School buses are the safest means of transportation and are considered to be the most regulated vehicles on the road. The safety standards of these buses are above and beyond the normal buses on the road.
Let us go in Detail about the Number of Seats on a School Bus:-
There are school buses that differ in size. It is not possible to define the exact capacity of a school bus under all conditions.
The stereotypical seat of a school bus is 39 inches wide and is considered to have a seating capacity for three students.
The maximum seating capacity of a standard school bus is 72 Passengers.
Though there lie safety problems associated with loading these buses to maximum capacity as recognized by Student Transportation Services. Sitting on the floor or standees will not be allowed under any circumstances.
Types and Seating Capacity of Buses
We all are familiar with the ‘yellow ‘ school buses. But we often see some difference in its shape and size, some are short, some are long and some others have a flat front, etc.
Apart from all these differences, all school buses follow federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Let’s Have a Look into Different Types of School Buses:
1) A Type
These buses have a seating capacity of more than 15 passengersincluding the operator.
2) B Type
This type of buses have a seating capacity of more than 10 passengers but not exceeding 16 passengers, including the operator.
3) C Type
This conventional type of bus can carry more than 10 passengersincluding the operator.
4) Type D
Type D or the ‘transit’ style buses are designed to carry more than 10 passengers.
Let’s move on and know some of the Warning Signs that your Bus Capacity is Unsafe
Exceeding Official Capacity
A school bus should not exceed the maximum student capacity. According to Federal regulations, three elementary students are allowed to seat onto one seat.
Too Many Riders per Seat
Sometimes, students travel by sitting on each other’s lap. But these situations are horribly unsafe for them. A sudden brake can sometimes cause their face to get hit on the handrails in front.
Students in the Aisles
Students are unpredictable often. If not sitting on each other, they may be standing in the aisles. Those students are at far higher risk and there is no crash protection for them. This scenario is an absolute red flag and is unacceptable at any cost.
Miscounted Students
Drivers sometimes cannot keep an eye on each student, if their number is high. There are chances for some students to go uncounted in between.
Loss of Disciplinary Control
Realistically as the number of students increases, it is difficult for the driver to maintain discipline among the students.
The situation becomes worse if some students tend to ride in the aisles. In these scenarios, the driver may fail to exert control over the back of the bus.
These are some of the warning signs that you should be aware of. Child safety is our major concern and keeps the kids safe and secure
Most of us remember our school journeys, boarding the yellow school buses. How often had you thought of why the buses were specifically colored that way? What was the significance or historical reasoning behind that yellow color? If you ever wondered to yourself, “why are school buses yellow in color,” then the information shared in this post will certainly quench your thirst for knowledge.
Historical Overview
In the United States of America, there was no standardization in terms of school bus color until 1939. Every school was transporting its kids in different automobiles of various sizes, shapes, and colors.
It was when a reputed professor of Columbia University, Dr. Frank Cyr, conducted a decade long study of safety standards in a nationwide school transportation system that these facts came to light. Soon after that, a considerable conclave of educationists met at Columbia, and yellow became the official color of all school buses.
Rather than being pure yellow, this is a mix of bright orange and soft yellow, named as National School Bus Chrome in 1939, and today is known as National School Bus Glossy Yellow. Apart from the color, this huge meeting was also instrumental in establishing the standard dimensions of every bus, making school transportation safer.
It also meant that the school bus construction companies had a standard template that made the process cheaper. In this way, the standard yellow colored bus proved to be a multi-utility decision for all schools in the USA.
Stand-Out Performance
Now that you know the story behind the decision to paint all school buses yellow, you must be wondering what made Dr. Frank and all the other highly educated luminaries choose this particular color.
The answer is simple – yellow stands out in a sea of colors. As we all know, out of all the primary colors, Red is considered the most attention-grabbing hue.
However, when the color selection for school buses was going on, Red was already the go-to color that signified danger as it shone brightly at every traffic signal worldwide.
It would not be wise to choose the same color for school buses and denote them as dangerous automobiles.
Moreover, scientists have unanimously concluded that yellow tends to stand out the most in any situation. This fact is especially important when we consider the standard timings when school buses pick up or drop kids.
It is either early morning and late afternoon or early evening, respectively. It is quite common to encounter thick fog or other environmental elements during these timings, and yellow is visible even in the midst of the thick fog, smoke, rain, dust, or dirt clouds.
Most importantly, the lettering of the school name in black color shines brightest on the glossy yellow hue. This stand-out ability has made yellow the color of choice for the school transportation system.
The scientific reason behind this is the ability of ‘school bus glossy yellow’ hue to work on Red as well as Green cones of our eyes at the same time.
No matter how congested the traffic situation, our brain instinctively places a yellow-colored automobile apart from the others and gives a signal to speeding drivers to slow down, making yellow the safest choice for school buses.
Peripheral Winner
For those still wondering why school buses are yellow, here is another interesting fact. We possess peripheral vision, i.e., the ability to discern things and people who are not in our direct line of sight.
A scientific study has proven that yellow has the highest peripheral vision quality, surpassing even the red color that is officially considered the biggest attention-hoarder. It is 1.24 times easier and faster for us to discern a yellow-colored object in our peripheral vision than any other color.
Anybody can spot a yellow school bus from afar even when it is not directly in our sightline. This factor, combined with the connotation of yellow used for school kids, has made the school bus glossy yellow color a beacon of safety.
Loved By Children
While this factor did not have any say in choosing the yellow color for all school buses, it is also common knowledge that yellow is a bright and optimistic color. It denotes cheerfulness, sunshine, smiles, and kids love these attributes in their surroundings.
There is a reason we love decorating our kids’ rooms with bright yellow wallpapers or sunflowers. The natural happiness denoted by yellow gels well with the cheery disposition of kids in general.
Little kids are very impressionable and deserve to be surrounded by things, colors, people that motivate them to be better and make them feel pleasant.
If the essential happiness were missing from one’s life, one is bound to feel depressed, and we do not want our kids to go through life’s brutal battles at such a young age. Thus, using yellow as the official color for all school buses ensures that kids get a healthy dose of cheerfulness early in the morning, a high note to start the day.
Official Guidelines
The simple answer to the mystery behind the usage of yellow in school buses would boil down to – it is a legal mandate in the USA and Canada. Moreover, this mandate has found it’s equal in various other countries that also employ the use of yellow-colored automobiles to ferry their school kids to and fro school.
This color choice is a package item that includes many other conditions, such as a prominent display of the words ‘School Bus’, the presence of an attendant at all times, availability of a first aid kit, and so on, to ensure the safety of the kids.
There you have it –some of the reasons why are school buses yellow in color in many countries around the world. Can you think of any other reason to add to this happy list?
