Tag: school bus safety

Safety Threats at School Bus Stops and How to Deal With Them

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

There are a lot of things that can be done to ensure school bus safety. A School Bus Monitoring System or an RFID School Bus Tracking System can be used to track the school bus location and students.

But, people do not think much about the safety concerns at school bus stops. Also, the above mentioned technology cannot help to deal with them. It is up to the parents and school authorities to understand and overcome these safety threats.

Some of them include:

Location of the school bus stop

The location of the school bus stop is the primary concern while considering student safety. Sometimes, they may be in locations infamous for offences like sexual abuse, kidnap etc.

What can be done?

While planning school bus routes, schools authorities can check the location for any anomalies before finalizing it for the school bus stop. Even parents can report to the school authorities if they have any knowledge about the same. This can help in ensuring the safety of students.

Crossing lanes to reach the bus stop

Sometimes, students have to cross roads to reach the bus stop. Usually, when the school bus arrives, roads tend to be busy. Therefore, it becomes risky for the students to cross. It is the same scenario when students alight in the evening.

What can be done?

School authorities can train the school bus drivers to check the roads and signal the students to cross. In case it doesn’t work, parents and school authorities can ask the students to be a little early to their bus stops. This can prevent them from rushing when the school bus arrives. Also, ask them to look both ways before crossing the road to reach the bus stop.

Speeding vehicles at the bus stops

It’s a familiar scene where a vehicle almost flies past a school bus at the bus stop, risking the lives of students. Most accidents in school bus stops happen due to this. Though rules and regulations exist to control such situations, people rarely comply with them.

What can be done?

Ask the students to stay a few meters away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop in the morning or until it departs from the bus stop in the evening. Also, ask them not to go to the right side of the bus while it is stopped at the bus stop. School authorities must train the school bus drivers to check for the same. This can help in avoiding unwanted accidents.

Kids getting underneath the school bus

Some students have the habit of creeping under the bus without the knowledge of the school bus drivers. They fail to realize how this act of theirs can cost their lives. Unfortunately, many students have already lost their lives in such accidents.

What can be done?

Parents must make their children aware of how such unsafe practices can prove to be fatal. Also, the school authorities can train the school bus driver to get down and ensure that there is no student under the bus. If any adult is present at the bus stop, the school bus driver can ask them to ensure that there is no one underneath the vehicle.

Usage of technology cannot really eliminate the threats at school bus stops. Parents and school authorities must work together for that. Parents must talk to their kids about the measures that can be taken at the bus stop. Also, school authorities must train the drivers to take necessary steps to make sure that the students remain safe at bus stops.

Bus Route Optimization Tips for School Bus Safety and Economy

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

As a school authority, it is your responsibility to find an alternative to every aspect of education that is cost-effective but does not lack in performance. The same applies to school buses. Optimizing school bus routes is a way by which you can save money and ensure school bus safety.

Here are some tips you can follow to achieve it:

Keep accurate student information

It is important to maintain up-to-date information about students traveling in a particular bus route. This can help in taking quick decisions.

Details like general information, safety information, emergency contacts and special requirements must be stored in one location. It becomes easy to access at times of emergency.

Store driver information centrally

Use School Bus Tracking Software to keep track of the school bus drivers’ performance. You can get information like document scheduling info, attendance, recertification testing and traffic violations using the software. This information comes in handy at times of driver license renewal, payroll calculation etc.

Maintain a fleet record

Keep a fleet record with information such as fleet type, capacity, special equipment and inspection date stored in it. This can help you in maintaining the vehicles on time and saving unwanted repair costs.  Also, understanding the capability of the school bus fleet helps you in effective school bus route optimization.

Encourage groupings of bus stop

The school bus has to stop every two minutes to let students get in. This is the case of most school buses around the world. However, the practice leads to increased fuel consumption, which is a loss for the school.

Instead, you can plan school bus stops to where about 5 to 6 students belonging to the same area can walk to board the bus. This reduces the number of bus stops and helps in saving fuel costs.

Update school bus routes

Bus route optimization is all about following cost-effective options while ensuring school bus safety.  Try bus route variations without affecting the current bus routes to maintain balance and efficiency. Also, this helps you to identify the most effective bus route.

