Since the acquisition of diesel-powered school buses for the Half Hollow Hills (New York) School District, fuel efficiency has doubled. This has helped cover the costs of refurbishing older buses and establishing a more sophisticated shop operation and more efficient recordkeeping. (Author/MLF)

A computer was used to produce a cost effective redistricting plan for Fall River (Massachusetts) that eliminated nine rental and three city-owned school buildings, and reduced transportation costs. (Author/MLF)

Methods for combatting the problem of skyrocketing fuel prices were discussed at an all-day seminar held recently in Richmond, Indiana. (Author/MLF)

States that sealed bids may not be the best way to provide reliable and economical bus service and offers practical suggestions for gathering the data needed for negotiating a cost effective contract. (Author/WD)

Briefly describes programs that some school districts have adopted to encourage students (and, in some cases, parents and other members of the community) to use school buses for transportation rather than private cars. (IRT)

The energy crisis can be a real burden on school transportation budgets. Suggested are items in departmental budgets that should be examined. Survey responses show what a number of school districts are doing to reduce fuel consumption. (Author/MLF)

Measures public school transportation directors are taking to solve their current budget problems. (MLF)

Describes the School Bus Driver Training Project in New York. (MLF)

Examines the relationship between school districts' geography and management strategies and their collective influence on student transportation cost, using 1990-91 data from 533 Missouri school districts. Management factors influence transportation costs more than geography does. When both factors are considered, contracted transportation is more…

Describes various provisions in state statutes that ensure underrepresented student groups have equal access to charter schools. Includes facilitating student access, student admission, geographic boundary restrictions, and student transportation. Provides summary of student transportation provisions in seven state charter-school statutes. Also…

Examines the characteristics of three types of motion detectors: Doppler radar, infrared, and ultrasonic wave, and how they are used on school buses to prevent students from being killed by their own school bus. Other safety devices cited are bus crossing arms and a camera monitor system. (MLF)

The recommendations of standards for school buses and their operation has been a major purpose of all the National Conferences on School Transportation since the first one in 1939. Safety and economy have served as guideposts for making decisions. Highlights from each of the conferences are cited. (MLF)

Presents the history, objectives, and guiding principles for the 12th National Standards Conference on School Transportation to be held in 1995. (MLF)

Standardized bus schedules allow a more efficient use of buses and drivers. Cites experiences of districts using the four-bell schedule where high schools open first, followed by middle schools, and then elementary schools with two opening times. A computer routing system can be used to route buses more efficiently and draw school attendance…

Describes some basic maintenance and proper preparations for changing weather that can help keep school bus operations moving. Provides advice on diesel engine usage that can lengthen engine life and maintain all weather performance is provided. (GR)