why the company follows a nationally recognized fleet preventive maintenance program.

The history of Durham School Services can be traced to 1917 when it started its services with just three buses in San Gabriel Valley, California.

Back then, Durham was specialized in providing special education transportation. Today, the company owns over 16,300 school buses. They serve over 400 school districts across 31 states in the US.

6: First Student

This school bus rental service provider is more than one hundred years old. The company serves nearly 1,100 school districts for ferrying children from and to the schools all over North America.

First Student works very closely with all the school districts as they appreciate the fact that the requirements differ from one district to another. In fact, this company ferries a larger number of students on a daily basis than the people transported by airlines in the country.

Further, First Student is the only school bus transportation services company to be given the coveted Green Cross Safety Award by the National Safety Council. This is because the company focuses a lot on the safety of the students they transport from and to school.

That is why First Student has equipped its fleet with real-time tracking devices, efficient communication tools, digital cameras and Wi-Fi routers.

4 Ways To Find The Best School Bus Driver

Posted on April 3, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

The responsibility of a school bus driver is much more than mere driving. Parents and the schools entrust their children to the drivers for safe transportation to and from school.

Possessing a valid driver’s license and satisfying the age criteria to drive school buses is the bare minimum requirement. The bus driver should complete a special training program to be a school bus driver.

Apart from the eligibility criteria, school bus drivers need to have additional characteristics. This is a necessary requirement since the passengers the drivers deal with are children of different age groups and the people they report to are varied – parents, teachers, school authorities and transport authorities.

Selecting the best school bus driver

School bus drivers are hired on the basis of their resumes the school transport department receives and also recommendations from bus companies.

Selecting the best driver is about picking aspects that show they can perform the task professionally. To make the selection process easier it would be most practical to list out the traits required.

Final selection can be made keeping these qualities in mind.

1. Driving skills

Experience

Driving large vehicles like the school bus requires skills which differ from driving small personal cars. On road experience of driving large vehicles amidst small cars, traffic hold-ups, road accidents etc is highly essential. The driver experience in transporting school children is definitely desirable.

Knowledge of traffic rules

The drivers have to be well versed with the traffic laws and regulations, in general and that pertaining to big vehicles, in particular. A different set of rules is applicable to school buses especially when stopping to pick and drop off students. The rules on the use of stop arms and flashing lights, while stopping, have to be strictly followed.

Road focus

School bus drivers should concentrate on the road, no matter what personal problems or distractions he/she faces. Distractions inside and outside the bus should not cause him to lose focus of his job.

Alertness

Safe driving requires the driver to be mentally alert during his shift. His quick response is warranted in situations of emergency. Having a good night’s sleep and not being under the influence of alcohol will enable the driver to remain alert.

Judgement

A keen sense of judgment is the key to safe driving and it comes with practice. The driver’s assessmentof the oncoming traffic, aggressive driving, vehicle speeding, pedestrian behavior etc help in avoiding accidents due to external factors.

Track record

The driver should have had an accident-free and clean driving record. He should be devoid of criminal cases. His credentials should be verified and counter checked with respective departments.

Mechanical skills

Knowledge of basic mechanical skills is highly desirable. Repair of minor technical issues by the driver himself will save down-time of the vehicle. This will help in maintaining schedules with the least disruption. Assisting in keeping the bus clean and checking the operation of the bus daily are additional points to be considered.

2. Operational efficiency

Reliability

The school bus drivers are personnel on whom the schools and parents depend and rely on. The driver has to be punctual to the time schedules given to him. He should strictly adhere to the route charted out for him by the school. He should be prompt in updating parents and schools of any changes in route or timing.

Time-Manager

A school bus driver must follow the specific route given to him. He should always keep to the timings for each stage on the route. A good time manager will start early to avoid traffic and begin his route on time. He should refrain from using alternate routes or short cuts if it affects the time schedule.

Effective Communicator

The parents see and interact with the school bus driver more frequently than any other person in the school. He has to be prompt in updating them on changes in time schedules and routes.