Proper and systemic school bus maintenance with advanced Vehicle Maintenance Software helps school districts to provide safe transportation for school children.
Whether you are managing a fleet of trucks, cars, school buses or any other vehicle, fleet management and maintenance has its own role to play.
Considering the case of a school bus, transportation needs to be safe to avoid any accidents and thus avoid further consequences.
For school districts that own a small or large fleet of buses, vehicle maintenance software will be of great help.
Fleet maintenance is a fresh and improved way of maintaining and managing vehicles. Right tracking and arrangement of data is crucial for the effective operation of a school bus.
Proper maintenance is important to track the fuel usage, tracking vehicle repair date and scheduling preventative maintenance.
With preventive maintenance (PM), regular inspections can be done which improves the condition of those buses and thus safe transportation for students.
According to the Michigan government, for safe transportation key components including expert repair staff, safety inspections as well as vehicle maintenance records system is critical.
School buses are the key strength in running such an educational institution. Several challenges occur while maintaining these vehicles.
Fleet managers will often be concerned about tracking maintenance, shortage of drivers, fuel costs, and environmental concerns and secure transportation.
On-time maintenance works will help to reduce all unnecessary expenses. Meant to be well-suited for the various needs of fleet management, this software will help incomplete assessment of costs and it keeps track of all aspects of the school bus needs.
Users can also enjoy diverse benefits such as real-time insights for better management, enhanced driver safety, and consistent fleet performance.
Some of the top fleet maintenance software include upkeep, VMax Compass, Husky Intelligence, Fleet Harmony, TATEMS, InfoTrac Fleet, FleetFocus, Contele Fleet Tracking, and sure feet.
Most vehicle maintenance software comes with advanced features to perform diverse functions including
Management of Maintenance Activities
School bus management often records information of driver, buses and daily routes.
With advanced fleet maintenance software, vehicle maintaining staff can focus on repairs as well as preventive maintenance aspect of managing school buses.
You can also manage all sorts of activities such as keeping track of warranty data, work orders, parts management, maintenance schedules, and vehicle lifespan tracking.
Asset Tracking
Management of assets is a critical task of fleet management. From the initial purchase of school buses through its disposal, vehicle maintenance software helps to control every aspect of any vehicle, equipment, and other such assets within your institution.
With this software, users can allocate the order and information for all units and systems and components including assignments of location, repair and maintenance history, warranties of parts, fuel and oil usage, vehicle technical data, machine operating details and performance history.
With this wide array of information, the staff can also take control of the asset.
Fuel Management
Tracking fuel usage is critical to saving costs.
As increased consumption of fuel leads to increased expenses, it is crucial to make your staff be alert to the usage of fuel.
This vehicle maintenance software will provide clear information regarding this such as fuel level, temperature, speed, engine block, route direction, location and more.
The fleet manager would be able to track the details of all the vehicles in real-time and thus get a clear idea about how the vehicles are handled by your drivers.
Check how your vehicle’s fuel usage impacts the operating costs of school transportation. You can also note those high consumption vehicles and allot them accordingly.
GPS Tracking
Most software of this type comes with a GPS tracking facility, which increases the security of your buses.
You can track where your school bus is and through which route this vehicle goes. The data management process will be much easier. You can also get reminders regarding your document’s clearances as well as permits.
GPS fleet tracking feature helps in detecting theft as well as the illegal usage of buses.
Tracking also helps in the recovery of any stolen vehicles. Managers can also keep track of the drivers they have employed.
Cloud-based software is also widely available that helps school bus fleet owners to manage fleet operations in a smooth way. Make sure that you are choosing software that is compatible with your fleet management requirement.
The safety of students is always the main concern of school management. That is the reason why most of the schools are now equipped with modern technology to assure the utmost safety for students inside the campus. For that schools prefer school bus tracking companies to get equipped with enhanced tracking platforms.
Advanced apps for kids and parents, GPS tracker devices and options for real-time tracking of school buses are the highlighted benefits of using such platforms. School management can easily track the exact position of buses, the routes they take and even fuel consumption.
Here are a few among the best school bus tracking companies for you to choose from.
1 TrackSchoolBus
This is one of the best school bus tracking companies offering distinctly tailored software, hardware-agnostic solution, unique value-adding features and exclusive apps for teachers, parents, fleet manager, driver console and school transportation manager. Their solution comes with provision to customize the software depending on varying requirements and preferences.
2. TrackingHAWK
Softcruise Technologies offer this innovative cloud-based fleet management software for effective school bus tracking. High performance and quick analysis are key advantages. In addition, to the complete safety of transportation, they assure improved fleet productivity and automation, eliminate overtime and reduce fuel costs and maintenance.
This is one of the best school bus tracking companies from the team can transform fleet of school buses to Smart Buses to assure safe and efficient management. The RFID technology provides alerts for boarding/de-boarding, bus attendance and wrong bus boarding. The key highlights include end to end service, seamless deployment and effective monitoring.
The comprehensive bus tracking services from this Singapore based company gives you complete control of the fleet of school buses and lets you monitor and track precise location round the clock.
This is a renowned school bus tracking company that won the Expert’s choice award in 2018. Their tracking solution is easy to install and use. It can be downloaded for free online. Their platform not only ensures the safety of kids but also enhances driver skills and save fuels.
The advanced vehicle tracking technology from InnoVita is an all in one solution for in-bus attendance system and school bus tracking. The key features include live tracking, panic button, speeding alerts, pick/drop SMS and customization options to suit your preferences. Parents can make use of their Pigeon Plus Notify app to easily track their kid’s location.
The effective vehicle tracking system from this India based company plans and coordinates smartly with school transport managers to assure the safety of students traveling through school buses. Different applications are available for schools and parents to get notified about the status. Route changes, unnecessary stoppages or speeding can be easily monitored.
8. DSGN ElementsThis is a leading GPS tracking company in Dubai which offers comprehensive school bus tracking services. They are renowned for providing most accurate services for cost-effective rates. The efficient team here lets you optimize the operation through real-time intelligence to assure well-managed student transportation.
This UAE based school bus tracking company offers new generation fleet and asset management solutions. With high-resolution digital video recording, school management and parents can get an idea of what is happening inside and around the bus. This video synchronized with telematics data helps you to easily keep track of bullying, student discipline problems, vandalism, and driver safety issues.
This Dubai based school bus tracking service offers real-time students & bus tracking using iBeacons. The system comes with live bus tracking and touch-less check-in and check-out options. The appreciable benefits include real-time data, actionable insights, route optimization and better flexibility for drivers with map view and route details.
This Dubai based firm works with globally leading GPS tracking & fleet management systems to provide the optimal school bus tracking solutions. Parents can track the location of their kids in bus at any given time and the school transport department can easily prepare, monitor and handle the fleet in real-time.
