SCHOOLBUS NOVEMBER 2013 • VOLUME 22

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ontario school bus association For school councils, home and school contents associations, trustees, administrators and providers of student transportation services. 6 Message from Perry Ferguson, 11 School Bus Evacuations THE OSBA AND DIRECTORS 2012-2013 OSBA President The Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA) is a non-profit trade association serving the education and advocacy needs of 13 Supplier Showcase owner-operators of school bus fleets across the province. Membership is voluntary; our 7 OSBA Directors 2013-2014 Board of Directors are all volunteers elected 14 Competitive Procurement: by their peers. VISION, MISSION & VALUES Switching from Red-Only to It’s Everybody’s Business…. 8 Every one of the 800,000 children aboard Amber-Red Warning Lights on an Ontario school bus deserves to arrive at school safe, secure, on time and ready School Buses 16 #NoMoreBullies to learn. OSBA Vision An economically healthy and sustainable 17 A Calculator for Operators industry, safely and reliably serving the growing needs of student transportation SCHOOLBUS in Ontario. NOVEMBER 2013 • VOLUME 22 19 School Bus Safety OSBA Mission To support and enhance the success of

ONTARIO BUS our members in the competitive world of SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

21 Burn the Bus: school busing. Real-Life Evacuation Training OSBA Values SWITCHING FROM • Contribute to student success • Focus on cost effective and RED-ONLY TO To reduce driver confusion regarding when it’s safe efficient operations AMBER-RED and legal to pass a school bus with its warning lights • Commit to continuous improvement ON flashing, as well as to facilitate smoother traffic flow and • Embrace diversity in our workplaces WARNING LIGHTS potentially reduce accidents, OSBA supports Ontario’s • Make a significant contribution to a SCHOOL BUSES eventual conversion to a new “eight-lamp” (amber-red) greener Ontario | COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT warning light system. For more, turn to p. 8. SCHOOL BUS EVACUATIONS | #NOMOREBULLIES • Anticipate and influence the future shape of the school bus industry

Published annually by: Published for: Editor: Christine Cusatis Ontario School Bus Association Publisher: Robert Phillips 1 Eva Road, Suite 304 Project Manager: Kim Davies Naylor (Canada), Inc. Toronto, ON, M9C 4Z5 Sales Manager: Bill McDougall 1630 Ness Avenue, Suite 300 Tel: (416) 695-9965 Advertising Director: Maria Antonation Winnipeg, MB R3J 3X1 or 1 (888) 675-OSBA Advertising Sales: Bill Biber, Wayne Jury Tel: (800) 665-2456 Fax: (416) 695-9977 Marketing: Katie Doerksen Fax: (204) 947-2047 Email: [email protected] Layout & Design: Manish Dutt Sharma www.naylor.com www.osba.on.ca

©2013 Naylor (Canada), Inc. Michele O’Bright Publication Agreement All rights reserved. The contents of this publication Association Director Number: 40064978 may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in Megan Spadafora PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2013/ part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Magazine Coordinator SBU-A0013/9074

