Domino Effect
Budgets have stabilized recently, but future funding concerns and less in-house resources prompt transportation directors to shop around for the best value for bus parts and other services
WRITTEN BY SYLVIA ARROYO Rhonda Davis recalled the types of school bus
parts her department used to keep in-house on a regular basis before the Great Recession. Compared to today’s inventory, she couldn’t help but laugh out of amazement on the difference. “Years ago we used to store parts for transmissions,
radiators and other major components. Ten we would have tons of belts that would fit every type of engine,” said the transportation director for Lake Tra- vis ISD in Austin. “We would even have stored seats that we’d take out of our special needs buses.” Like most pupil transportation departments
across the country, Davis’ parts inventory has shrunk dramatically due to constricted budgets. Her main- tenance staff now only stores smaller, preventive maintenance-related parts such as fuel filters and brake pads. Tankfully, her budget has remained the same for
about two years, but that doesn’t mean she can pur- chase more parts. Tough she has a good long-stand- ing relationship with her local bus dealer, from which she will purchase parts, Davis is like many other transportation directors. She must be a savvy shopper and consider various outlets for different parts at a value price. Tis practice has turned into a need for
not only for parts, but other related services. “We have some shops and retail establishments
that are near us. Tere are some vendors that we’ll call, as well as automotive dealerships that possibly carry parts we need, and all the prices are compara- ble,” she said.
New Arena of Competition As budgets have stabilized in the past two years
for some school districts, directors have adapted to spending their allotted funds even more wisely. As their internal operations and staff have changed, so have their needs when it comes to parts, warranty and maintenance services along with technical training and new bus sales. In addition to budgets, advanced engine technol-
ogy and the age of the yellow fleet are also factors affecting how and where transportation directors are purchasing parts, and utilizing bus dealership services. Tough Davis relies heavily upon her local dealer
for maintenance service in addition to parts, she said she will opt to purchase certain non-proprietary parts elsewhere. Many dealers are seeing this trend. “Many districts appear to be moving in the direction that whatever part they’re buying, should
66 School Transportation News August 2013
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