They are a leading school bus tracking company in UAE with more than 2 decades of expertise in school transport industry. The team at Velocity is exceptional and the fleet of buses comes with
13. TechnautoThis is a reputed school bus tracking company in UAE with an amazing client retention rate of 96.5%. In addition to assuring the utmost safety of the student and efficient fleet management, the advanced services focus to save cost, time and efforts.
Being a top-rated school bus tracking company in UAE, ATS offers excellent location intelligence solutions for school fleets. The Advanced School Bus Solution from the team comes with the following features:
This is a globally reputed school bus tracking company with multiple branches in India, UAE, Qatar and Oman. They make the best use of GPS tracking features to offer secure school transportation services. The options include mobile digital video recorder with surveillance cameras, customized geo fence and auto route optimization.
16. Emecon
They are a pioneer in GPS tracking solutions since 2001 and stay unique with in-depth reporting, real time view and advanced alerts. School bus transportation safety is assured with live tracking, alert notifications and detailed report on complete fleet details.
17. GofleetThis is a USA based school bus tracking company with comprehensive live tracking features. The advanced GPS monitoring solutions assure utmost safety with easy route replay, powerful alerts, and trip history. The company comes with over 10 years of expertise and assures ease of use and industry-leading tracking features.
This is one of the best school bus tracking companies out of USA and India offers comprehensive school bus management solutions. TrackNKnow is an advanced system developed by ArnAmy that assures scalable and easily customizable platform for school bus tracking.
Based out of USA, App-Garden offers unparalleled school bus tracking solutions using Travel Tracker. It works on a cloud-based technology making it easy for everyone including parents, teachers, and drivers to track data in real-time. In addition, to transport safety for a daily pick up and drop off, this is an amazing platform to easily manage field trips in school.
20. RouteABus
This is a top school bus management company in the USA that offers free web-based bus routing applications. Parents can make use of the bus stop locator to know the bus stop locations as well as the time the student reaches a particular stop.
With branches in Singapore, India, and Bangkok, this leading firm offers effective bus tracking solutions. They provide exclusive apps for drivers, school administrators and parents to assure an effective end to end communication.
This top company based out of New Jersey offers unique comprehensive system for effective student monitoring & school bus GPS fleet tracking. The easy-to-use cloud-based platform features real-time tracking, fuel report, last location and engine diagnostics including RPM, battery level, and odometer.
This is a global school bus tracking firm based out of Bangalore. They provide a comprehensive child safety platform that offers end-to-end child monitoring and school bus tracking solution. This Magnasoft product is cloud-enabled and features RFID and Video surveillance technology.
24. ChekhraThey are a trusted school bus tracking companies in India known for offering a proactive approach and customized solutions for schools. Their system comes with the provision of sending emergency messages, monitoring, planning and optimizing routes and live speed violation alerts via SMS/ emails.
Being the industry leader in transportation management software, busHive® in NY offers comprehensive bus management solutions for schools and related fields. In addition to managing the daily commutation, the company’s software solutions offer special options to manage field trips efficiently.
26. BusWhere
Based out of the United States, but where offers exceptional bus tracking solutions for school districts with amazing features like push notifications during an emergency, driver behavior tracking and enhanced student safety and security. Buses can be watched in real-time and easily track the location of the bus at any given time or time spent by bus in each stop and other stoppages.
27. TransfinderBased in New York, this leading school bus tracking company offers customized solutions. With their advanced technology, school transportation management is easy than ever before with efficient school bus scheduling, routing, and planning. In addition to enhanced safety, the amazing features assure optimized trips.
28. TripSparkWith multiple locations in the USA and Canada, TripSpark offers advanced K-12 school bus transportation software to effectively manage and monitor school drivers, students, and schedules. With RFID student tracking cards, they easily collect every detail of trips at fingertips.
29. DATAMETRICBeing a leading bus tracking firm in UAE, DATAMETRIC offers highly automated and customizable school bus safety solutions. Their advanced system is designed not for just tracking the bus but even monitors the students with RFID integration. The ultimate goal is to improve transportation efficiency and provide peace of mind to parents and school authorities.
30. ZonarWith multiple locations in the USA, they are undoubtedly a global leader in providing intelligent technologies for safe school bus transportation. Their system is compatible with any fleet and provides data analytics, secure platform, and real-time school bus updates.
The solution lets you easily track performance and efficiency, increase child safety and improve parent communication.
They are based in Dubai, UAE that offers a virtual assistant to assure safe school bus ride experience. Their secure school bus tracking service works with a live interactive map to get details of the bus throughout the journey. Key features of the application include:
Custom email or push notifications on delay
Time and distance reminders
32. Tyler TechnologiesThey are a comprehensive transportation technology provider based out of Texas. Versatrans is a complete suite from the firm to assure safe school bus transportation. Key features include
The Company offers a completely integrated school bus telematics software and hardware solution to ensure student safety. Their real-time tracking information services let you know when a student misses a bus or if the bus goes out of the planned route. The key benefits include the utmost accuracy of data and real insights for better planning.
Based out of Dubai, they were among the 10 most popular GPS tracking companies in UAE according to the INSIGHTS SUCCESS survey. Its advanced tracking solutions can provide complete details about operation & movement of vehicle.
They are a renowned school bus tracking companies in India that works with smart wireless technologies and cloud connectivity. With happy customers over 28 countries, they are still looking for innovations every day to improve customer experience.
Choose the best school bus tracking solution that is ideal for your school and that meets the specific requirements.
Most of these companies offer distinctly tailored software and exclusive apps for different user needs such as transport manager app, parent app, and school bus attendant app.
These advanced GPS solutions do more than just tracking and assure smooth user experience for students, parents, schools and bus staff.
Make use of such services and experience a remarkable improvement in the overall safety and smooth functioning of the school transportation services.
Child abduction reports and school bus accidents are on the rise these days which is alarming. Hopefully, such advanced bus tracking solutions can create a positive difference.
Most parents use data as well as statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other trustworthy resources to find the best schools in their area.
When it comes to Chicago, most top-rated public schools are ranked based on how they perform on state-wide tests, in graduation exams as well as how good they prepare their students for college.
Whether you are looking for a primary school to provide your children with primary or elementary education or even a secondary or high school, here’s a list of the 25 Best Schools in Chicago.
This primary school works with an ideal mission of providing learners with significant, distinguished learning experiences, teamwork and a common vision for success, and thus retaining a safe and responsible school climate.
Located on Chicago’s southeast side, north of the Easter Lake area, this school provides education for more than 500 students each year in their pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms.
Based on last year’s report, this school in chicago has ranked better than 96.9% of elementary schools in Illinois and was also ranked 5th among 14 ranked elementary schools in the Naperville School District. Reports also highlight that most students here are performing above grade level.
