School Bus Transportation News at STN Media

2007 ... A Look Ahead

NASDPTS president-elect points to New Year as a benchmark

Derek Graham, Special to School Transportation News

In looking toward the upcoming year, it is hard to ignore the number of the year itself: 2007. Not because it has literary significance, such as with George Orwell’s novel “1984” that depicted a future time. Not because it is a nice round number that marks the turn of a century, like 2000. No, the year 2007 is one of those numbers — like 1977 — that marks a turning point in our industry. In terms of construction and safety standards, school buses used in the United States for the past 30 years have been described as pre- or post- 1977 buses. We are now arriving at a point in time where school buses are going to be described as pre- or post 2007 because of the engines.

or most of us, the new super-clean diesel engines using ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel are an unknown quantity. The cost, preventive maintenance requirements and other impacts will become better known as a part of mainstream school bus operations from coast to coast in 2007.

And these new buses WILL help our image. The emissions from traditional diesel engines, while better for the environment than every student being transported to and from school in a family car, have tarnished our image and, yes, exposed some children to some unhealthy stuff. As we move into 2007 and begin to use near-zero-emission vehicles, it provides another reason that children should take the bus to school.

The timing is good. In 2007, the school bus safety awareness campaigns launched this month by the industry coalition will provide opportunities for parents (and others) to hear the school bus safety success story. The three national associations and the three large school bus manufacturers are ready to kick off this initiative in full force during 2007 and it will provide opportunities for folks throughout our industry to get involved.

And we need to build public support. The cost of new technologies, the cost of 2007-compliant engines and the cost of diesel fuel of any kind are already squeezing pupil transportation budgets. Here’s my crystal ball prediction: it’s not going to get a lot better anytime soon. We are used to budgets being tight, but these external forces are going to hit us hard in 2007. And there is an argument to be made that because this squeeze IS caused by external forces, it’s time for the federal government to provide some relief. The public awareness effort will be invaluable in this regard because politicians as well as moms and dads need to DEMAND that our kids be transported by school bus.

These are exciting yet challenging times. The pupil transportation industry has always risen to the challenge and I expect 2007 to be no exception. The state directors association is excited about the opportunity to work with others in the industry as our members continue to provide leadership in our own states, helping to manage the changes and challenges ahead.

Graham is the incoming NASDPTS president as well as the state director of pupil transportation at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.