By Tim Gordon The responsibility of transporting children safely to and from school is a responsibility that Blue Bird Corporation takes seriously. As one of the most trusted names in school bus manufacturing, we understand that our passengers are the most precious cargo imaginable. That understanding drives our mission to go beyond industry standards, constantly innovating and improving safety features to protect students every step of the way. Built for Safety from the Ground Up At Blue Bird, safety is not an option; it’s a standard. Our buses are designed with a one-piece roof bow system, which acts as the skeletal structure of the vehicle. We were pioneers in introducing the Colorado Rack and Load Test and Kentucky Pole Test as standard safety evaluations. These tests ensure that the structural integrity of the school bus remains intact in the event of a rollover or other severe accidents. While other manufacturers once charged extra for these reinforcements, we have always considered them essential. Another key area of focus is fuel tank protection. Bus collisions, while rare, can pose a fire hazard if fuel systems are compromised. Through rigorous crash testing, we have developed side protection and shielding mechanisms to minimize the risk of fuel-related thermal events. Exceeding Federal Safety Standards Blue Bird has long been committed to surpassing the federal minimum safety requirements. It is not enough to meet the standard; we strive to exceed it in every aspect. Unlike commercial vehicle manufacturers which modify medium-duty chassis to fit a school bus structure, we design our buses from the ground up specifically for student transportation. This approach allows us to engineer features that enhance safety at every level. Enhancing Visibility One of the biggest safety challenges school bus drivers face is visibility. We have designed our conventional bus models to offer superior sightlines. Our buses allow drivers to see a child standing six inches shorter than they could in competing models, a seemingly small difference that can make a world of difference when it comes to preventing accidents. Additionally, Blue Bird buses come equipped with front and rear cameras as standard features. These cameras provide critical visibility when loading and unloading children, the moments when most school bus-related injuries occur. While not active during transit, they give drivers an extra set of eyes when it matters most. Pioneering Driver Safety with Airbags Blue Bird is the first school bus OEM in the industry to implement driver airbags as a standard safety feature. While school buses have long been recognized as one of the safest modes of transportation for students, driver protection has historically been a secondary concern. Recognizing that fatalities in school bus-related crashes often involve the driver, we introduced airbags as a proactive measure to enhance their safety. The Seat Belt Debate and NextGen Seating For years, industry discussions have focused on the necessity of seat belts in school buses. While compartmentalization—the design concept of padded, closely spaced seats—has been the traditional standard, Blue Bird has taken it a step further by integrating seat belts into its NextGen seating. Crash tests reveal that while compartmentalization is effective, it assumes students remain properly seated at all times. Realistically, children may shift, lean, or turn in their seats. Our seat belt-equipped designs ensure that students remain secured, reducing the risk of injury during a collision. To make seat belts more accessible, Blue Bird has worked to offset costs, ensuring that customers who choose IMMI-manufactured seats do not pay extra for seat belts. It’s a decision we stand by because safety should never be a premium feature—it should be standard. Improving Safety at Bus Stops Many school bus-related accidents occur outside the vehicle, particularly during loading and unloading. To address this, Blue Bird has introduced high-intensity LED lighting, ensuring that buses are visible in low-light conditions, such as early morning and late afternoon routes. Additionally, lighted stop arms and school bus signs enhance visibility, reinforcing traffic laws that protect children as they enter and exit the bus. Despite these efforts, some drivers still claim they “didn’t see the bus.” Our goal is to make school buses impossible to miss. With strobe lights and enhanced illumination, we are taking every step to ensure that students are visible and protected at all times. Electronic Stability Control and Collision Mitigation Technology continues to play a crucial role in school bus safety. Blue Bird was the first to introduce Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in our buses. Our Mobileye system, a passive collision avoidance system, provides real-time alerts to drivers, increasing their awareness of potential hazards. Unlike active systems that may take control of the vehicle, our approach allows drivers to remain in full control while benefiting from enhanced situational awareness. Committed to a Safer Future At Blue Bird, safety is not just a feature; it’s our philosophy. We don’t believe in simply meeting federal standards; we aim to exceed them at every turn. Whether through advanced structural integrity, improved visibility, driver protection, or the latest in technology, our mission remains the same: to provide the safest school buses on the road. Tim Gordon is senior vice president of Blue Bird’s Sales and Marketing. Visit www.blue-bird.com for more information.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of “Stats and Trends,” your monthly snapshot of key data shaping the school transportation landscape. Each month, we’ll spotlight timely statistics and insights from authoritative sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help industry professionals, policymakers, and educators stay informed and proactive. This month, we focus on school bus safety—highlighting both the strengths of current systems and areas where vigilance remains critical. School Bus Safety by the Numbers (provided by NHTSA)   School Bus Safety Overview: • Safest Mode of Transport: School buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, with less than 1 percent of all traffic fatalities involving children on school transportation vehicles. • Fatality Rate Comparison: The fatality rate for school buses is 0.2 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), compared to 1.5 per 100 million VMT for cars. Recent Trends: • Increase in Fatalities: There was a 23 percent increase in fatalities in school-transportation-related traffic crashes, from 104 in 2022 to 128 in 2023. School-Age Children Fatalities (2006–2015): • Total Fatalities: 301 school-age