Since its beginning in 2000, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School has been serving as an international model for global teaching and learning.
Situated in the north side of Chicago, this is a school with award-winning status for its outstanding math, science, fine arts, humanities as well as adventure education programs.
Students can also benefit from extracurricular activities, sports programs and student-driven clubs in the school.
Factors that attract anyone to this school include
Run by the Chicago Public Schools district, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School was founded in 1975. Based near West Side neighborhood in Chicago, this school aims at creating a positive as well as a friendly, varied and challenging learning community.
Ranked as the 5th most challenging high school in Illinois, 4th best Chicago high school and the 2nd most diverse high school in the U.S., this high school features preparatory curriculum with two programs that need special application and entrance testing – The Magnet High School Program for Grades 9–12 and The Academic Center for Grades 7–8.
The school also provides support for students in developing diverse fine arts programs including graphic design, band, guitar, orchestra, choir, drama, sculpture, theater and more
Through their unique education model, they aim at providing students with the base knowledge to discover and obtain a clear understanding of the world around them and act accordingly.
Their problem-based learning helps in facing real-world issues along with making students economically advanced. The staff here is well trained to prepare each student for those 21st-century jobs which is to be created.
This school community’s accelerated academic programs are taught above grade level, which helps the students to attain their highest academic latent. This school was also in news recently for helping empower young girls at elementary schools through science and gardening.
Ranked #2 in Illinois High Schools, this public high school was founded in 1999 and is situated in the North Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The first as well as new CPS high school that was built in last 20 years, it provides a unique learning community.
Key factors that all work together to make this school a great place for public education includes
gifted, dedicated students
progressive and expert faculty
caring and supportive parents
supportive benefactors
community partners
In grades 9-12, this school has 1,069 students with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Reports highlight that 89% of students in this top-rated, public school are at least proficient in math and 94% in reading.
Located on Chicago’s South Side, in West Englewood, this public 4-year selective enrollment high school aims at drawing the best students from all areas of the city.
Ranked 11th within Illinois and one among 106 high schools in the Chicago Public Schools list, this academy provides students with the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams.
In National Rankings, this school has been ranked #272. Baxter International Inc. has collaborated with this reputable academy to construct the Biotechnology Center for Excellence. With this initiative, students can connect their classroom studies to real world experiences.
A 3 year residential public high school based in Aurora, IL, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is focused on developing artistic, moral leaders in mathematics, science, engineering as well as technology.
Niche.com has ranked this school as the top Public School in America in 2019. IMSA provides tutoring through research, innovative undertaking and tactical partnerships and thus aims at creating academically talented Illinois students.
Located in the northern suburb of Chicago, Vernon Hills High School or VHHS is ranked 23rd within Illinois. This public 4-year high school with about 1300 students works with a mission to create talented scholars who travel around and discover the most innovative creations.
Being a part of Community High School District 128, this community also includes Libertyville High School
Established in August 1998, Jones College Prep High School is run by the Chicago Public Schools district. Being the first school in Chicago to engage in the Cooperative Work-Study program, this school is dedicated to preparing students for a life span of achievement.
With a tradition of academic excellence and ethnic and cultural diversity, this school is dedicated to fulfilling each student’s potential in academic, creative, material, as well as socio-emotional dimensions.
The largest high school in Chicago accommodating about 4,200 students, Lane Tech College Prep High School is a leader among the most exceptional educational foundations in the area.
This school’s set of courses is based on college preparatory education and aims at building the school’s technical tradition. Here, students can enjoy more continuous learning, with the same amount of instructional days as other schools.
Based in Chicago, Glenbrook South High School serves 2,972 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
This public 4-year high school offers a unique instructional program that is designed to meet the educational requirements of a varied student population.
This school also takes pride in expanding its contributions to all crucial areas such as Arts, Academics, Athletics as well as Activities.
Started in August 2009 in DuPage County, Metea Valley High School is one among the four high schools run by the Indian Prairie School District, which is the 5th largest district in IL.
Here, students get opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum and so they can excel in all subject areas. They have the most supportive teachers of any selective enrollment high school.
Opened in 2005, in Forest Park, Illinois, Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy is one of the latest schools in the Proviso Township High Schools District 209.
This school works with the mission of developing the mutually dependent and worldwide learner with an advanced set of courses that improves their problem-solving capability.
Along with academic brilliance, students will also be taught to be all-time learners and universal citizens.
With a successful history of over 135 years, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School is serving the Lincoln Park community with great pride.
Chosen as an International Gifted School, this school has one of the most prominent educational programs in this world. By balancing custom and novelty, they provide outstanding opportunities for students in all relevant backgrounds.
Named on behalf of its former Illinois governor Adlai E. Stevenson II, this Adlai E. Stevenson High School was opened in the year 1965.
This School Community works hard to reach excellence by engaging students in significant experiences. The faculty, parents and staff here are determinedly dedicated to nurturing the great minds and leaders of tomorrow.
Oscar Mayer Magnet School is dedicated to promoting students to become lifelong learners.
Their pioneering teaching techniques are designed to promote academic curiosity and support the principles of an engaged population. Courses offered here are based on Montessori and an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program.
Named in tribute to Eric Solorio, Eric Solorio Academy High School works with the mission of providing all students with the awareness, talent, and discipline essential to graduate from college and have an optimistic impact on their living communities.
This public 4-year high school serving 1,185 students is successful in creating a supportive atmosphere to improve student’s problem-solving skills.
Positioned among the top 1% of all schools in Illinois, Decatur Classical School provides a supreme educational experience for all their students.
Your kids can also benefit from an innovative curriculum which supports the investigation, decisive thinking, as well as the application of educational tools.
They follow common core principles to connect students in high quality accelerated teaching.
Initially named the Jefferson and later named after the French dealer Jean Baptiste Beaubien, Beaubien School provides a fostering school atmosphere that accommodates gifted and talented students of diverse populations.
This community also promotes other activities that keep your children active such as chess club, band, robotics club, sports program, science and math club and more.
Being a part of Chicago Public Schools, Amundsen High School serves almost 1,200 students. The school is well known for its outstanding student success results as well as competitive educational and supplementary programs that meet this 21st-century competence.
The courses offered here are intended to develop each student’s talent and thus make them free thinkers for their lifetime. They can also gain good knowledge of other subjects including languages, technology as well as arts.
Since September 2009, Skinner North has been striving towards achieving academic excellence and improving social skills to all their students.
Along with competitive courses and coaching, this school also provides other key facilities such as a library, cooking kitchen, science and computer labs, a large auditorium, and more.
Dedicated and experienced staff here put their hands together to establish highly successful rules to support teamwork and leadership.
