» SPECIAL REPORT IN
2006, SoundOff Signal commissioned a one-year study on the cost anal-
ysis of incandescent bus lighting at Warren County (Ky.) School District, which operates about 215 buses. This study is unique for its attention to detail covering every single cost incurred for incandescent light repairs. While the study did not directly compare incandescent lighting costs with those of LEDs, the study concluded that the total cost of incandescent lights would increase when including materials and fuel, along with the salaries and benefits of staff.
HERE TO STAY
Acceptance of school-bus LED lighting continues to grow as costs come down and environmental, maintenance and safety benefits are realized
WRITTEN BY JOHN WHELAN When LED lighting was introduced to the
transportation industry, it was met with some objections regarding the increased price tag, not to mention having to change from the standard school-bus specification of incandescent light- ing that was the norm for decades. As with all new technology, the benefits
of LED lighting had to be presented to fleet operators in a way that the extra cost was jus- tified.Tis driving force to broader acceptance came in the form of increased visibility, reduced maintenance costs, reduced draw of lighting currents and longevity of the LED. Comparing failure rates of LED lights to incandescent bulbs made it evident that, in the long run, the LED was a good investment. Plus, research data claims LEDs are better for Mother Nature. Marc A. Riccio, national sales manager at
SoundOff Signal, said several factors including lower prices are expected to make LEDs on school buses a more pervasive specification in the very near future, if not already. “Te current, primary driver is its price, which will continue to decrease over time, and is a
42 School Transportation News September 2013
normal trend for all forms of newer technology in the marketplace,” he said. “Once this objection is overcome by consumers, there will be a shift in the perception of LED lighting technology, which will translate into an increased penetra- tion rate versus the traditional incandescent.” He added that the emerging drivers in favor
of LEDS will continue to be increased visibility and safety, reduced wear and tear on electrical systems and maintenance cost savings.
INCREASED LED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
LED technology developed quickly over time
as fewer necessary diodes and circuitry translat- ed into fewer failures. Te illumination factor increased as well, which improved visibility and, thus, safety. Te LED-equipped stop arm is one of the main safety features on a school bus, and it’s even regulated by NHTSA. An estimated xx,xxx (fill in this info at press time) vehicles run past buses with stop arms activated, according to the most recent data from NASDPTS’ annual survey of states, making the issue a major one
Lamps Installed: 57 Avg. Cost per Lamp: $7.36 Total Cost: $419.67
Costs Associated with Light Repairs Avg. Fuel Mileage: 6 mpg Avg. Miles Traveled: 8,145 Fuel Cost: $2.58 per gallon Total Cost: $3,502.35
Buses Brought to Shop for Light Repairs Avg. cost of repair per unit (lights only): $27.35 Total light repairs brought to the shop: 362 Total Cost: $9,900.70
Total Cost Associated with Incandescent: $14,927.87
Materials & Service Calls Bulbs Used: 399 Avg. Cost per Bulb: $0.98 Total Cost: $390.95
Road Calls (lights only): 37 Avg. Cost/Road Call: $19.30 Total Cost: $714.20
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