children died in school-transportation-related crashes. o Occupants of School Transportation Vehicles: 54 fatalities. o Occupants of Other Vehicles: 137 fatalities. o Pedestrians: 102 fatalities. o Pedalcyclists: 8 fatalities. Time of Day for Fatalities: • Peak Hours: More school-age pedestrians were killed from 6 to 7 a.m., 7 to 8 a.m., and from 3 to 4 p.m. than any other hours of the day. Crash Impact Points: • Front Impact: 45 percent of fatal school-transportation-related crashes involved impacts to the front of the school transportation vehicle. • Right Side Impact: 13 percent involved impacts to the right side. Illegal Passing of School Buses: • Enforcement Data: Automated camera systems in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, issued 5,890 and 2,090 citations respectively during a one-year project period for illegal passing of school buses. These statistics underscore the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of children in and around school transportation. By staying informed and adhering to safety protocols, we can work together to maintain and improve the safety record of school buses. For more detailed information and resources on school bus safety, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety page: nhtsa.gov

Presented by HopSkipDrive School districts face a complex challenge in providing transportation for students with special needs. It’s not just about getting these students to and from school — it’s also about ensuring their safety, well-being, and readiness to learn. The right transportation partner can be a game-changer, offering solutions that are effective and compassionate. Beyond the vital aspects of safety and compassion, a strategic transportation vendor can also unlock significant cost savings by helping districts optimize routes and minimize inefficiencies. But how do you find the right partner? The landscape of special needs transportation is evolving, with increasing emphasis on individualization, accessibility, and inclusion. Districts need a partner that demonstrates an understanding of these priorities, enables open communication about individual rider needs and preferences, and can deliver personalized services that meet the diverse needs of all students with disabilities. Here, we’re sharing some key considerations school districts should keep in mind when searching for a special needs transportation partner they can rely on. Accessibility and Inclusion: Beyond the Basics Accessibility in special needs transportation goes beyond wheelchair ramps. It’s about creating an inclusive transportation experience so that every student feels valued and supported. This means considering a range of needs, including sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, and communication differences. Transportation providers should demonstrate a commitment to accessibility in all aspects of their service, from different types of vehicles; to knowledgeable and empathetic employees; to safety-driven processes and technology that support a consistent, reliable experience for students with special needs. Questions to ask potential partners: • How do you ensure your vehicles and services accommodate students with diverse needs? • Can you provide examples of how you’ve adapted your services to meet individual student requirements? • What training do you provide on disability awareness and inclusive practices? Flexibility and Customization: Meeting Unique Needs Every student with special needs is unique, and their transportation needs will vary. School districts need a partner that can offer flexible and customized solutions. This might include specialized routing, adapted vehicles, or individualized support plans. Questions to assess flexibility: • Can your services accommodate a need for the next day and changes in ride schedules? • Do you have tools or processes in place to help ensure individual student needs, sensitivities, and preferences are met? • Do you offer a range of transportation options, such as individual rides or wheelchair-accessible vehicles? The Human Element: Caring for and Working with Children Special needs transportation is fundamentally a human service. The individuals who interact with students play a crucial role in their experience. Drivers and aides should possess a combination of professional expertise, caregiving experience, and genuine compassion. Transportation providers should have dedicated processes in place to ensure drivers and aides are prepared to handle a variety of situations with patience, empathy, and understanding. Evaluating potential partners: • What requirements do you have for drivers who work with students with special needs? • What kind of resources and support do you provide to them? • Do you provide aides, and can you accommodate school-provided aides? Technology and Communication: Enhancing Safety and Reliability Technology is a critical tool for improving safety, efficiency, and communication in special needs transportation. Features like real-time ride tracking, route optimization, and electronic communication and alerts provide greater transparency — and peace of mind — for both school districts and parents. Technology considerations: •Do you offer real-time tracking and communication tools for parents and school staff? • How do you use technology to ensure route efficiency and on-time performance? • What data security measures do you have in place to protect student information? Do you have verified security credentials, like a SOC 2 Type II attestation? Collaboration and Partnership: Working Together for Success Effective special needs transportation requires a strong partnership between the school district and the transportation provider. This means open communication, shared problem-solving, and a proven commitment to continuous improvement. The best partners are those who see themselves as an extension of the school district, and can demonstrate a track record of working collaboratively to support student success. Evaluating partnership potential: • How do you ensure open communication and collaboration with school districts? • What is your process for addressing concerns or resolving issues? • How do you measure and report on the effectiveness of your services? By carefully considering all of the factors outlined above, school districts can navigate the complexities of special needs transportation and find a partner that truly prioritizes the needs of their students. Learn more about how HopSkipDrive is partnering with schools all over the country to meet the diverse transportation needs of students with special needs, including offerings like wheelchair-accessible vehicles, Rider Assistants, a customized IEP rider experience, and a six-hour turnaround time for ride scheduling.