Define school specific rider zones 

When you define school specific rider zones, you only transport riders who are eligible. This also helps in avoiding zones that pose threat to the students and ensure school bus safety.

Rearrange district boundaries

Considering the time a school bus takes to pick the students and return back to school before classes begin, rearrange the district boundaries. You can also try combined routes. This helps in cutting down fuel and fleet maintenance costs.

Use a School Bus Monitoring System

With a School Bus Tracking Software, you can get all information about a school bus like the distance travelled, fuel consumption and so on. This information can then be used to analyze the areas where you can cut down the costs.

The software also keeps track of the performance of school bus drivers. You will get to know details of deviation of school bus route, over speeding etc. This helps you in ensuring school bus safety. Also, you can take measures to improve the drivers’ performance.

Use RFID School Bus Tracking System to track students

This is one way you can ensure the safety of students in the school bus. Students can use the RFID tags attached to their school ID cards to swipe in the card reader installed in the school bus. This marks their attendance and the message will be immediately sent to parents and school authorities. This helps you in noticing whether a bus stop has been missed. Also, you can know from where a student boarded the bus and where they alighted.

Accurate routing and planning

Manual routing and planning may not work every time. Also, it may be prone to errors. You can rely on School Bus Tracking Software for automatic routing and planning. You just have to verify the school bus routes generated by the software and make necessary changes. This helps in the generation of optimized school bus routes within a short span of time. Also, you can save time and costs in terms of fuel and labour.

Things Parents Can Do To Ensure School Bus Safety

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

It’s “back to school” time!

Many kids are starting school this year. So, parents will be naturally concerned about them. The feeling is no different for parents whose children study in higher classes. Their concerns start from the moment the students board the school bus in the morning. It continues until they are back in the evening.

Instead of being concerned, why not contribute to school bus safety? After all, it is not the responsibility of the school bus drivers and school authorities alone. Parents have some responsibilities as well. You can prepare your children to ride safe in the following ways:

Keep your children safe

Make sure that your child does not reach the bus stop early or too late. When they reach too early, they may have an urge to be mischievous. Also, they may rush to catch the already moving bus when they become late, which is unsafe.

Ask your children to come back home if they miss the school bus. In case they miss the bus at school, ask them to report it to any school authority. Tell them to never accept ride from a stranger.

Bus safety rules

Most schools have bus safety guidelines meant for students.  Sit down with your children and discuss about the rules together. Make the children understand the importance of following the rules.

Meet the school bus driver

It is always good to know be informed about the driver of the school bus your child commutes in. Introduce yourself and your child to the driver. Also, ask their name. This can make you less worried. Also, acquaintance with the driver can make your child feel comfortable to ask for help at times of need.

Apart from that, share these tips with your children that they should follow to ensure school bus safety:

At the bus stops

  • Stay away from the road
  • Be punctual so that you don’t have to rush when the bus reaches the stop
  • Do not board the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the brake lights are on
  • Do not rush to board the bus. Wait quietly in a line for your turn, instead
  • Do not raise your voice at the bus stop. However, you can speak quietly
  • Before you cross the road to board the bus, look both ways to ensure that there are no vehicles on the road

On the bus

  • Always follow the instructions of the school bus driver
  • Take your seat and sit properly. If the children are young, parents should ask them to sit in view of the school bus driver
  • Do not stand when the bus is moving
  • Hold school bags in your lap or place them in the areas provided on the bus
  • You can talk to your friends, but in a low voice. Do not distract the school bus driver
  • Keep your head and arms inside the bus. Do no throw anything out of the window when the bus moves
  • Do not eat while the bus is moving. You may choke on the food when the bus goes over a hump
  • Never fight, shout or play in the bus

While leaving the bus

  • Do not push or shove while getting off the bus. Let people in front of you alight first
  • Hold the handrails while boarding and alighting the bus
  • After you get off the bus, step away to a safer place, for example, a pavement, and wait until the bus leaves
  • If you want to cross the road after getting off the bus, walk at least 3 meters ahead. Then, wait for the school bus driver to signal you to cross
  • In case you drop something near the bus while getting down, do not pick it up immediately. Inform the driver first

Schools might have taken extra measures like School Bus Monitoring System to ensure school bus safety. Following the above-mentioned tips can help in strengthening it.