He has to answer their calls and queries politely. Bad conduct of their wards is communicated to the parents without offending those involved.

The school bus driver has to be in constant touch with the school transport department reporting delays due to traffic jams, road construction, accidents etc. Accurate and regular reporting is required to keep the operation smooth.

Leader

The school bus driver is in charge of the students on the bus. He should be confident and take the right decisions when it is required. He should be in effect a leader, always keeping in mind the well-being of the students.

Maintaining Log

Daily recording of routes, trip times, distances run, fuel consumed etc. has to be kept. This information is required for efficient fleet management and is helpful in monitoring drivers. Student discipline reports have to be written.

3. Behavioral Aspects

Patience

Being patient with the students on board the bus is the highest virtue that a school bus driver must have. He must understand that they are children and that patience with them is absolutely essential.

Even when the students are boisterous, he should be patient and be able to control them. This will ensure no mishaps and that the bus reaches the destination on time.

At times, the students tend to become violent and fight among themselves. The students get adamant about seating and their belongings, some indulge in misbehavior.

The driver requires extra-ordinary patience and skill to manage the children on the bus and at the same time drive the bus. He should be able to handle all situations with ease.

Being Personal: The driver has to build a healthy relationship with the children on the bus. He should try to remember their names, be kind and friendly to both parents and children. He should possess a pleasant demeanor, smiling at all times. His duty is to make the child and parent feel at ease while boarding the bus.

Staying Calm

Bus drivers do not have control over what happens on the road. Hence they have to be always prepared for any eventualities such as road rage, traffic conditions and bad weather.

Rational decisions have to be taken in adverse circumstances. They have to remain calm under situations of pressure keeping the safety of the passengers in mind.

4. Attitude

Being Positive

A positive attitude is required to perform a satisfactory driving job. Bad moods and personal problems should not affect the driver. This should not be reflected in his job at any time.

Commitment

The school bus drivers must be dedicated to his job. He should enjoy doing his work. This will keep him in a happy frame of mind which will make his job easier. His commitment will be reflected in his dealings with the parents, students and authorities.

Respect for others

While the foundation of the driver’s job is to transport students, he has to respect all individuals he deals with. Each of these individuals, be it students or officials, contribute to the success of the driver. All of them have to be respected and appreciated.

Understanding

School bus drivers should understand the nature of their work. A comprehension of the high degree of responsibility they are entrusted with is of utmost importance. Understanding that safety should be his priority at all times will make him function logically.

These are the core traits that a school bus driver should have to be successful in his job. Finding the perfect fit for the best school bus driver is being able to recognize these traits.

While school buses are considered to be the safest mode of transportation for students, school bus drivers have a challenging task transporting them. A driver with ample driving experience, knowledge and an interest in working with children would be an asset to the school.

Managing Special Needs Students On Field Trips – Complete Guide

Posted on April 1, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Field trips are immense and enriching, teaching the child what goes on outside the classroom is of great educational value. They learn important skills such as safety, social interactions and flexibility.

Planning and executing a field trip for special needs students is a daunting task. Innumerable factors have to be considered for the trip to be safe, smooth and enjoyable.

Managing special need students on field-trip rests solely on prior planning and preparation. Taking them on field-trips becomes stress-free for both child and teacher when this is done in detail.

1. Planning

1. Deciding on a suitable location

A location should be thoughtfully chosen to derive the maximum benefit. Children going on field-trips are of different ages and in different stages of development. So locations which suit their interest and aptitude need to be chosen.

Special needs students have shorter attention spans. They might not be able to sit for long in buses. The trip duration will have to be limited to a few hours as day-long trips might tire them. A location where all students can go has to be selected.

Places where they can have real time visual and physical experience like farms, zoos and gardens will be safe and interesting options. Activity -oriented field trips to science centers where they can interact with simple equipment should be considered.

These centers allow them to touch, feel and experience something new. Trips to supermarkets, grocery stores or book shops may be considered depending on the student capabilities.