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 5 Message

Message from Perry Ferguson President, OSBA

or more than 60 years, the Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA) has endeavoured to balance economic, environmental and member Fconsiderations in all we do. Another year gone by...another year of change for both the school bus industry and OSBA. In a recent letter received from the Ontario Minister of Education Liz Sandals, she noted: “I greatly appreciate OSBA’s role in bringing forward constructive ideas that are helping move the student transportation sector forward into the 21st century.” No matter how you slice it, we’re all in this together – parents, schools, bus drivers, government, school boards/transportation consortia, bus company owners/operators, industry suppliers and manufacturers. The bottom line is about ensuring safe, reliable, professional school bus transportation services. Even though “school busing” may not delight in the same perception of distinction and significance afforded other industries, each and every one of us plays an integral part in the safety and cohesiveness of providing and elevating this essential service. OSBA is honoured to continue their role as the leading voice of the Ontario school bus industry and contributing to the safety of 800,000 childrens’ lives riding school buses each day. As the foremost representative of school bus service providers in the province of Ontario, OSBA is committed to helping each and every member be successful. Regardless of organization size or business enterprise – small, medium or large sized school bus operators, school boards/transportation consortia and supplier/manufacturer companies – OSBA is ready, willing and able to professionally dedicate the time, energy and resources to make the industry viable and sustainable for all. It is a great privilege to be the President of OSBA and have the opportunity to represent and work with an incredibly passionate, professional and committed group of companies and individuals who are OSBA members. These member companies, and many others in the school bus industry, contribute immensely to keeping kids safe and the industry moving forward. Over the past few years, members have continued to develop, improve and provide products and services that not only keep parents informed, but are on the leading edge of progressive student transportation services including GPS vehicle tracking, bus routing/scheduling software, and camera surveillance. In an effort to make student transportation easier and more reassuring for parents, evacuation training, “first-rider” programs and software applications are available, which allow parents to know where their children are located at all times. There is an old saying asserting that, “If you aren’t changing, you aren’t growing.” OSBA continues to be a full-service association providing members with the tools, knowledge, relationships and connections to

6 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 OSBA directors 2013-2014 support and deliver the overall goal of superior student President, Perry Ferguson transportation services. Through this recent year of change, Voyageur Transportation Services OSBA provided members with legislative, regulatory, road 573 Admiral Court, London, ON N5V 4L3 safety and issue management/representation and consulting Tel. (519) 455-4579 [email protected] services, educational webinars, conferences and events, relationship-building and networking opportunities, Vice-President, Les Cross Stock Transportation Ltd. newsletters, government advocacy, publications, special 128 Wellington St. W., Barrie, ON L4N 1K9 bulletins and information, the driver license status check Tel. (705) 737-9847 ext. 52004 program, website and many ad-hoc initiatives including a [email protected] special needs safety video in development. Treasurer, Mark Begg OSBA is very committed to providing products and Delaney Bus Lines Ltd. services to their members to aid in their mission of providing 16935 County Road 43, Avonmore, ON K0C 1C0 safe, reliable, on-time student transportation services to (613) 346-2511 the people of Ontario. OSBA’s professional representation, [email protected] advocacy and dialogue with government for the betterment Director, Dave DeNure of student transportation in the province, is an achievement Blenheim Bus Lines 100 Little St., PO Box 809, Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 of which OSBA is very proud: “It was a pleasure to Tel. (519) 676-5837 meet you and be informed about OSBA’s vision for the [email protected] future of the sector. I appreciated hearing about student Director, Kirk Flach transportation challenges first-hand from operators with Landmark Student Transportation Ltd. a long and reputable history in the Province of Ontario. 16 Industrial Parkway S., Ste. 101, Aurora, ON L4G 0R4 Operators are on the ground every day providing a crucial Tel. (289) 840-7110 service to the province, so OSBA’s input on the day-to-day [email protected] challenges faced by operators is greatly valued. Student Director, Raymond Goulden transportation is an important file for the ministry, and I am Beaulieu Bus Lines happy to continue to work with you on student transportation PO Box 1285, Longlac, ON P0T 2A0 Tel. (807) 854-0479 initiatives.” said Minister Liz Sandals, Ontario Ministry of [email protected] Education, in a letter to OSBA dated August 23, 2013. Director, Dave Harris The competitive procurement process in the school bus First Student Canada industry has been an enormous change from the historical 1111 International Blvd, Suite 700, Burlington, ON L7L 6W1 “evergreen” method of contracting student transportation Tel. (289) 288-4359 ext. 331 services. Gone is the day and process of school boards david.harris@firstgroup.com simply handing over the immense responsibility of school Director, Chris Harwood busing to the same bus company year-over-year. The Ontario Student Transportation Canada Government has mandated that student transportation is 160 Saunders Rd., Unit 6, Barrie, ON L4N 9A4 particularly worthy of an accountable process to taxpayers Tel. (705)-721-2626 ext. 1 in order to ensure safe, viable transportation services well [email protected] into the future. I encourage you to review the article on Director, Brian Jobson DanNel Transportation competitive procurement later in this magazine. School 10-12 Keefer Rd., St. Catharines, ON L2M 7N9 busing is everybody’s business. Just like our health care Tel. (905) 934-1124 system, our justice system and many other essential services [email protected] provided by this province and this country. Director, Nick McRae As we move into the 21st century, OSBA will continue to Roxborough Bus Lines Ltd. be at the forefront of the school bus industry representing all RR 1, 17504 Dyer Rd., Maxville, ON K0C 1T0 parties in a professional, knowledgeable manner that strives Tel. (613) 488-2337 to connect all of the people and entities mentioned in this [email protected] article...and then some. OSBA welcomes your feedback, Director, Jim Switzer comments and letters. Please do not hesitate to connect with Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc. 1006 Plains Rd. E., Burlington, ON L7T 4K2 me directly. I wish everyone a year of opportunity, progress Tel. (289) 288-1366 and success. [email protected] Association Director, Michele O’Bright Perry Ferguson 1 Eva Road, Suite 304, Toronto, ON M9C 4Z5 President, OSBA Tel. (416) 695-9965 ext. 3 [email protected] [email protected]