Ways to Improve Fleet Driver Performance

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

A school bus driver is an important asset for a school. However, some of the practices they follow can cost the school a huge amount. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the performance of school bus drivers. This can help in cutting down costs, in terms of labour, fuel and maintenance. It can also help in ensuring school bus safety.

Initially, they may refuse to change. But, you can try these tips to improve your school bus drivers’ performance:

Motivate

Being appreciated can boost anyone’s confidence. Also, it will encourage them to strive harder. Appreciate the school bus drivers for their good performances, in terms of driving style, safety measures they take etc. Also, criticize in a positive tone whenever required.

Give feedback

It should be mutual. You can provide feedback to the drivers about their performances. You can engage all drivers while providing feedback and compare their performances in a positive manner. This can instil healthy competition among the drivers. Also, lend an ear to what they have to say. Listen and take necessary actions if they complain about student behaviour problems or any other issues.

Track their performance

Use School Bus Tracker software to track the performance of school bus drivers. You will get all information about their performance, good or bad, using the software. When the drivers are aware that they are being watched, they are less likely to be careless.

Reward them

Acknowledge the school bus drivers for their good performance. Provide them occasional incentives for anything good they do. It includes taking safety measures, reducing fuel consumption etc.  You can use School Bus Tracker software to track the performance of the drivers. Reports on fuel consumption, distance travelled, unscheduled stops etc. can be generated using the software. Also, provide them with free lunch on days when they have to stay in schools on days of school trips or the sort.

Seminars

Hold seminars or classes occasionally for the school bus drivers to let them know how a good gesture from their side can be beneficiary.  Talk to them about how that can alter their performance to improve fuel efficiency and lessen maintenance costs. Inform them about the policy changes happening in the school, if any, and how it can positively benefit them. Also, give them the opportunity to clarify their doubts and to clear misunderstandings.

School bus driving is one of those jobs where their efforts are not recognized. Rewarding the school bus drivers occasionally with few bonuses or incentives is going to improve their performance. You will get a safe driver rather than huge bills of damages and fatalities due to careless driving. Also, your school transportation services will be improved in the process.

10 Quick Tips to Manage Your Fleet More Efficiently

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Fleet management is not at all an easy task. However, a few right steps by the fleet managers can give big results. While managing a school bus fleet, you have to look into all aspects of it like school bus safety, cost management, driver accountability, etc.

School bus tracking software can help you out in this. It takes just a few smart strategies to manage your school bus fleet efficiently.

Here are certain quick tips for you to manage your fleet efficiently:

1. Technology

You can make use of technology to lessen your efforts. School Bus Tracking software can help in managing fleets efficiently by analysing fuel consumption, reducing costs in terms of fuel and labour, and in ensuring school bus safety.

2. Enhance Productivity

Inefficient planning of school bus routes and poor performance by drivers can increase fuel consumption and can be a threat to school bus safety. If buses do not reach destinations in time, the school’s reputation will suffer. School bus fleet tracking allows fleet managers to track school bus fleet and improve routing and planning.

This can help them to keep track of the school bus drivers’ performance and help improve the drivers’ productivity. It allows drivers to manage their time and reach places without delay.

3. Remind Drivers of their Responsibility

School bus drivers are an important part of a school. However, at times, they can cause problems that can affect the reputation of their school. Therefore, it is necessary to make the drivers aware of their responsibilities.

Using a School Bus Tracking Software can help you track the performance of the school bus drivers. When they know that they are being watched, there are chances that the drivers would be ready to take up responsibilities.

You can thus eliminate problems like unnecessary fuel consumption, inappropriate vehicle use etc. Better driving habits will result in lesser accidents, moving violations and vehicle wear and tear. Also, you can guarantee enhanced school bus safety.

4. Maintain School Bus Fleet on Time

When a school bus breaks down, it takes days to repair it. It can cost the school lots of money and time. Also, you have to substitute another bus on the same route. This can cause delay in the school bus reaching the destined stops in time.

Here, you can use School Bus Tracking Software to monitor the school bus fleet and to schedule the maintenance. Maintenance at the right time can help you avoid unwanted costly breakdowns.

Also, buy and store vehicle parts in advance. It will be helpful during times of unplanned repair.