2. Obtaining required permits

School district administrators need to approve of the trip. They need to assure that the trip is age appropriate, safe and enhances the curriculum. Schools have to adhere to regulations and policies stipulated by them.

3. Pre-visit to the location

It would be ideal if the school authority or concerned teacher could visit the locale prior to scheduling the trip. An assessment of the child-friendly facilities available at the place can be done.

Availability of the wheel-chair ramps, easy bathroom access, toilet paper, food stalls for handicapped is to be checked. Any addition in services required, like requests for extra wheel-chair etc could be made on this visit. This would ensure that everything will be in place, on arrival, on the day of the trip.

4. Locality assessment

Awareness of the police stations, hospitals, Para-medical services and fire stations around the location of field-trips is necessary. The teachers on duty should be provided with a list of essential services and their contact telephone numbers nearest to the place of the trip.

This will prove extremely useful in case of emergency. In the event of any mishap, they can contact the services directly instead of waiting for help from the school. This will save time and ensure quick and prompt action.

5. Parent approval

Parents are informed of the nature of the trip, time and date. A written approval from the parent has to be obtained for their ward to be included in the trip.

2. Accompanying staff

1. 1:1 ratio:

As the needs of special children vary, each child has to be given constant individual attention. It is suggested that on field trips it would be ideal to have a one-on-one aide i.e. a teacher for each student.

This will make the child feel comfortable. The teacher will be relieved of monitoring an entire group. Undue strain causes both children and teacher to be stressed.

2. Parents

Parents can be asked if they would like to escort their wards. This option would be highly beneficial to all. Children feel more secure with their parents in an unfamiliar environment. This reduces child distress. Parent experience the safety of the child. This reduces their anxiety.

3. Volunteers and Buddy program

Some schools run buddy programs. A student, volunteer or teacher is assigned to the special need child as his/her buddy. The buddy spends time with the child, be-friends them and understand their needs and earn their trust.

A buddy as an escort will make the child feel safe, secure and comfortable. Community welfare volunteers can be requested for their services if necessary.

4. Nurse

A qualified school nurse has to be in attendance on the trip. First-aid essentials are a must. Medications for insect bites, allergies etc have to be ensured. Nutritional needs of the children are of concern and should be provided.

3. Consolidated Data Sheet

1.Student database

A comprehensive database with the list of special needs children on the field-trip is prepared. This will list the names, ages, parents name and address, contact numbers and emergency numbers. In addition to this, each child’s specific disabilities are listed.

2. Dietary needs

Pre-caution has to be taken while providing the children with the food and drinks especially from public outlets. Special needs students have specific diets to be followed.

Anything out of the norm might upset their systems and result in uneasiness. It would be better if the children could bring their food packs from home. This would help in preventing the children contracting food and water-borne diseases.

3. Food allergies

The data-base should list specific food allergies of the students. In instances where the school decides to provide the meals, this has to be taken into account.

4. Insect allergies

The parents should inform the school of any allergy their child is prone to like insect bites, grass, hay etc. The school takes precaution to keep the child away from such circumstances.

The copy is given to all accompanying the students on the trip – teachers, escorts, nurses and bus drivers. A copy is left at the school.

Parents, if not accompanying, are given the telephone numbers of the teachers and bus drivers on the trip.

4. Preparation

1. Special needs children

Special needs students often do not feel comfortable when they are faced with a new environment. They are used to set timetables and regulated normal daily routines.

They find it difficult when their day to day schedules are disrupted. They do not know how to face situations alien to them. So preparing them for a field trip is the key to reducing their anxiety.

A pictorial itinerary of the trip can be shown to them. A step by step enactment of how they will arrive at each step and how they have to behave at each stage would be helpful.

Answering queries from them will allay their fears. Familiarizing them for a week leading to the trip would help to reduce their anxiety and discomfort.

The student has to be prepared for the whole day of the trip. They have to be taught to request breaks and to convey discomfort.

