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ty efforts have reduced incidents on buses by 10 percent and allowed operators to reduce insurance and seat replacements.


CLEAN MACHINES By combining the strength of local con- tractors and automotive suppliers, Detroit scored the largest fleet of propane autogas school buses in Michigan. Not only does the fuel reduce Detroit’s carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs and increase bus fleet value, it provides opportunities for students and the community to learn first- hand about alternative fuel technologies. Namely, ROUSH CleanTech seized


the opportunity to work with contractors in converting Detroit’s fleet from diesel to propane autogas. Today, ABC Student Transportation has 60 percent of its 130 De- troit buses running on propane, with a goal of 100 percent conversion within two years. With 80 vehicles dedicated to DPSCD


routes through 2020, Safeway Transporta- tion also invested significantly in Blue Bird propane-powered school buses. Te company added 50 eco-friendly buses to its existing fleet and is planning to go 100 percent green. Te newest contractor for the district is


Trinity Transportation, which now services more than 100 routes with approximately 150 vehicles. Te company invested a sub- stantial amount of capital into alternative fuel vehicles, replacing more than half of its fleet with clean burning diesel engines. Additionally, Trinity Transportation is partnering with Roush Engineering in a pilot program to identify successful gains in renewable energy.


BUILDING WORKFORCE FAMILIES Still, there’s concern centered around


employment when Detroit completely outsourced school transportation. But with an entrepreneurial spirit, DPSCD bus con- tractors said they bolstered local hiring, and even absorbed some of the displaced drivers. Upon winning a contract to transport


special needs students four decades ago, a group of taxicab owners formed Safeway Transportation.Te business hired 100 employees, and now with a long-term agree- ment with Detroit schools, the staff will grow with 30 more Detroit-based positions. “We are a family that comes together on a daily basis to give our very best for the


Bus contractor Trinity Transportation values a family atmosphere to promote driver retention, happier employees and overall better customer service. The company gives turkeys each Thanksgiving to its employees for a jobs well done.


The company has served Southeast Michigan for 30 years. Upon winning the Detroit contract, bus drivers were literally shouting from the rooftops.


Detroit community we are all so fond of. We make sure our drivers feel supported and have access to continuing education within the transportation industry. We provide upward mobility opportunities for those who show an interest,” said Safeway Transportation President Patricia Whitlow. Detroit schools also gave ABC Trans-


portation the fuel it needed to flourish as a small business. It attracts drivers with no experience and puts them through rigorous training, and then provides 40 hours of on- going professional training through the year. “ABC enjoys a 96-percent retention rate


by valuing and respecting the contribution of all employees,” Flaggs said. “We pride ourselves on a clean, safe, positive and professional work environment.”


16School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2016 After landing its contract with DPSCD last


year, Trinity Transportation hired more than 200 bus drivers for services out of its two Detroit-area terminals. It attracted candidates with competitive wages, benefits, monthly training and a family-filled environment with perks, like Tanksgiving turkey bonuses. While the company serves more than 100


school districts in Southeast Michigan and Northern Ohio, adding Detroit schools to its roster was special achievement. “Receiving praise from the communi-


ty as well as key members from Detroit Public Schools Community District was a reward for the hard work we have been committing to the district,” said Austin Arksey, chief operating officer of Trinity Transportation.●


CELEBRATING25YEARS


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