5. Meet Expectations

It is not easy for a school to maintain its reputation. Every aspect of the school has to be taken care of, to meet people’s expectation. You can integrate technology into school bus fleet management to make things easier and accurate.

For example, you can use a School Bus Tracking Software to track the location of the school bus and performance of the drivers. Thus, you can avoid any kind of anomalies and ensure the safety of students. Also, you can cut-down costs of school in terms of fuel and labour.

6. Fuel Card

You can negotiate in terms of money by directly contacting with a fuel card provider. This will reduce the fuel consumption cost to a larger extent. This also plays a major role in better fleet management.

7. Go Paperless

Reports, permission slips, route maps, student detail were once used to do manually. But luckily, now all these can be stored in the cloud. By doing this, you can easily find the details if needed in the future. This will help you in managing your fleets efficiently as having easy and quick access to details saves time always.

8. Parent’s Satisfaction

Usually parents want the school transport to be safe, comfortable and punctual. But unpredicted traffic in the route can cause delay to reach the assigned bus stops on scheduled time.

This issue can come to an end with school bus tracking system as this system is integrated with parent app with which parents can track real-time location of their kid’s school bus.

9. Lessen Idle Time

Unnecessary idling can waste fuel and increases fleet maintenance costs. There are many things which help to reduce idle time such as turning off the engines when the vehicles are not in motion, obeying anti-idling rules, etc. Reduce the idle time can help you in maintaining the fleet efficiently. 

10. Secure your Fleet Drivers

Positive driving habits can improve safety of the fleet driver. Now you can monitor driver behaviour including issues such as hard braking, over speeding etc with the fleet manager app integrated with school bus tracking system.

With this you can reduce fuel costs and can also reduce the risk of accidents resulting in a better fleet management.

Effective fleet management can help you cut down the extra costs. Lower costs can help in improving the revenue which you can invest in other areas of the school.

The Role of Software in Preventive Maintenance of Your School Bus

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Vehicle parts undergo constant stress. The list of problems related to it include over idling, faulty parts, mistreatment, rough braking etc. Therefore, it is important to have the vehicles maintained and inspected on a regular basis. Every organization, be it a school or a company would want to do the maintenance efficiently. However, when you deal with a school bus fleet, managing the maintenance schedule is not going to be easy. If you skip a day’s maintenance, you may be challenging school bus safety.

Fleet managers can manage maintenance schedule with the help of fleet management software. The money you spend on implementing software is very less compared to the cost of a vehicle break down, in terms of benefits.

How fleet management software can make things easy

You can’t always keep track of the routine maintenance schedule manually. Also, you can mess up with the dates especially if it is a busy day. However, a fleet management software can make things lot easier.

With the software, you can set schedules ahead of time when each school bus has to be maintained. Once you set that, your task is done! When it’s time for maintenance, you will be notified in the upcoming schedule list. Also, mails will be sent automatically to the school bus drivers. These e-mails can be easily converted into a work order once the school bus is in the workshop.

You can also manage your school bus fleet maintenance on time by having parts for services and repairs stocked in advance. You will not have to rush and panic at the time of the maintenance if you have all the parts ordered in advance. Also, you will have all the parts handy in case of unexpected repairs. You don’t have to wait for the vehicle parts to come in to start the repairs. This can help save money as well as time. You can monitor the parts and usage with your regular maintenance.

Once the school buses are placed in the workshop, there are lots of things to be checked and tracked. You will have to check the engine, oil, ball joints, tires, lights etc. You will have to keep all the information updated and have them maintained on a regular basis for long life of the vehicle. Also, regular maintenance can help you keep check of problems so that they won’t be a trouble in future.

You can’t afford to delay the maintenance of your school buses. This can affect the reputation of the school and no school would want to ruin their reputation. If you don’t keep your maintenance schedule, it will lead to panic and havoc at the last moment. Preventive maintenance is the best way to deal with last minute chaos. With fleet management software, school bus maintenance can be planned, performed and tracked efficiently within a short period of time.

How to Identify High-Risk Drivers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Every job has got a fair share of risks. If it is a company, the risk can be in the faulty products or inefficient employees.  In a school, school bus fleet management is the most risky affairs.