The students have to be told who their escort or buddy would be. Pictures of them can be shown. They have to be educated on what the buddy/escort would do for them.

The students will have to be rewarded throughout the trip to motivate them. Positive reinforcement techniques will have to be applied before and after the trip.

2. Parents

Parents of special need children are anxious about them being taken to places outside the school environs. They are called to school and apprised of the entire trip details.

They are educated on how the trip will give their ward a different learning experience. This will enable the parent to mentally prepare the child for his forth coming trip.

Parents can send the child’s favorite snack which he/she can eat without being messy. Plenty of water should be provided.

5. Safety aspects

1. Transportation

Special needs students on a field trip should be transported only by school transport. Children should not be transported in private cars.

2. Identity tags

The children should be tagged with identity badges or bracelets showing their identity and contact details.

No amount of planning can eliminate the challenge of taking special need children on fieldtrips. The threshold level of special needs children is lower than normal. Their attitudes and moods change fast.

Things may not work out as planned and changes need to be allowed. Some students run away, throw tantrums when they are under stress. These significant issues will make it complicated for the teachers. Hence fluidity in plans is required.

Field trips and special need children seem to be an impossible combination. Proper planning, preparation and an open mind can tremendously help in organizing safe and productive field-trips for special needs students.

School Bus Driver Salary 2020

Posted on March 27, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

500,000 school buses ply the road daily in the US alone. This calls for a requirement of an equal number of drivers well experienced in transporting students safely. The school bus drivers require responsibility and a high level of commitment. The driver should love to drive and must be aware of traffic laws.

Job Description of a School Bus Driver

School bus drivers are engaged mainly to pick up students from the bus stops, bring them to school and at the end of the day drop them back home. He also transports them on extra-curricular activities, field trips and class picnics.

The driver starts off his day from the school-yard ensuring that the bus is safe to drive and has enough fuel for the day’s trips. He must make sure the bus is properly maintained, should perform mechanical checkups on a weekly basis and properly keep a driving log.

He drives on pre-assigned routes, always keeping to schedules. He makes certain that the student is picked and dropped off at bus stops at the appointed times despite traffic jams, bad weather, and accidents on his route.

Safety is the prime aspect of a school bus driver. He has to be on constant look-out for erring vehicles on the road to avoid accidents. Drivers must know traffic rules and follow them diligently.

The next important quality in a driver is his level of maturity and calmness. He has to manage student discipline in the bus, fights and bullying among students. In addition to this, he has to handle irate parents and school authorities.

Qualities of a School Bus Driver:

Customer service skills- School bus drivers often interact with parents, students and school authorities, so they must be courteous and helpful to their needs.
Hand-eye coordination- A driver needs to be alert all the time while driving. He/she requires to have normal use of one’s arms and legs and should have good hand-eye coordination as well.
Hearing ability- it is required that a driver needs to have good hearing ability. He should be able to hear a forced whisper with or without using a hearing aid.
Patience- A driver may overcome stressful situations like heavy traffic congestions, unruly passengers, etc, so a driver should be able to overcome these situations calmly and must maintain enough patience.
Physical health- A bus driver should have sound physical health. Federal and state regulations do not allow people facing health issues like high/ low blood pressure, epilepsy, etc to operate a bus. Because these health issues can interfere with driving.
Good vision- Bus drivers should pass vision tests. People with poor vision or color blindness must keep away from becoming a driver. Federal regulations require at least 20/40 vision in each eye. He should be able to distinguish traffic colors also.

Pay of school drivers

The average annual salary of school bus driver, as per the Bureau of Statistics, is $29,250 which works out to $14.05 an hour. The lowest-paid school bus driver gets under $18,800 a year or $9 an hour. The highest-paid drivers receive above $47,800 annually which approximates to around $23 an hour.

Also Read: 15 Best School Bus Driving Games 2020 [Updated]

Most of the bus drivers are part-time employees. This is possible as school timings are fixed. They usually work in other places during their down-time.

