service. The state’s Department of Education 2026 budget request includes $40 million to maintain the state’s 15-year bus replacement cycle by adding 300 buses. South Carolina is the only state in the U.S. to own and maintain all its buses. It
also follows a rigorous inspection program designed to identify potential defects early, before they develop into costly repairs or lead to significant operational downtime. “This proactive approach allows us to maximize fleet performance, extend vehi-
cle life cycles and uphold the highest safety standards for the students we serve,” said Luke Patrick, maintenance director for the South Carolina Department of Education, who helped teach the National School Bus Inspection Training offered at STN EXPO East last month. Alabama’s Gulf Shores City Schools also follows a state plan for fleet renewal.
Within those guidelines, transportation staff emphasize diligent care of vehicles. “We work to extend the life of our older buses through preventive maintenance,
regular inspections and timely reporting of mechanical issues,” said Randall Carl- isle, the district’s student engagement, safety and transportation coordinator. “Our full-time mechanic plays a key role in evaluating vehicle condition and recom- mending whether a bus should be repaired, refurbished or replaced.” In undertaking the district’s most recent bus purchases, a major factor was
the proximity of the provider’s sales and service team. This choice has supported Continued on pg. 28 ➥
The South Carolina Department of Education is among fleet owners nationwide that must weigh the need for new buses amid budget shortfalls. That’s where the importance of regular inspections and preventive maintenance enter the equation.
www.stnonline.com 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