From left: Janice Cooper, Jamie Lynch, and Operations Manager Cory Lynch.   Presented by Transfinder Managing a fleet of over 150 school buses is no small feat, especially when that fleet includes a variety of vehicle types and models, from wheelchair-accessible minibuses to full-sized, 56-passenger coaches. At Lynch Bus Lines, which serves the greater Vancouver area with both daily school runs and charter services, ensuring each bus is safe, well-maintained, and ready to roll is a top priority. For Janice Cooper, shop assistant at Lynch Bus Lines, Servicefinder by Transfinder has become an indispensable tool for organizing and executing maintenance operations. “Since I was onboarded, we were using the Servicefinder 6.0, which is I believe their newest update,” Cooper explained. “Prior to that, I believe we were with Servicefinder legacy. Our shop loved the legacy, they were big fans of it, so when change came around, they were kind of excited to see where it took us.” Though Cooper inherited a system in need of cleanup, Servicefinder helped her streamline processes and bring structure to chaos. “It was all over the place, organizing previous work, coming up with my own, so on, so forth,” she said. “So Servicefinder, thankfully it’s very simple and easy to follow, and it was really easy for me to get in there and correct some of that bad data and get everything up to shape.” One of the standout features for Lynch Bus Lines is the platform’s ability to track service history. “Any time a vehicle comes in for maintenance, the system will log the details for what was done, so the parts that were replaced, the parts that were added, and it’ll track when the next checkup date is due,” Cooper said. “We don’t have to waste time running diagnostics and so on, so forth, because we have access to the entire history of the bus right then and there.” Beyond service history, Cooper and her team are preparing to take advantage of Servicefinder’s inventory management functionality. “Starting in August of this year, we’ll be moving over to their inventory management, which can track all of the parts and the part usage, so that we know in advance what parts are running low and we’re able to place in orders,” she said. “This way we can reduce any unnecessary spending on the inventory side of things.” The team is also looking forward to rolling out Servicefinder’s mobile functionality, which will enable mechanics to update work orders in real time while working on buses. “They can look and say, ‘Oh, I just changed the oil filter,’ and immediately put in that oil filter to their work order, immediately track that to our inventory,” Cooper said. “And then we have a well-oiled circle of what parts are going in, what parts are coming out, what needs to be done, and what’s currently being done.” For Cooper, implementing updates means more than flipping a switch. “Primarily the one thing that I focus on and hone in on before any type of change, is just making sure everything that I have in the system is up to date, correct, and ready to go,” she said. That includes verifying service records, optimizing system layouts for readability, and ensuring the physical shop is organized to support digital workflows, she said. Servicefinder’s support team plays a critical role in this ongoing transformation. “They’re very responsive, so it’s as easy as going in and scheduling a meeting with their help desk,” Cooper said. “I was once having quite a bit of trouble with learning and understanding how to create and how to make a report. I reached out to Transfinder and I heard back within that same week, and they put together a report for me.” Transfinder also offers online videos, webinars, and a community hub called Transfinder Community for continuous learning. “There’s constantly training videos or update videos showing you step by step the changes that have been made and how you can understand and apply them,” Cooper said. Internally, Cooper makes sure that everything she learns gets passed along. “Once I feel comfortable and I know I understand what I’ve learned well enough, I create a policy and procedure, or I’ll write up something and I’ll put it in the notebook for our mechanics,” she said. “That way they have the paper copy to refer to in case anything is forgotten or misunderstood.” To learn more about Servicefinder, call 800-373-3609, email marketing@transfinder.com or visit http://www.transfinder.com.