The regular employees help in doing basic vehicle maintenance and do administrative jobs when not on school duty. This way the drivers make extra money as well as keep themselves gainfully occupied.

The schools normally pay the drivers for the hours and days worked. Doing extra runs during vacations for summer school activities, field trips, school picnics add to their earnings.

The actual wages offered to school bus drivers depend on the previous driving experience of the driver, prior driving history, the employer, location of work and the hours worked.

School Bus driver Salary Based on Location

SL no	Location	School Bus driver Salary
1	Seattle, USA	$39,465/ Year
2	Washington, USA	$38,797/ Year
3	Baltimore, USA	$34,024/ Year
4	Akron, USA	$32,344/ Year
5	New York City, USA	$40,851/ Year
6	Minneapolis, USA	$39,943/ Year
7	Toronto, ON Area	CA$ 18/hr
8	Canada	CA $ 1,133/month
9	Australia	A$ 2,502/month
10	Alabama	$35,223/ Year
11	San Francisco	$43,841/ Year
12	India	Rs 16,255/ month
13	United Kingdom	£ 10.35 per hour
14	Switzerland	CHF 68,699/ Year
15	Germany	€ 27,300 / Year
16	London	€ 28,853 / Year

NB: “The above information is collected from various websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, neuvoo, etc“

Factors considered while deciding the wages of school drivers

Driving experience

The pay mainly depends on the driver’s prior experience in driving. The driver should obtain his Commercial Driving License as per state requirements and pass all federal alcohol/ drug tests and physical examinations.

School bus drivers undergo rigorous classroom and road training. Drivers on completion of a licensing exam obtain an endorsement to drive a school bus. Some states require drivers to take refresher courses to retain their licenses.

Drivers have to take road and knowledge tests at specific intervals, the number of years being specified by each state. Some employers pay for and train the drivers to attain the necessary standards.

As the drivers gain experience their earnings also increase. An entry-level school bus driver salary is $30,000 on average annually. A driver with an experience of 5 to 10 years can earn $31,000 annually in wages.

The earnings go up to $34000 annually for drivers with experience of 10-20 years. Drivers with driving experiences above 20 years earn approximately $35000 annually.

Also Read: 27 Best GPS Tracking Apps for Android and iOS

Prior driving history

This means a track record of accident- free driving, clean criminal record and incident- free behavior of drivers.

School buses are the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school. Hence school bus drivers have to exercise extreme caution while driving.

School bus drivers, in addition to driving safely, are responsible for maintaining discipline inside the bus. They have to report misbehaving students to school authorities. They settle skirmishes and fights among students on the bus.

They have to answer parents and school authorities. Dealing with students and parents require tact and diplomacy. Drivers with a high level of maturity handle this with ease.

An excellent school bus driver is one with superb driving skills and an enormous amount of patience. They should be friendly and enjoy driving.

How many trips they make

Schools pay drivers on the basis of the number of trips they make in a day. Some schools hire them on a monthly salary. In addition to the daily trips, they are required to transport children on school field trips, museums visits and other extracurricular activities.

Some schools stagger their school timings so that the drivers get to drive multiple routes in a day. On average, drivers spend 20 hours per week behind the wheel.

Most of the drivers work during the school months and are off during summer months when the schools are closed.

Some of them work year-round with limited time off. There are drivers who consider school bus driving as a part-time job due to the fixed hours of working.

Some districts in the US have year-round schools. So they have full-time drivers. Special needs students attend extended year programs at school during summer.

Whom they work for

The school bus driver’s pay depends on whom they work for. Wages differ slightly from employer to employer. School districts for elementary and secondary schools pay their bus drivers an average of $15 an hour.

Those who work for transportation services earn slightly higher at $ 16.5 an hour. Those working for charter bus services earn around $16 an hour.

Since there is no prescribed standard wage, the employer can use his discretion to fix wages. Private school operators and charter bus services pay higher.