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 7 Switching from Red-ONLY to Amber-Red Warning Lights on School Buses

By Dave Carroll

ntario’s Highway Traffic Act, full stop. Often, motorists meeting a amber overhead advance warning lights. subsection 175(6), requires a school bus coming towards them and In these other jurisdictions, when a Oschool bus driver to activate still in motion with its red flashing school bus is about to slow down and the red overhead (alternating) warning (advance warning) lights activated, stop to pick up or drop off students, the lights in advance of making a stop on a triggers motorists to stop… only to overhead alternating (advance warning) highway to pick up or drop off students. watch the bus drive right past them. lights are amber, instead of red. This The purpose of these flashing lights They give the school bus driver a sends a much clearer indication to (which must be activated while the funny look as if to ask, “Why are you other motorists that the bus has not school bus is still in motion) is to serve as driving along with your red overhead yet stopped, but rather is about to stop. an advance warning to other motorists lights flashing?” While the law doesn’t Once the bus is stopped and the driver meeting or following the school bus require motorists to stop before meeting opens the door, the amber advance that the bus is about to come to a full the bus in this situation, many drivers warning lights automatically turn off stop on the roadway. It’s an important upon seeing the red flashing advance and the red alternating warning lights warning to other motorists. However, warning lights think they have to stop, turn on. It’s often called the “eight-lamp ask any school bus driver and they’ll sometimes catching other drivers off system” because instead of having just tell you it’s common for other motorists guard and causing collisions. On roads red flashing lights on the front and rear, to misinterpret or misunderstand the with higher speed limits, and especially there are two amber and two red lights advance warning lights especially when heavy truck traffic is present, on both the front and the rear of the bus. drivers meeting a school bus that is school bus drivers must skillfully time The amber-red (eight-lamp) system still in motion with its red overhead when they activate the advance warning is a much more logical and easier lights flashing. lights to reduce the likelihood of drivers understood concept compared to Many motorists only have a vague in oncoming vehicles making unsafe Ontario’s “all red” system. As motorists, understanding of the school bus sudden stops. we’re programmed to respond to red and stopping laws. The law allows passing amber lights differently. Red means stop, or overtaking a school bus with its There is a Better Way! amber means proceed with caution and/ overhead red lights flashing provided Nearly every other province and state or prepare to stop. Other jurisdictions the school bus has not yet come to a has made the changeover from red to have recognized the benefits of the

