It also is necessary for the contractor to have people who are accessible to the districts and can provide the level of service the district expects; we need to do what we say we’re going to do. And finally, both parties need to be willing to work together to forge a true partnership.
STN: What are some creative ways that contractors can work
with the community to spread the message of the yellow bus? Duke: Because we are an integral part of the communities we
serve, we make a point to participate in local activities. For exam- ple, we hold special back-to-school events where kids can come and climb on a bus and learn about school bus safety. To bring attention to the dangers of passing a stopped school
bus, we have partnered with local police departments for the Badges on Buses program, in which a police officer rides on a school bus to spot offenders. And, by participating in industry-wide events, such as School
Bus Safety Week, the ASBC Love the Bus program and the NSTA School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, we help spread the word about the safety of yellow buses, as well as the level of training and commitment of school bus drivers.
STN: Why should school districts consider contracting over
running their own fleets? Duke: Outsourcing student transportation is a proven solu-
tion for many school districts. At Durham School Services and Stock Transportation our customers benefit from our decades of experience in one area — student transportation. In addition to this level of expertise, school districts often can
realize a cost savings through economies of scale in purchas- ing, maintenance and facility operations; be relieved from the responsibility of daily transportation operations; avoid making capital expenditures for vehicle replacement or equipment up- grades; benefit from safety, training, routing and scheduling, and maintenance capabilities; take advantage of the competition from other providers; and retain control through contract struc- turing and performance benchmarks.
3/2 “Flexible” Seat
STN: How do you view the future of school buses in the U.S.? Duke: Te future of the yellow bus is strong. School buses are
not only the safest way for children to get to school, but they often are the only way some children are able to get to school. What we do is critical to the educational system and to the in- dividual communities we serve. Te school bus industry will be around for a long time. But it is important for all of us in the industry to manage our businesses well and be able to adapt to change, such as fluctuations in the economy or technological ad- vancements. I imagine we could see adaptation by contractors and districts; for example, an expansion of the age limits districts place on school buses may be one way to assist in controlling costs while not sacrificing safety. ■
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