Location of work

The salaries of the drivers depend on the geographic location where they operate on. Average annual wages in the range of $39,000 to $43,500 are paid in cities like Washington, DC, New York etc.

Southern states of US, like Alabama, offer lesser annual wages ranging from $18500 to $21,000. Major metropolitan cities, like San Francisco, tend to pay higher annual packages of $52,500 approximately.

Children need to go to school and transporting them safely is a huge responsibility. Hence well-experienced school bus drivers are always in demand. Job security is the advantage of being a school bus driver. Inspite of this school bus drivers are not without complaints.

This is proved by the high attrition rate. They earn lesser than their counterparts with commercial driving licenses in other industries. There is a limit to the hours one can work.

The extra runs made by them are paid at lower rates than the normal. Drivers cannot afford the high premiums for health-care. The training for school bus driving is expensive with the aspirant paying all of it on his own.

Lack of support from the management of school and bus companies is a major reason for drivers leaving the school bus fleet.

Honest, dedicated, friendly and safety abiding drivers are always needed and in great demand. In addition to being professionally experienced, the school bus driver has to be humane to perform his duty cheerfully and responsibly.

Pros And Cons of Outsourcing School Transportation

Posted on March 25, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

By outsourcing school transportation via contract terms and conditions, school districts can free themselves to focus on their core function – education. Outsourcing transportation is now the most cost-effective option for the school district as well as its taxpayers.

Running your own buses has its own risk for any educational institution or organization. To avoid such risks and consequences, many schools are now considering outsourcing their student transportation services.

The major concern is that schools are worried about aging bus fleets, rising fuel prices, administration, routing headaches, bus stop approval, complaints from parents and more.

Shortage of skilled drivers is also a reason for school districts to rely on such professional services.

According to the recent news sudden shortage of drivers has forced the School Transportation Authorities to cancel transportation of various bus routes. Such unexpected shortage is also making school districts to consider outsourcing its transportation needs to private vendors with low bids.

The key is choosing a customized transportation service that fits each individual school’s needs. Keeping an eye on the pros and cons of outsourcing is important to make the right decision whether to outsource or not.

Pros Of Outsourcing School Transportation

Bus services are often outsourced, as private companies are able to meet the needs of these schools and save money on

Operating bus fleets
Replacing old buses
Repair costs
Fuel charges

As transportation providers are responsible for everything related to transportation, school districts don’t have to worry about

driver training and safety
specialized transportation like that of handicapped transportation
service issues that parents and community members come up with
routing concerns
administrative headaches related to transportation

Many such vendors also provide facilities to transport the students to and from sporting events and field trips. They often use newer vehicles for transporting children to schools, which improves safety as well.

With such benefits, districts would no longer have to worry about repair costs or fuel. They can focus completely on the educational matters.

Other responsibilities of such outsourcing companies also include adhering to changing equipment standards and environmental policies, which requires buying and maintaining buses, hiring expert staff, staying compliant with state and federal transportation rules, road policies, traffic rules and more.

Such contractors will also have years of experience in planning school bus routes and scheduling accordingly, resulting in well-organized service that too at a low cost.

In most contracts, they can also benefit from economies of scale, corresponding services, shared facilities as well as skilled personnel which help to improve both efficiency and the bottom line.

Cons Of Outsourcing School Transportation

Let us consider the disadvantages of outsourcing your school’s transportation. It may happen that the personnel employed by such outsourcing companies need not be a professional.

There is also possibility that with inadequate training, such people can even be dysfunctional in a school culture. To avoid any such staff issues, make sure that the partner company hires only qualified staff, if not it can lead to serious consequences for the school district.

Companies may bring in new drivers who may not be experienced in driving a school bus or even communicating with students. Other potential problems that may arise while outsourcing to a private vendor include

Hidden costs

Impact on administrative time

Restricted flexibility

Billing more than the base amount in the contract

Lack of quality operation

Flaws in hiring, training and supervision

Poorly run systems can also lead to delay of transportation, leading to further problems. School districts can avoid such issues by clearly explaining the required services in their contract.