Named after the basketball team – Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bulls College Prep is a part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.
This school aims at organizing learners for their graduation, by teaching them respectable personality, self-discipline, and a healthy standard of living.
Caring staff at this community provides valuable instructions to students to sculpt them in an academically sophisticated environment.
Along with creating knowledgeable and educated citizens, this college preparatory high school provides an opportunity to learn agriculture and develop marketing skills in learners.
Their mission is to change the illustration of built-up agriculture, by producing technologically advanced graduates. This Midwest attracts students and parents for its inventive curriculum, failure avoidance and excellent motivation for students.
Named after George Henry Corliss, an American engineer, this high school provides all necessary support for student to make sure that all whom they educate are really successful.
They also offer Advanced Placement coursework as well as exams for learners. Many reports have already proven this school student’s proficiency in math as well as reading.
Hope this list helps you choose the best school to build your child’s career.
Sexual offenses are of different types. Rape, child molestation and sexual abuse are the most common. Rapists commit rape, child molesters sexually abuse minors and sexual abuse is forceful sexual contact.
Sex offenders use different modus operandi to lure or abduct their victims. Children are innocent and are unable to comprehend a predator’s actions.
Sex offenders can be found on the school buses and off the school buses at bus-stops and near schools.
Sex offenders on school buses
Sex offenders manage to get on the school buses mainly when it has been parked at locations or when the driver leaves the bus unattended for a short while. This happens mostly when the children go out on field trips or school picnics.
Sex offenders, mainly interested in molesting children, pry open the doors of the bus or simply walk in. They hide behind the bus where the driver’s visibility is low. It is horrifying for all to find an offender amidst a bunch of students.
It is now mandatory that the drivers do a walk-through of the bus while entering or exiting a bus. This ensures that no one has entered and that the seats are empty. He has to do a front- to- back check of the bus before he lets the children in.
In some cases, the sex offender steals a school bus and drives it along the route found in the bus. This happens when the keys are left on the bus. Bus drivers have to take extra care to see that the keys are off the bus and the windows and doors are locked before he leaves the bus.
Sex offenders off school buses
School bus stops are normally decided upon by taking into consideration parental demands as well as traffic regulations. The potential hazard mostly overlooked is the proximity of the bus stops to sex offender’s homes.
It is dangerous to have children wait unsupervised near homes of habitual offenders with a past history of sexual abuse. Sexual predators stalk and abduct children. Locating stops at such places are causes for trouble.
School districts while charting the routes and fixing stops do not always succeed in steering clear of sex offender proximity. But they do heed to parental concerns and shift the stops as per their request.
Pre-cautions
A register with the police provide a list of sex offenders in a particular area. School districts can access them before fixing stops. These lists are available to transportation personnel and the public.
Several states publish data online with details of name, street address and photo and even criminal history of the sex offender. They are categorized as low, medium and high risk offenders. Medium and high-risk offenders are those who have committed violent crimes or who repeat offenses.
School officials are entitled to view this list. Parents and community members can access this list. It would be advisable to consult all parties concerned before a stop is fixed or moved. This will help in reducing potential danger to the children.
As the parent it would be advisable to do a pre-emptive check on the neighborhood for any sex offenders residing there. All registered offenders do not pose a threat as they may not be involved with children. It would be pertinent to be constantly aware of them and to not instigate a problem with them.
Parents have to chaperone their children to the bus-stop however inconvenient it may be. Chaperoning duties can be shared among parents of children using the same bus stop.
Even if the bus stop is moved from the vicinity of a sex offender he will still be in the neighborhood. Hence it would be wise to escort the child to the bus stop daily to ward off any unwanted situations.
School districts are to be notified by parents of any danger to their child’s safety. If alerted promptly the bus stops can be moved.
Each school district being different, the policy on sex offenders differ. It is best the parents update themselves and be aware of the policies.
Software used in school bus routing and scheduling have functions that alert the user when the bus stop is close to that of a registered offender. The application treats the student similar to that living on a hazardous road and creates a bus stop in front of the student’s residence.
Educating children, parents and community members about the possible predatory behavior of child molesters is essential. Distributing pamphlets, information, public announcements to parents, students, teachers, school staff, the care givers can create awareness of the potential problems. Persons who are frequently in touch with children should be wary and pay attention to any such individuals.
Educating the young students about the threats they may face from the apparently friendly strangers and known persons is necessary. Children of all ages have to be educated on unnatural behavior in an age-appropriate manner that they can comprehend.
Punishment
Sexual conduct against a child, predatory sexual assault, stalking a child, using a child in sexual acts, distributing indecent material to children, luring a child, aggravated assault on a child and persistent sexual abuse are crimes of sexual exploitation.
The maximum penalty for these crimes against children is 15 years of imprisonment and the minimum sentence is probation depending on the crime.
If the sex offender is a driver, they are permanently disqualified or banned for 5 years depending on the severity of the action.
Behavioral aspects
To detect sex offenders who are not registered is not easy. They skillfully manipulate the child, family and community with kindness and charm. His behavior is attributed to normal adult-child relations. His deviant intentions go unnoticed.
The sex offender gains access to the vulnerable child, gains the child’s trust, and assures the child’s secrecy to avoid disclosure. He will try to isolate the child from the rest.
Child molesters seek jobs that bring them into contact with children. They come as teachers, bus drivers, coaches or even counselors. In professional capacities the molester has access to the child alone after school hours or on field trips.
The chances of convicted sex offenders repeating an offense cannot be gauged accurately. Professionals dealing with them admit that a good number of them do re-offend.
Adult sex offenders are found unlikely to change in behavior even with counseling and help. Experts say that most of the offenders repeat if not given professional help.
No amount of technology can completely protect children from harmful situations. School and parents have to work together to offer protection to the children.
School districts constantly face the predicament of increasing expenses versus decreasing revenue. They have to provide education without compromising on quality.
Reducing operating costs involves controlling expenses by eliminating unnecessary spending or reducing costs to stay with the constraints of a budget.
The costs of day to day operations can be curtailed with close monitoring of factors that aid in reducing expenses.
1. Financial plan
The very first step for school districts is to draw up a financial plan within the budget provided. This can then be used as a benchmark to monitor progress and expenses.
The plan needs to list the cost of significant activities listed out for the academic session, the specific strategy to be used in carrying out the activities and the resources to be used to complete the activities successfully.
A periodic comparison of costs incurred in all schools in the district will serve as a tool to guide the schools on economizing expenses.
Shortfall faced in revenue points to poor management of resources. Any financial surplus or excess balances in the school districts indicate that the money is not being used wisely to improve the outcomes of the children. Hence balancing the budget is extremely crucial in effectively running a school.
2. Staffing costs
The cost of hiring personnel forms the major share of a school district’s budget. It is estimated that 80% of the budget is spent on employees.
