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Category: School Buses

Must Have Winter Safety Features for School Buses

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

A school bus drives down a snow covered rural country road lined with snow covered trees after a snow storm during the winter season. Series 3 of 3

Winter weather can create serious challenges for school transportation. Snowy roads, icy conditions, freezing temperatures, and dark mornings all increase the risks for students and drivers. That is why school buses need the right safety features to handle winter conditions with confidence. A well-equipped bus keeps routes running smoothly and helps ensure that students arrive at school safely, even on the toughest weather days. Here are some essential winter safety features every school bus should have before temperatures drop. Reliable Heating and Strong Defrosting Systems A dependable heating system is a must for student comfort, but an effective defroster is… Read more »

How To Become a School Bus Driver

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Bus driver standing outside of school bus

Driving a school bus is more than just a job; it’s a career that makes a difference. School bus drivers play a vital role in their communities by safely transporting students to and from school every day. With steady pay, benefits, and a schedule that often aligns with school breaks, many find this career both rewarding and reliable. And with the nationwide driver shortage, there’s no better time to get started! If you’re considering this path, here’s what you need to know about the basic requirements and steps to becoming a school bus driver. Step 1: Get Your Commercial Learner’s… Read more »

What to Know About ADA Compliance for School Buses

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

ADA school bus

Making sure students get to school safely is always the top priority, but accessibility matters just as much. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to transportation. For school buses, that means meeting specific standards so every student can ride comfortably and safely. What ADA Compliance Means for School Buses ADA-compliant school buses are designed to remove transportation barriers for students with mobility challenges. This includes features that make boarding, riding, and exiting the bus easier, such as: Wheelchair lifts or ramps for smooth and safe boarding. Securement systems to keep wheelchairs in… Read more »

Why Summer Is the Best Time for School Bus Maintenance

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

yellow school bus with blue sky

School’s out, the buses are parked, and the roads are a little quieter. While summer break brings a welcome pause for students and staff, it also opens up a golden opportunity for school districts to give their bus fleets some much-needed attention. Regular maintenance is essential for safety and performance, and there’s no better time to tackle it than during the summer months. No Route Disruptions One of the biggest perks of doing maintenance in the summer? You’re not on the clock. During the school year, taking a bus off the road for repairs often means adjusting schedules and creating… Read more »

How to Choose the Right Size School Bus for Your District

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

School Bus Vector Collection illustration

Choosing the right school bus size for your district is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective student transportation. An oversized bus may lead to unnecessary costs, while an undersized bus can cause overcrowding and logistical headaches. By evaluating your district’s specific needs and considering key factors, you can make the best choice for your transportation fleet. Here’s a guide to help you determine the ideal school bus size for your district! Assess Your District’s Needs The first step is to identify your district’s transportation requirements. Ask these important questions: How many students will the bus need to transport on its… Read more »

5 Reasons Riding the School Bus Is Good for Kids

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Group of young students attending primary school on a yellow school bus

The school bus system is a godsend for parents who don’t have the time or ability to drive their children to and from school every day of the week. Still, despite the convenience, some parents worry about sending their kids to school in a vehicle driven by a stranger and filled with children they don’t know. The truth is that school buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road. In addition, riding the bus can be an enriching experience for children in many other ways—check them out below! 1) Kids Learn How to Manage Their Time When Taking… Read more »

5 Ideas for School Bus Driver Recruitment

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Portrait of joyful young black female driver steering yellow school bus

The new school year is right around the corner, and many school districts come to the same realization every year: they don’t have enough bus drivers. It probably seems like you’re constantly interviewing, hiring, and trying to attract people to the job, but to no avail. In fact, this has been a nationwide problem plaguing the school bus industry for many years now. So, what can you do to boost your recruiting efforts and help alleviate your driver shortage? We’ve got a few recommendations! 1) Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits If you want to attract candidates already interested in a… Read more »

How School Buses Impact Student Performance

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Happy school children waiting to get on school bus

Reliable school transportation is more than just a convenience; it plays a critical role in student’s educational experience and performance. The daily school bus journey, often overlooked, significantly influences academic success, punctuality, safety, and social development. Daily Access and Attendance Consistent access to school bus services directly affects attendance rates. Studies have shown that regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. By providing dependable transportation, school buses ensure students can attend classes regularly and on time, reducing absenteeism and its negative impacts on learning. Punctuality and Routine The daily ritual of catching the school bus each… Read more »

Debunking Common Myths About School Bus Driving

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Portrait Of Happy Black Female Driver Driving Yellow School Bus

School bus driving, like many professions, is often misunderstood. With its unique challenges and responsibilities, various myths have arisen over the years. In this blog, we’ll shed light on some of these misconceptions and reveal the truths behind them. By delving into these myths, we aim to offer a clearer perspective on the demands and intricacies of the job, emphasizing the pivotal role bus drivers play in the lives of countless students! Myth 1: School Bus Driving Is Just Like Driving Any Other Vehicle Being a school bus driver demands specialized training and skills due to the unique nature of… Read more »

Memorable Student Field Trips for the Fall Season

Posted by Northwest Bus Sales

Kids having a walk outdoors in fall ,daytime together

As the leaves start to turn, painting the landscape in shades of gold, orange, and red, the fall season offers many educational and entertaining opportunities for students. The mild temperatures and scenic beauty create an ideal setting for unforgettable field trips. Here are some destinations and activities you may want to consider when planning an autumn outing for your students! Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches Fall is the season for apple picking and pumpkin carving. Many orchards offer guided tours where students can learn about the life cycle of apple trees, orchard management, and the different types of apples. Similarly,… Read more »

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