Common outsourcing models include districts requiring full service, retaining ownership of buses, continuing driver employment, retaining a part of the system, only management, or a coordinated service.

In cases if the district’s concern is that they can keep hold of both the fleet and its drivers but need to get rid of the difficulty in operating the system, a management contract would be ideal. In such a contract make sure to clearly explain your concern to avoid any further issues.

Another approach is that district can consider contracts only for certain services, just like only to maintain fleets. They can even consider outsourcing only for certain routes, where there is a shortage for drivers.

The concern here is that schools will not be able to enjoy all the benefits from outsourcing. Small or rural districts can consider outsourcing by co-operating with other districts of similar size and transportation requirements.

These districts can jointly find a contractor with better routing expertise and specific equipment, which helps not only to reduce costs but also to provide better transportation service to students.

Read Also: Top 10 School Bus Companies

Schools must consider developing a strong, performance-based contract with their outsourcing partners to achieve streamlined transportation operations.

They should also monitor the vendor’s performance during the contract period and take expert opinion on whether to continue with that particular company’s services and extend the contract. Also consider reviews from students and their parents, which help avoid any complaints in future.

Also consider reviews from students and their parents, which help avoid any complaints in future.

School Bus Drivers Health Problems And Solutions

Posted on March 22, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

The job of the school bus driver comes with immense responsibility and requires utmost patience. Transporting students to and from school safely requires the drivers to adhere to rules and regulations strictly.

In addition to safe driving, dealing with students, parents, schools authorities and bus companies on a daily basis requires a lot of effort. These occupational hazards take a toll on the health of the school bus driver. The driver’s regular, hectic schedule relegates personal fitness to the lowest level of priority.

Major health issues faced by the School Bus Drivers and solutions:

Stress

Raises blood pressure and increases the level of stress hormones leading to heart problems

The job of the school bus driver involves high stress which causes in numerable diseases. Drivers have to drive the school buses safely through the busiest streets in the cities through peak hour.

He has to deal with other errant drivers on the road. The process of maneuvering the school bus through traffic jams and road accidents is extremely stressful.

School bus driver’s has to oversee the overall discipline of students on the bus. Student fights, bullying has to be solved promptly. Unruly student behavior is a strain on the driver causing lack of concentration.

Another aspect of strain to the driver is dealing with the parents. Parents having varying requests can be very demanding and irritable handling them is a disturbing process to the drivers.

The drivers very often do not get adequate support in his activities from the school or bus management. The authorities are not receptive to school bus driver grievances. This again makes drivers unhappy and irritable when on duty.

After driving through heavy traffic and handling boisterous young children, the drivers are hardly in a frame of mind to exercise or go for gym activities.

Driving safely, watching out for rogue drivers and controlling their emotions leave them mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day.

Stress relieving programs for drivers are of prime importance. Exercise and yoga are of help in reducing stress. Schools have to institute mandatory sessions for drivers during their down-time.

Periodic motivation classes, rewarding drivers for their good deeds can help improve morale of the drivers.

The feeling of being looked after makes the drivers more loyal to their job. The feel-good factor makes them cheerful and stress-free while on duty.

Insomnia

This leads to psychological disorders. High levels of stress and anxiety cause insomnia. This makes the drivers lethargic and nervous during their daily operations.

Their inability to concentrate will endanger the safety of the students. Extended periods of insomnia will cause disturbances in the health system causing mental disorders.

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of contracting diabetes at a younger age. This increases blood cholesterol levels which increase the risk of a heart attack.

The drivers sit for long periods of times on the bus. Drivers continue sitting between work hours also.Sedentary nature of the job leads the drivers to become over-weight. Stress also leads to obesity. This makes them high-risk candidates for heart diseases and other serious health issues.