Fleet managers of the school are most prone to risks mainly while hiring a new school bus driver. An at-risk driver can cost the school in terms of damage to the school bus fleet or additional fuel costs. As a result, the fleet manager who hired the driver will be in trouble.

Assessing a driver

Before you hire a school bus driver, you must always check their previous driving record. A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is the best tool for that. This report will give you an insight of the driver’s previous driving record and ensure that they possess a valid driving license. In an MVR, various types of violations are mentioned in the following ways:

Equipment violations– Broken glass, non-functioning signals etc.

Permit violations-Expired driver’s license, registration etc.

Traffic rule violations-Disobeying traffic rules, illegal lane change etc.

Moving violations– Over speeding, reckless driving, DUI etc.

These violations are then classified into different levels, considering the risks.

Level I- equipment or permit violations

Level II- Traffic rule violations

Level III-Serious moving violations (following too closely, crossing speed limit etc.)

Level IV- Critical moving violations (DUI, over speeding, reckless driving etc.)

Level I violations are not that risky. Level II violations pose a slightly higher risk. However, Levels III and IV violations are at a far greater risk with irreversible consequences.

Now, for assessing an existing school bus driver, relying on an MVR is not enough. That is where a School Bus tracking Software comes to your rescue.

Integrated with GPS technology, the software helps in tracking the location of school buses. You can also track the performance of school bus drivers using the software. The software will keep you notified in case of unscheduled bus stops, over speeding etc.

The school authorities also get notified in case of anomalies. This can help schools to provide assistance in case of emergencies at the earliest.

School Bus tracking Software helps in generating reports on fuel consumption, distance travelled etc.  This can help in cutting down expenses and analysing if a parent’s complaint against a driver is true.

The risk factor

The risks that school bus drivers pose can be classified under three headings:

1. Safety

The school bus drivers may operate the school buses in an unsafe manner, risking their own lives along with that of others. This might be due to personal troubles or even a lack of knowledge about rules and regulations.

2. Security

School buses may be stolen or vandalized due to the careless attitude of school bus drivers. This can lead to huge financial losses for the school.

3. Efficiency

Some drivers use the school buses for unnecessary driving. As a result, the fuel will be misused, adding to expenses.

Fleet managers must be aware of these risks on to ensure school bus safety. Safety risk is what they should be aware of the most.

Analysing safety risk

Operating a school bus is not an easy task. However, many drivers have a casual attitude and they do not think much of the consequences. Due to this unsafe attitude of theirs, school buses are prone to risks that can affect the school, the driver and the public. Some of these risks include:

Physical damages

The most common risk in operating a school bus is obviously physical damage. Schools will have to pay large amount of money for repair, depending upon the intensity of damage caused, apart from the total loss.

Personal injuries

If the driver gets injured, schools will have to pay worker’s compensation. Also, depending on the injuries they might have, the driver won’t be able to work for days, weeks or even months. If the injury is serious, the school will have to pay the drivers in terms of insurance.

Liabilities

If there are other vehicles involved in the accident, schools will have to pay for both property damage as well as personal injuries.  If the injuries are too serious or if the accident is fatal, the school will have to pay a huge sum.

Reputation

If a school bus is involved in an accident and the school bus driver is accused of careless driving, the reputation of the school is going to stoop low.

Handling at-risk drivers

After giving the school bus drivers a background check, you must inform them about what the school expects from them. You must let them know about how their performance will be analysed and the consequences they have to face in case of violations.

Before the drivers are put to duty, provide them the MVR review so that they can read it and sign off. School policy related to school buses that contains any disciplinary actions for violation of rules must be reviewed by legal and HR department. It should be approved finally by the school management.

How to Handle Emergencies? Tips for School Bus Drivers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

Emergency Handling especially in case of kids is the top most priority for everyone. In case of school buses, the schools should train the drivers and helpers to act first and thus enhance the safety of kids.

While all the school bus must be equipped with a first aid box, the drivers should also be trained for handling emergencies and enabling school bus safety.

Here are few tips for it-

1. Training in First Aid – The drivers in the school bus are mostly in talks with the passengers. Most of them know the personal history of children. Giving them basic training on how to handle emergency in case of any issue how to provide first aid can really help. This might prove life-saving. This training can help them know when to evacuate the bus or even avoid situation improving school bus safety.

The drivers must also have all the emergency contact numbers with them.

