MONITORING INSPECTIONS, DIAGNOSING PROBLEMS
Information from bus operators perform- ing the daily pre-trip and post-trip checks is integrated into the PM program in real time so defects are captured immediately and remedied quickly. Tis part of the mon- itoring system is essential to prevent small problems from escalating to a higher level. National Express mechanics use diagnos- tic software to check onboard computer sys-
tems to identify the root cause of the defects or possible defects, making the buses safer and more reliable. Not having the software to troubleshoot electronic diesel engines, including school bus body and chassis mod- ules, would create excessive down time. Te PM program schedule is based on
pre-set triggers according to OEM recom- mendations. Following maintenance policy and regulatory requirements comply with warranty obligations and the U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation. Te alerts set in the National Express asset management system reduce manual intervention to renew focus on mission-critical tasks and compliance.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PM SYSTEM National Express said it believes a robust
PM process is the core of their maintenance strategy. To make their buses both safe and dependable, they follow a continuous improvement process and always strive for zero unplanned breakdowns. Tey review the root cause of breakdowns
on a regular basis and evaluate if and how they can avoid future occurrences. Te problem is addressed with changes via im- provements to the preventive maintenance process. Tis process is well worth the time as it increases operational efficiency.
“Doing preventative maintenance reduces unplanned repairs and breakdowns. This is the foundation for making our buses safe and reliable.”
— GP Singh, Durham School Services
“Doing preventative maintenance reduces unplanned repairs and breakdowns. Tis is the foundation for making our buses safe and reliable,” said GP Singh, senior vice president of fleet maintenance and engi- neering at Durham School Services. National Express said it is continuously seeking ways to introduce safety measures with respect to effective PPE (personal pro- tection equipment), maintenance processes, shop layout and other aspects. Te company said its No. 1 priority is promoting safety throughout the bus fleet and for the techni- cians working at their maintenance facilities. It is very clear that school bus contractors
have gone to great measures to find innovative ways to increase production and reduce down time in their fleet operations. Time manage- ment for shop managers is a daily routine as they find new ways to improve efficiency. At the same time, they do not overlook safety in the workplace to reduce incidents and keep personnel on the job — but use the power of experience and communication to keep ahead of technology and unforeseen breakdowns. l
54 School Transportation News June 2014
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