Schools have to utilize their staff to the best effect. Hiring competent teachers reduce training costs. Support roles have to be created for the staff so that they can be deployed in lieu of staff absences.
Recruitment costs have to be kept to a minimum. Strategies to retain staff and reduce staff turnover have to be implemented. Reducing workloads help in staff retention.
Staffing needs to be flexible based on the number of students. At the start of academic sessions, the total number of students and teachers has to be tabulated.
Surplus teachers in any school may be deployed to schools facing shortage of staff instead of being kept idle. This will help in curtailing excessive recruitment.
Digital resources provided to teachers for lesson preparation saves time. Multiple users can use the resources saving expenditure in procuring them. Replacing manual attendance registers with automated ones saves expenses on stationery.
Teachers are to be deployed where they have maximum impact. This is to be decided from the results attained in the various activities.
Employment of two part-time staff to cover the duties of full-time employee results in an increase in health insurance costs. It is better to employ full-time employees to reduce costs.
3. Transportation costs
Expenses on fuel are the highest in transportation costs. A fleet of school buses catering to all the schools in the district will be beneficial in lowering transportation expenses.
A school bus plying on a single route may be scheduled to pick up students of different schools residing on that particular route. This reduces the need for separate buses for each school.
Implementing routing software ensures the routes taken by the buses are efficient and reasonable. The software minimizes the number of buses needed while optimizing transportation times.
This automatically reduces fuel consumption, the number of drivers and support staff, and wear and tear of the vehicle subsequently lowering expenses.
Cost of purchase of new buses can be shared between schools. The cost of maintenance too is shared. In case of breakdowns, replacement buses can be deployed from the fleet quickly saving cost and time. Prudent disposal of old buses will reduce the cost of major maintenance.
4. Utility bills
Another key factor to reduce expenses is to intentionally bring down the electricity bills. Lighting accounts for half of the electric bills in all schools.
Replacing standard light bulbs with energy efficient LED light bulbs and fixtures in all schools will drastically reduce energy consumption. Low watt compact fluorescent bulbs can be used in classrooms.
Automated systems to switch off all lights, fans and air-condition equipment at specified times can be installed. Occupancy sensors that automatically turn off the lights when no one is in the room can be installed in classrooms and other common areas to save energy and reduce the expenses on electricity.
To minimize heating and cooling costs programmable thermostats can be installed. This will help to minimize operating hours of the system in low occupancy areas like the gym and cafeteria. Regular maintenance of the filters maximizes efficiency and minimizes utility bills.
Another area of high energy demand is in the functioning of office equipment, computers, refrigerators and other appliances. All equipments are to be connected to surge protectors and have to be turned off when not in use during the night, over weekends and during holidays.
Installation of energy star equipment can save up to 50% on costs. Regular maintenance protects the appliances and detects leakages or short circuits if any.
Conditioning the users to more conservative ways of usage and energy-minded behavior will help in control of the utility bills. This includes the use of less water and turning off lights when leaving the area of operation.
5. Optimal use of resource and facilities
The administrators have to enforce the use of technology to reduce paperwork, printing and postage. E-mails and telephone messages have to be sent to communicate with schools and parents.
Online banking systems have to be adopted for payments thus eliminating the need for paper checks.
Leasing of lines for software and internet applications might turn expensive in the long run with rental costs being increased periodically.
A one-time investment, though heavy, will prove beneficial in cutting costs. The costs can be shared by schools functioning close to each other.
The school districts need to have a centralized purchase program wherein all the requirements are consolidated and supplied.
This type of procuring helps in obtaining volume discounts. They get better deals than buying at retail stores. This saves time and the need for
In today’s scenario where technology helps logistics immensely, it is not necessary to have large spaces for storage.
Purchase orders can be placed only when required, specifying the time and date of delivery, to avoid overstocking of materials. The districts can thus save on money spent on hiring warehouses and other storage spaces.
If the number of students and employees are higher in a school, catering in-house might prove cost-effective. School districts can think of a centralized kitchen supplying to all schools.
This involves transportation costs. Cost comparison between outdoor and in-house catering would be ideal before a decision is taken.
Building maintenance is an area which normally is overlooked and results in major expenditure. Implementation of regular building checks to detect problem areas is essential.
An in-house ad-hoc maintenance team would be ideal rather than maintenance providers. This team can be utilized for other services during down times.
An in-house ad-hoc maintenance team would be ideal rather than maintenance providers. This team can be utilized for other services during down times.
It would be advisable to have pamphlets distributed on energy conservation methods to students and staff.
Posters placed around the school stating the need for conservation of energy and resources will serve as constant reminders.
It is always worthwhile to collaborate with other schools to share details of processes and ideas to achieve economies of scale.
Regular evaluation of the school’s performance allows for better allocation of funds to the more successful activities.
Whatever the factors involved, general awareness to reduce expenses has to be created in all persons and activities involved. The efforts initiated on individual school levels will reflect on the school district’s success in reducing operating expenses.
Traffic congestion at school zones is a safety concern for all due to queuing up of vehicles and poor visibility ahead. It inconveniences parents, students, school authorities, school bus drivers, police, and the residential neighborhood. The number of school-going students being driven to school by private cars has risen considerably in urban areas. The growth in the use of cars by parents to drop off and pick up students sees fewer children walking or biking to school. Unanticipated traffic and a large number of students at the school gates at a time render all arrangements made by schools ineffective to control traffic congestion.
Steps to Reducing School Zone Traffic Congestion
Vehicle congestion at school entrances conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists coming to school. They may not have access to sidewalks. School parking areas may be unorganized. School buses may block the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists. Parents and motorists may display unruly behavior parking in no-zone areas, double parking, speeding or ignoring traffic restrictions.
A study on the movement of the traffic in and around the school would be the first step before rules for traffic reduction are set in place. Knowing the type of roads around, availability of parking spaces, type of vehicles – vans, buses, cars- that use the road, pedestrian safe ways are a necessity to drawing up traffic plans. 1. Education on Alternative Means of Transport: One of the best ways to ease school zone traffic congestion is to reduce the number of vehicles that converge at school gates during opening and closing times. Parents state traffic hazards, time constraints, distance, and bad weather as reasons for transporting their children to school. Parents have to be educated about the alternate modes of transport their child can avail of. They have to be appraised of the role they have in reducing school zone traffic congestion and increasing student safety. This information can be provided through leaflets or PTA newsletters. Parents and students have to be educated on the benefits of walking or cycling to school. The health aspect and the impact on the environment are to be incorporated into the curriculum so that students understand the concept and are encouraged to walk. The school can reward them with a point system. Students can join walking school bus programs where an adult escorts a group of children along a pre-determined route to school. Children living within walking distance of the school can avail of this method which keeps pedestrian safety in mind. The school bus is the best option for students who live further away from school. Studies show that an approximate number of 38 cars are required to transport an average busload of 45 children. Availing school bus services can reduce traffic congestion at school access points as well as on the roads. Car-pooling is another option for students living in close-by locations. 2. Access points The number of entry and exit points in school has to be regulated. Larger the number of these points, greater will be the congestion. Situating these entrances and exits around the school where the road is bigger or accessibility to parking spaces is nearer will reduce the congestion.