Studies have shown that the drivers are sedentary for more than 12 hours on a normal working day. Most of the drivers are over-weight. These two factors together rank them as a priority group for health interventions. Lack of exercise leads to reduced levels of cardiovascular fitness.

Raising the levels of physical activity during the bus driver’s off-time is a solution to this serious issue. Increasing the driver’s movement will reduce the risk of potent heart problems.

Alternatively, being over-weight does not necessarily equate to being unhealthy. Over-weight could be a catalyst in raising the risk. Prevention being better than cure it is always better to be active and keep check of the weight.

Walking, jogging, aerobics and bicycling are activities suggested to keep the drivers healthy. They can pursue these activities during their off-time. Short durations of 10-20 minutes of exercise reduce the risk for illnesses and improve health. Free use of the school gym is also recommended to keep fit.

Schools can arrange sports events and challenges to motivate them into action. Bus companies can allow them in their basketball, volleyball, softball teams. They can be encouraged to take part in tournaments and matches.

Muscular pains

Aches and pains in the back, neck, shoulder and knee are experienced by the drivers due to nature of their job.

The driver’s cabin does not allow for much movement or stretching.Constant use of the leg on brakes and accelerators causes wear and tear of the knee and calf muscles.

Frequent turning of the head, when students board and get off the bus, lead to neck pains. Back-aches are attributed to the stressful, stiff posture the driver holds while on the driver’s seat. Vibrations of the bus and frequent crossing of humps result in lower back pain.

Exercising and stretching while off the bus is the only solution. Ergonomically designed seats help alleviate this problem to an extent.

Food habits

High-calorie diets increase cholesterol levels. Eating junk food causes gastro-intestinal problems. Reduced intake of water causes dehydration.

Poor eating habits of the drivers result in health issues. School bus drivers on early morning trips and late field trips do not find time to have proper healthy meals.

They most often end up having high-calorie donuts and fast food instead of well-balanced meals. The long hours of sedentary off- time tempts them to over eat.

The schools can provide a nutritional healthy pack at least once a day at a low cost or even free. The schools need to arrange periodic health check-ups for the driver. A diet plan can be prescribed for each driver. They can be persuaded to eat regular healthy meals.

Inhalation of diesel exhaust fumes–causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

School buses emit fumes from the exhaust which enters the bus when the doors are opened and closed and through the ventilation systems. Constant exposure to these fumes cause asthma, bronchitis, lung damage and may even turn fatal.

The only way to reduce the emission of fumes is to reduce the idling time of the engines mainly at the school parking area and at the bus-stops. Use of newer buses with cleaner engines will help in reducing the emissions. The best option would be the use of electric buses as they will in total eliminate this risk.

Infectious diseases

Drivers are prone to fall ill due to virus and bacterial infections like the flu, common cold, hepatitis B.

This is mainly contracted through helping sick children on the bus. Using gloves and surgical masks can prevent spreading of the virus.

Wellness programs

The individual driver’s inclination and his desire to use the facilities provided to him is finally the key to his health.Periodic presentations on health and nutrition can create awareness ofthe health problems associated with lack of fitness. The wellness programs should motivate the drivers to make full use of what is offered in improving their health.

Wellness programs instituted have to be low cost and convenient for the drivers to avail them. Swimming pools and gymnasiums in school districts can be made available for their use at a low fee or even for free.

The programs are to be personalized. They should be sensitive to age and the driver’s needs. The programs have to be made voluntary and flexible.

The programs have to be recorded and evaluated frequently. Stress management programs have to be incorporated. Informal programs will allow drivers to relax, bond and share their thoughts with their colleagues.

Schools spending on wellness programs for drivers will reap proportionate benefits. There will be less absenteeism. The number of drivers reporting sick without prior information will fall. This will be of great relief to the school as there will be less disruption in the bus schedules.

A level of physical fitness in school bus drivers is imperative. They should be alert, agile and efficient to attend to the needs of the students on the bus, in cases of emergency. Safety being the priority, the driver’s health issues should not impede their ability to drive the big school bus safely.