2. Awareness – It is important to know where and when to vacate the school bus. While driving on a busy road, or on a blind curve, it is better to get the bus evacuated. Schools must provide guidelines and procedures on how to do it.

When shall the evacuation happen-?

1. Fire – In case of fire, smoke and poisonous gases will spread very fast.

2. Fuel Leakage – In case there is a leakage in fuel pipe, this may ignite fire and hence very dangerous.

A driver must be aware from where to make the exit. For instance, in case of the above examples the exit must be from the farthest point from the place of occurrence.

Suppose the air pressurized doors and windows get jammed due to a threat, the driver must ensure that there is no panicky and should be able to help the students till the emergency help arrives. The driver should be the best person to take a call in case of situations apart from mentioned above about the safety of the passengers.

3. Student Information – There should be a list of students containing information about the name, address, emergency contact number, a detailed physical description of the student. This may help to identify the students who are unconscious during the state of emergency.the name list should be placed near to the driver's seat so that emergency responders can fast account for the passengers.

4. GPS Tracker – Apart from driver's training it is also important that the bus must contain GPS tracking system which is accessible not only to the school but also to the students' guardians. The school bus tracker app can prove of great help.

Schools are advised to arrange for an interpreter in case there are language difference in students and

What Schools can do to ensure school bus safety-

1. Formulate protocols and guidelines for interviewing the new driver

2. Giving safety awareness, comprehensive training, and emergency handling drills to the drivers

3. Enabling a GPS tracking system in the bus. This can help schools to get the complete information about the position of the school bus.

4. Developing a GPS tracking app for the parents. With this App the parents can track the position of the bus, driver details, vehicle details, time for arrival at destination etc.

5. Conducting assessments for security and safety for the associated transport facilities.

6. Maintaining a database for all the students using school bus and transport with complete details of emergency contact numbers.

7. Having a first aid kit in the bus and giving training to the driver on its use

8. Having Emergency help on a call facility for all the school bus.

9. Arranging for clear communication between parents and the drivers. Also, schools should furnish the driver contact details to the parents.

These and other practices can help school bus drivers and school transportation staff become better prepared for safer travel.

5 Ways to Hire the Right School Bus Driver for Your School

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

 

“At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security”- Jodi Rell

Don’t think twice when you have the best! Yes, that’s right. School bus safety is something that has proved its worth. According to statistics, automobile death rate is eight times higher compared to school bus.

School bus is the right choice for school transportation. The security offered by school bus cannot be provided by any other means of transportation. Numerous factors contribute to the security of school buses. It is designed to reduce any possible accidents and its outcomes.

GPS tracking system never fails to track the school bus, RFID tags helps to locate the students and driver ensures better drive. The importance of school bus driver is crucial as far as the safety of the school bus is concerned.

The minimum job eligibility of a school bus driver is:

  1. 21 years or older
  2. The driving record should be safe
  3. School bus driver should possess a valid driving licence

Role of the driver

Operating a vehicle the size of the school bus is a difficult task which must involve the knowledge about laws, regulations and mechanical skills. Driver should also possess positive attitude towards work. Transportation of students to and from school is not that easy.

What the driver does for the school and the students should be respected. They are the prominent reasons why your children reach the school safe.  School bus safety depends on them.

Qualities you should prefer in a school bus driver:

There are some exceptional qualities that you must prefer for the school bus driver rather than just the eligibility criteria.

  1. The attitude is important

Positive attitude is really important in any job but more important in driving jobs. There might be days with bad moods and personal problems for a driver but you cannot let that reflect in your job.

A good driver is always prepared for the poor driving skill and aggressiveness of other drivers. School bus drivers must be mentally alert through out their shift.

Positive attitude leads to positive outcomes

  1. Make sure that the driver has got responsibility

The responsibility of a school bus driver is to transport students safely.  Ensure that the school bus driver does the job not for the sake of money. The driver should maintain interest towards his job.

The timing of the school bus is pre-fixed. Any negligence towards the job can affect the entire schedule. Over speed can also create problems.

You are responsible for your actions

  1. Ensure the documents

Before appointing a school bus driver, the documents he holds must be accurately checked. No compromise must be done while verifying the past records of the driver. The driver should possess a clean past driving record.