Students walking or cycling to school have to be provided with separate entrances and exits. This will reduce the risk of accidents and traffic hold-ups around the school. Students should not be allowed to ride their cycles within the school premises. All-access points have to be locked during school hours and opened only when students have to be let in and out. Security guards have to be stationed at all access points. 3. Pick up and Drop off points Pick up and drop off points have to be designated for cars and buses. A dedicated drop off zone away from the parking area will help in improving traffic flow. The use of alternate routes in and out of school has to be encouraged so that all vehicles do not congregate in one location. School volunteers or staff can escort children from car to school. This will quicken the drop-off process.
Directing different types of traffic to different locations around the school can help reduction in congestion. Bus pick-up and drop-off are assigned to one area while parents pick and drop in another area. Staff can be provided parking on a different side. 4. Parking Temporary parking spaces for pick-up and drop-off can be created by using sign-boards for peak hours only. Parking spaces near schools in urban areas can be very limited. Unless the school has a dedicated parking area it is extremely difficult to get parking slots near the school. City councils and district councils may be approached for additional space which might infringe into neighboring areas. Consent of neighbors is essential and hence a plan can be negotiated with them for utilizing the space only during school hours after which it will remain vacant for their use. High school children driving to school have to be given clear instructions and lessons on how to park in the areas assigned to them. 5. Traffic Conditions The timings of traffic lights in the area can be revised if necessary to suit the school period. This requires coordination with the local traffic authorities and the adjacent residential areas. Re-routing of streets will force drivers to seek alternative routes. ‘No entry’ or ‘One-way’ signs on roads leading to the school can divert traffic away from the school. Road humps can be installed to reduce the speed of vehicles.
Increased police patrolling during peak hours can be of help. Double parking, waiting in no parking zones, parking across driveways and parking too close to pedestrian crossings can be curtailed with patrolling. Doubling of traffic fines for parking offenses and speeding in the school zones are deterrents and reduce congestion. 6. School Timings Start and finish timings for elementary, middle and high school students can be staggered. Though it might prove inconvenient for parents who have children in all sections, the staggering of school timings can reduce traffic to a large extent.
There is no single solution to traffic management to avoid congestions at schools. Traffic issues differ for each school depending on their size and location. Though the general guidelines can be followed each issue has to be analyzed and dealt with accordingly.
School buses are considered to be the safest means of transportation for students in every country, mainly because these buses meet federal regulation.
Each country follows its own standards and principles in maintaining safety in school bus transportation. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards, school buses should be different in design and must be protected by the law, unlike passenger vehicles.
The administration also recommends compartmentalization as an ideal option for large buses to protect students from crashes. At the same time, small school buses should come with lap or shoulder belts for all seats, which provide better security.
According to the Roads and Transport Authorities across the globe, school buses
should not exceed the maximum speed of 80 km per hour
must come with red, yellow and other light indicators system to alert when the bus stops
should feature mirrors system that shall show all sides of the bus
floor must be covered by combustible, non-slippery rubber
must accommodate electronic door opening and closing mechanism under driver’s control
should implement a speed control device that adheres to the standards provided by the schools
Based on the standard school bus transportation guidelines followed in different countries, let us discuss 18 best practices that improve student’s safety in school buses.
For Drivers
As school bus accidents are rising, drivers need to be very cautious to prevent such disasters. The irresponsible behavior of the drivers’ is considered to be a key factor that causes such accidents.
1. Make sure that the bus you drive include all sort of safety features including stop arms and flashing lights, cross-view mirrors and emergency exits
2. Also check for stop arms, bus-empty signs, secure seating, first-aid box and fire extinguishers
3. Focus on high crash standards and rollover protection features
4. Check whether the bus is parked in a safe area
5. Pre-trip inspections should also be conducted consistently and thoroughly
6. Follow certain safety procedures that would be helpful to escape from any hazards just like active shooting or hijacking
7. Also let the students know those safety features so that they are sure of their security.
For Parents
Parents are responsible for educating their kids on key basic rules of safety. They must make sure to take the children to the stop at least five minutes early before the scheduled time of the bus. They should –
8. Make the children familiar with their stop and educate children on the importance of traffic safety
9. Teach your kids to stand a few steps away from the road and get into the bus only after it comes to a complete stop
10. Recommend using handrails when they are getting in to and even while getting down from the bus and tell them to fasten seat belts if it’s available
11. Ask them to take the help of the driver in case if anything gets dropped out of the bus and they have to get back them
12. Teach the importance of seat belts in preventing injuries in case of any accident and ask them to go directly to a seat as soon as they get in to the school bus
13. Also train kids to discuss with them or with the school management of any offences committed by the driver or students
For Schools
School authorities can consider implementing certain policies that ensure student transportation safety such as
14. Allowing only authorized drivers and assigned vehicles to enter and leave the school premises
15. Using technology and artificial intelligence options to prevent any hijacking or bus theft
16. Make sure that a staff is strictly present in the bus
17. Provide periodic training for drivers on how to handle students as well as any situation in the bus
18. Emergency evacuation training of a school bus helps students, drivers and support staff to handle any critical situation
Some schools have installed combi-booster rear transmitter device that provides building access cards that are meant to secure the buses as well as the yard.
Once the building access card is inserted into the device, gate will open only if it perfectly matches the combination of bus and driver for that specific time slot to enter or exit the yard.
Schools can also take advantage of advanced software options available to manage tasks such as bus fare collection, unplanned trips, routing and more.
For schools that consider outsourcing their transportation tasks, make sure to choose a company with experience in achieving streamlined transportation operations.
GPS Trackers Help Schools and Parents Track School Bus
High-definition GPS systems are now available that help parents and school administrators to track the correct location of the school bus, in case of any delay or missing.
With real-time details, parents can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from realizing that their kids are safe. An ideal GPS tracking device can help to
know whether a particular student is present on the assigned bus or have got off the bus
track any school bus routes
notify any discrepancies that occurred
These GPS tracking apps on mobiles can offer both security and convenience.
Apps along with GPS tracking devices helps parents of all classes and even special education students to get on-time updates of the bus routes – to and from school. They can also be aware of any weather or traffic delays.