8 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 Since 2005, school buses sold in Ontario are required to be equipped with an “eight-lamp ready” system, however, both the inboard and outboard lenses must be red. When the day comes that When the changeover to the eight-lamp Ontario adopts the eight-lamp system, the inboard system occurs, it would be a good time lenses can simply be replaced with amber lenses. for Ontario to change the message on the back of school buses to, “Do Not Pass When Red Lights Flashing.” With the eight-lamp system, the two inboard lights are amber in colour and are activated by the driver as an advance warning when the school bus is about to stop to pick up or drop off students. When the bus is stopped and the driver opens the door, the amber lights automatically go off and the two outboard red lights begin to flash along with the deployment of the STOP arm.

eight-lamp system and it is now the norm The study’s authors made the (which on most school buses are amber on school buses across most of Canada following recommendations in their in colour) to let other motorists know and the US. report: they are stationary. On multi-lane Transport Canada’s Transportation “Amber lights (the eight-lamp roadways, many motorists following Development Centre compared the system) should be mandatory as the the school bus are reluctant to overtake effectiveness of the all-red system standard system as it has proven the bus and stop unnecessarily… and to the eight-lamp system in a study slightly superior to red lights and it’s no wonder; not only do many done 13 years ago. The study assessed would harmonize the Canadian motorists not understand the school bus the relative effectiveness of amber situation with almost 100% of US stopping law, but they read the sign on advance warning lights and red states. It does not generate adverse the back of the school bus that says, advance warning lights in reducing effects and likely reduces motorist “Do Not Pass When Signals Flashing” the speed of oncoming traffic and in confusion. The implementation and interpret “signals” to include the preventing stopping violations. The of a standard advance signaling four way flashers. This again results in study included a survey of school bus equipment and procedure in Canada confusion, more annoyance and conflict drivers to compare their perception of should be completed in the shortest between those drivers who know and the effectiveness of the all-red vs. the period possible…” those who don’t know the rules. The eight-lamp system. The study found There is another all-too-common changeover to the eight-lamp system that the amber advance warning lights scenario that an eight-lamp system in Ontario should be accompanied by were 11 percent more effective than red can help prevent from happening: the a change to the message on the back advance warning lights in reducing the confusion caused when a school bus of school buses to “Do Not Pass When speed of oncoming vehicles by at least stops to pick up or drop students at or Red Lights Flashing.” 10 km/hr. The amber lights also allowed within 60 metres of an intersection Currently in Ontario, the eight- a greater number of motorists to safely controlled by traffic signals. In this lamp system is illegal. School buses pass the bus during the warning phase situation, the school bus driver cannot must have all-red warning lights (51 percent vs. 30 percent) suggesting (by law) use the overhead alternating only. However, Ontario’s regulators better traffic fluidity in motorist lights. Instead school bus drivers recognize the benefits of changing over responses. typically activate the four-way flashers to the eight-lamp system and it’s only a