The person must be devoid of any criminal cases.  Double check the documents presented. Ensure that the best school bus driver is appointed for the post.  137 fresh cases filed in fake driving licence racket in Delhi alone.

Ensuring quality for our children is one of the most important things we can do to them

  1. No room for distractions

At no point should the bus driver loose his concentration during work. No matter what the personal problem is, a driver must never reflect them on his job.

Make sure that the driver you hire is serious about the job. Driving requires full attention at all times without fail.80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driver distraction as contributing factors.

Distracted driving is not less than aggressive driving

  1. They are important and special

Drivers play an important role in the society. Ensuring the safety of the children is not a simple task. The influence that a school bus driver exerts on the children is not small.

Children start their day at school with the school bus. Appreciate the school bus driver for the efforts from his part. The job is more a social service. Treat drivers with importance.

Give respect and earn more

Things You Should Know Before Buying a School Bus

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Is your school planning to buy a new school bus this year? If yes, here is some information which will help you to make a good choice.

Types of School Buses

a. Conventional buses

These are the bus models that school bus drivers are more comfortable with. Also, mechanics find it easy to work on. The front wheels of conventional buses are in front of the driver, and the engine compartment and hood are in front of the windshield.

b. Transit style buses

These bus models are becoming popular these days. They have a wheelbase of the same length as conventional buses with a larger seating capacity. Transit style school buses can also be made on shorter wheelbases.

There are 2 types of transit style school transportation:

(i) Rear engine buses

(ii) Front engine buses

Rear engine buses are more expensive but can clear any entrance way, without any obstructions. Drivers find the bus comfortable as they do not have to experience engine heat and noise. But, unlike other buses, the emergency door is not on the rear of the bus but on its sides. This will affect the seating capacity.

 

Ensure the following:

 

1. Relevant Laws: Check for laws to buy a new school bus or a used one in your country before purchasing it to avoid risks in future. It is necessary to ensure that you have cleared all formalities as a part of the final step to buying your school transportation.

2. Engine Condition: In case you are planning to buy a used school bus, the most important part you have to give attention to is the engine. You have to make sure that the engine is in working condition before deciding on buying your school bus transport. Finding about the usage of the bus in the past is a laborious task. But, it is always best to have details of actual mileage and the service history.

Generally old buses may not have had their engines replaced before they are put for sale. In case the bus you are looking for has had its engine replaced, ask the owner for the documentation.

Also, choose the engine according to the terrain you are expecting the bus to ride on. Generally, all buses may have been built to meet the standard needs. But, sometimes, you may need a more powerful engine. A larger engine does not have to work hard and therefore, lasts longer compared to a smaller engine, which works at its maximum capacity. With increase in engine size, there is a chance of increase in design capacity in transmission. You can ask the manufacture to match the design capacity in transmission.

3. Proper Documentation: This can help you determine the time frame when the engine was replaced, thereby helping you to calculate its future life.  You must ask for all necessary documentation before inheriting the vehicle to reduce the risk related to the purchase.

4. Quality Body Parts: School bus safety is important and therefore, you must check every part of the school bus thoroughly before purchasing it. The body of the school bus is to what you have to have to observe closely.  Ensure that the school bus is devoid of any rust or corrosion and that the steps are secure and that it has a solid floor. This can also help to determine the longetivity of the bus.

4. Safety Equipments: Another important fact you have to keep in mind is the installation of safety equipments in your school bus transportation to ensure school bus safety. Ensure that it comes with working air bags and anti-lock brakes. Since the passengers are students, it is important to give extra care to them and. Therefore, you can have a school bus tracker installed so that the location of the school bus can be traced and communication with the driver is possible. Also, it can help you to monitor the performance of the driver and fuel usage. This can help you save lots of money as well.

5. Seek the Help of an Expert: Finally, have the vehicle checked with an experienced mechanic to see whether it is in working condition before finalizing the purchase. The mechanic can reveal if there is any problem with the engine, brakes or any other parts.

The Risks

Buying used school buses can be lot cheaper but it is an equally risky affair. Things may go wrong; for example, the warranty might have expired and finding the parts will not be easy as manufacturers may have stopped manufacturing them. But, checking the vehicle history and condition and performing a proper maintenance can control the risks to some extent.