INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Investigator Says School Bus Fire Ignited at Front Wheel, Not Propane Tank
in a statement. Te bus was powered by propane autogas. An independent fire investigator
A
confirmed that the safety features of the propane fuel delivery system and fuel tanks functioned properly, so the fire was in no way related to the fueling system. Blue Bird officials confirmed that two popping sounds heard within five minutes of each other were in fact the tires rupturing from the heat of the fire, as the local Times-Free Press
Blue Bird school bus fire in mid-August was caused by the left front-wheel end assem- bly, company officials said
previously reported. Te fire ignited when the 71-passenger,
conventional bus was en route to an out-of- state bus dealer. Blue Bird said the ignition was off at the time. Te bus had just been parked when the vehicle's front end ignited. Tere were no resulting injuries. Afterward, Blue Bird transported the bus
to its Fort Valley, Ga., plant to complete a thorough investigation. An independent fire investigator concluded the fire likely was caused by friction in the left front wheel end area. Te company's findings concluded that this was an isolated event. “Tis incident strongly reinforces the
safety of the propane autogas system on our buses,” said Phil Horlock, Blue Bird presi- dent and CEO. “As a result of the safeguards on the propane autogas system, the fuel tanks were not compromised in this fire.” He added that the safety record of pro- pane autogas in school buses is “outstand- ing.” Tere have been no propane-related fires or injuries with any Blue Bird school buses, and he noted that all Blue Bird buses meet or exceed comprehensive federal and state safety specifications.
CRUISING TO AN STN EXPO WIN…
Karen Judy of Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was named the grand-prize
winner of a Caribbean cruise by HSM Transportation Solutions at the company's booth during the STN EXPO Trade Show in July. This was Judy's third time
attending the EXPO, which she said is “always wonderful and full of helpful information.” She added that her excitement ballooned once she learned she is taking the trip Nov. 21.
“It will be great to be cruising
somewhere warm when the snow begins to fly in Idaho,” she said.
Outsourcing means savings.
Routings, vehicle maintenance, school bell time management, capital investment, operator training and many other specialties.
Pupil Transportation is a complex business that includes many aspects such as routing, vehicle maintenance, school bell time management, capital investment, operator training and many other specialties. But when you get right down to it, the two most important reasons school districts and private school systems outsource their student transportation are safety and savings. By far, according to independent research, the safest way for children to get to and from school is on yellow school buses. It’s safer than walking, riding a bike, public transportation, taxis and even being dropped off and picked up by a parent. Independent research also tells us that outsourcing can save school districts 10% or more in their transportation costs.
www.atlanticexpress.com 7 North Street, Staten Island, NY 10302
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30 School Transportation News October 2013
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