Now most buses also feature cameras that help school officials to solve theft or any other mishappenings. Cameras are also helpful in finding other drivers who make any fuss by ignoring these stop signs.
While using cameras in buses, schools should also educate their employees on ways to use the video system perfectly.
School buses are specifically designed for the role of safe transportation of students to and from school. The design for school buses is based on the safety specifications and regulations stipulated by the authorities.
Hence school buses have evolved into a category different from the normal buses and are built by specific manufacturers.
The current set of stringent rules to reduce environmental pollution and health hazards has led schools into buying buses running on fuels other than diesel. Electric buses are found to be the best alternative to diesel powered vehicles.
Zero emissions reduce environmental pollution. The quiet engines create no noise pollution. There is a large saving on fuel costs. It is expected that by 2030 all schools will have converted their school bus fleet into electric.
Top Electric School Bus Manufacturers
1. Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird Corporation is a public company with Cerberus Capital as majority stakeholder operating since 1932 from Georgia. They produce school buses fueled by diesel, gasoline, propane, CNG along with fully electric buses.
Blue Bird was awarded a grant of US $ 4.5 million in 2016 to develop electric school buses. They produced two models – Type C and Type D – and marketed them in 2018. The power-train has been developed by Adomani and EDI.
The electric buses have a lithium-ion battery of160kwh capacity. The design provides a range of up to 120 miles. Blue Bird offers a seven year warranty on the battery. They also include a charging station that can recharge at a stretch or overnight.
Blue Bird was the first to produce electric school buses in
1994. Over the years, the advances in technology, especially in battery
technology has helped in building more efficient electric buses.
2. IC Bus
IC Bus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation. Founded in 2002 the company has its corporate office in Illinois, assembly factory in Oklahoma and parts fabrication unit in Arkansas.
IC introduced their concept Type C electric school bus
called ChargE. The bus has a quiet drive-train from Volkswagen and produces no
emissions. The ChargE has a range exceeding 120km and the power-train can
deliver up to 260kw. This electric bus is set to launch in late 2019.
3. Thomas Built Buses Inc
Thomas Built Buses Inc is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the parent company of Mercedes Benz. Thomas was founded as early as 1916 when it was known as Perley A. Thomas Car Works operates from North Carolina.
Thomas developed ‘Jouley’ a Saf-T-Liner eC2, a Type C electric bus named after joule the unit of energy. This bus has an average range of 100 miles between charging stations.
With additional battery packs, higher ranges can be achieved. It takes 3 hours to recharge a battery capacity of 180kwh.They are powered by batteries from Proterra, a leader in battery management systems for heavy-duty electric vehicles.
Jouley claims zero emissions, exportable power and near-quiet
operations. Students will be able to directly plug into the vehicle portals to
charge their computers, lap tops and phones. Jouley is expected to go into
production in 2019.
4. Collins Bus Corporation
Collins Bus Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of REV Group. Founded in 1967 and operating from Kansas.
They have introduced a Motiv Powered Type A electric school
bus in 2018. The buses have a range of 75 miles and a battery capacity of
106kwh. It requires 8 hours to fully charge the battery pack.
The new Type A Electric model is in addition to their existing
alternative fuel fleet of school buses powered by propane and CNG.
5. Micro Bird Inc
Micro Bird Inc is a joint venture of Girardin Minibus and Blue Bird. The company is situated in Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1935, Micro Bird introduced a Type A electric powered Micro Bird G5 Electric School Bus in 2017.
With zero-emissions, the G5 offers the cleanest drive-train. The electric bus has no transmission which results in reduced maintenance and service requirements.
6. Starcraft Bus
Starcraft Bus is a division of Forest River Inc., Indiana, and Established in 1997. In 2009, Starcraft in a joint venture with Hino motors (a division of Toyota), developed a prototype of a new Type C vehicle.
But this did not go into production. In 2016, they developed a Type B bus on a Ford chassis to use alternative fuel sources which is presently being manufactured by them.
Forest River, Phoenix Motor cars and Creative Bus Sales have
joined together to develop, build and market electric school buses. Phoenix
Motorcars supplies electric drive-trains to Forest River for school buses built
by them on the Ford chassis. Creative Bus Sales will be the sole representative
for vehicle sales and service.
The electric buses powered by electric drive-train
technology will have a range of130miles on a single charge. They will be
equipped with telematics solutions providing real-time operating information
and remote diagnostic techniques. Starcraft electric buses powered by Phoenix
will be available in 2019.
7. Lion Electric Company
Previously known as Lion Bus, was renamed in 2017 as a focus towards producing electric vehicles. Lion produces Type C buses. They produce diesel fuel buses and also the fully electric school bus ‘eLion’.
Lion uses composite materials instead of steel for the bus
bodies thus minimizing corrosion. Lion manufactures its own chassis, body and
battery packs. This allows them to use the best technology keeping manufacturing
costs low. Thus they offer their best models at most affordable prices.
The eLion C bus is available in ranges of 50, 75 and 100
miles. Battery packs of 130kwh are used. An on-board single-phase charger is
used for charging. The company plans to introduce two more models- eLion A and
eLion M.
8. Trans Tech
A division of Transportation Collaborative Inc. operates from New York from 2007. Trans Tech manufactures Type A, fully electric school bus ‘eTrans’ and SST-e. Trans Tech school buses have the longest running ranges. The eSeries are powered by Motiv Power Systems, California and have been in commercial operation since 2014.
The buses are built on Ford E450 chassis. The power-train control system supplied by Motiv is compatible with a wide variety of batteries and chassis. A single battery from a pack can be changed without replacing all the batteries in the pack.
The SST-e model comes with four or five battery packs providing a running range of up to 100 miles. The on-board fast charging technology enables the battery to attain 50% charge in less than an hour and full capacity in 8 hours. The low cost 3 phase charging eliminates the requirement of expensive charging stations.
9. GreenPower Motor Company
Builds electric vehicles. They are into manufacture of Type D buses from 2007. They operate from Canada with their assembly unit at California. GreenPower Synapse 72, introduced in 2017, is a zero-emission Type D school bus.
The basic model has a battery capacity of 100kwh which can be raised to 200kwh depending on charging needs of the bus. The on-board charging system is an added feature.
GreenPower sources its components from global suppliers- drive motors from Siemens, axles from ZF, brakes from Knorr and dash control systems from Parker.
The limiting factor in considering the use of electric
school buses is the cost of the bus and charging of batteries. With the
continuous improvement and research on battery technology, the prices of
batteries can be bought down and solve the charging issues .Cleaner fuels
contribute to cleaner parts and a longer engine life.
Manufacturers are hoping to work with bus operators, school
authorities, government officials, and utility companies to provide a
comprehensive solution encompassing charging infrastructure, vehicle technology
and financial support.
