School BUSRide spoke with Dr. Kayne Smith, director of transportation at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (ISD) in Houston, Texas, and president for the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation. Smith discussed the top issues facing pupil transportation in Texas, adjusting to post-COVID operations, the impact of virtual learning, and the benefits of information sharing. What are […]
By Peter Mannella Several years ago, at an annual conference I was planning in New York, I invited a guest speaker who specialized in child and family social trends and conditions. My intention was for her to share information with the pupil transportation professionals in the room about the children who get our attention […]
By Michael Flood New Funding Eligibility For transportation directors, finding adequate funding to support school bus Wi-Fi solutions has historically posed a significant challenge. Federal programs established to fund Wi-Fi connectivity solutions for students – such as the FCC E-Rate program, for example – often do not make allowances for in-vehicle connectivity, leaving transportation directors […]
Using a compressible liquid adaptive suspension system, students, aides, and drivers experience smooth rides and improved handling By Richard G. Tackett After LiquidSpring’s entry into the school bus industry, the company’s “smart” suspension technology might be a game-changer – much as it has been for transit buses, RVs, and emergency vehicles. With the proprietary Compressible […]
Ronna Weber recently assumed the position of executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS). Previously, Weber served as executive director of the National School Transportation Association (NSTA), as well as a speaker and attendee at many NASDPTS Annual Conferences. School BUSRide spoke with Weber about her new role, […]
When you look in the professional mirror each morning, what do you see looking back at you? Do you see a transportation professional? Or do you see an education professional responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of America’s school children? Like our school colleagues in psychology and nursing and facilities and library science, we […]
By Richard G. Tackett When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and shutdowns stalled in-person learning at schools around the nation, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) acted quickly to ensure all its students had Wi-Fi access and the ability to learn remotely. Teaming with partner Kajeet – a managed wireless connectivity provider – SCCPSS utilized […]
Immediate reduction in student injury AND long-term strategy to change motorist behavior When we talk about the injury or death of one more child being one child too many, the key to keeping this one child safe today is proactive technology. Education, awareness, and accountability have long been part of ongoing efforts to address the […]
Today “safety” has taken on a new meaning and school transportation safety standards are evolving in response to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. If you are just looking, seriously considering, or comparing alternative school transportation solutions, there are key product and service features that make all the difference. We share the ways in which we […]
Recent events – some just this year – have highlighted the need for high-quality fire suppression systems on school buses. Recently in Lincoln County, Kentucky, a quick-thinking bus driver was thankfully able to rescue all 12 kids on his bus when a fire broke out. Another incident occurred in Victor, New York, an electrical fire […]