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 9 matter of time. Since 2005 every newly adopts the eight-lamp system, it will and industry to educate motorists on manufactured school bus sold in Ontario be a simple and relatively inexpensive the school bus stopping rules, as it is a is required to be “eight-lamp system exercise to replace the four inboard more intuitive and logical system based ready” per the CSA D250 standard. But red lenses with amber lenses. This will on the generally understood concept of school bus manufacturers have actually coincide with a change of wording to amber for warning, red for stop. It will been selling eight-lamp ready buses in the sign on the back door of the school also help police enforce the law and for Ontario even prior to 2005. These school bus from, “Do Not Pass When Signals crown prosecutors to obtain convictions buses have eight lamps that perform Flashing” to, “Do Not Pass When Red for the all too common “blow-bys” like an eight-lamp system, but all the Lights Flashing.” where defendants often win their cases lenses are red. When the day comes Changing to the eight-lamp system by raising some degree of doubt as to that Ontario changes its legislation and will make it easier for government whether the bus was actually stopped when the overtake occurred. With the eight-lamp system, the bus has to be stopped for the red lights to come on, making enforcement easier. The timing of the necessary legislative change and the switchover to the eight-lamp system remains a question. The provincial government is sensitive to the costs industry will incur to change lenses on the “eight- Driver Training with IHSA lamp ready” buses and in particular the added costs to convert older buses —It’s MTO Approved which were not built with “eight- lamp ready” systems. For these older buses, instead of simply switching Learn from the experts at the Infrastructure Health and Safety lens covers, new lamps will need to be Association (IHSA). Our School Bus Driver Improvement Course is one installed along with additional wiring of the leading driver training courses in the province. The Ministry of and operating mechanisms. However, Transportation has approved this course as qualifi cation for drivers with each year that passes and older who are required to successfully complete a Driver Improvement buses are replaced, the time will come Course in order to obtain a classifi ed driver’s licence. Our trainers when the vast majority of Ontario’s and consultants are experienced professional drivers, so they know the school bus fleet can be changed over challenges faced in the fi eld. relatively inexpensively. The Ontario government will not likely agree to a IHSA was formed when two-tiered school bus fleet where eight- the Transportation Health lamp buses would be allowed to operate and Safety Association of Ontario, Construction while there are still older school buses Safety Association of with all-red systems on the road. Having Ontario, and Electrical two systems in place could complicate and Utilities Health public messaging resulting in confusion and Safety Association to motorists. When the day eventual joined forces. All IHSA comes, the lamp switchover would likely trainers worked in the take place over the summer months, industries they now along with changing the signs on the serve. back of the buses and would coincide As well as being adult with a public education and awareness educators, they are campaign. experts in their fi elds. Switching over Ontario’s school bus fleet to the eight-lamp system makes School Bus Driver Improvement Course a lot of sense. It will bring Ontario in $85/person at an IHSA facility line with most other North American $1150/day for a trainer to come to your facility jurisdictions that have long recognized the benefit of a warning system that Visit ihsa.ca/training today to fi nd out when the next School Bus Driver clearly differentiates between the Improvement Course is offered in your region. advance warning signal and the signal to stop.

10 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 654200_Infrastructure.indd 1 28/08/13 6:17 PM School Bus Evacuations By Jeffrey Reed

n Ontario, there are approximately 18,000 school buses providing I300 million rides each year, and travelling two million kilometres during that same period. The numbers themselves are staggering, but quality comes before quantity. Safety is first and foremost in the minds of the Ontario School Bus Association—and that mindset includes being prepared for worst-case scenarios on our roads and highways. Just as a family, school or business Emergency Evacuation “School buses manufactured on or stages fire drills to instill best practices, Expectations after June 1, 2000 are fitted with a roof school bus operators and school boards/ The Ontario Ministry of hatch as an alternative means of escape. transportation consortia stage bus Transportation (MTO) Bus Handbook, The roof hatch, if fitted, and the push- evacuations for the same reason. During available online at www.mto.gov.on.ca/ out windows can be used for exiting an emergency evacuation, there are six english/handbook/bus/index.shtml, lists in an emergency situation,” reads the key safety rules: in great detail emergency evacuation MTO website. • Listen to the driver’s instructions for procedures: the correct exit “It is important that you and your School Buses Dominate Roads • Be calm, quiet and don’t panic passengers know how to get out of the As part of FirstGroup and one of • Leave your belongings behind bus using the emergency exits, and the largest school bus transportation • Exit seat by seat alternating rows how to use the safety equipment. It is companies in North America, First • Leave the bus quickly without your responsibility to set up a routine Student safely transports approximately pushing or shouting evacuation practice. In an emergency, six million students for more than • Walk to a safe place; then stay practice can mean an orderly and speedy 1,500 school districts each day. And together evacuation even if you are injured and according to First Student Canada Area However, during a real evacuation, unable to help. This practice should take Safety Manager Cindy Cain, emergency the element of panic can create chaos, place at the beginning of the school year preparedness is imperative to expecting no matter how many times a simulated and every month afterward. the unexpected. evacuation has been practiced. It is “Co-ordinate practice drills with “We have (for example) 72-passenger worth re-stating that school bus drivers the school administration and hold buses. They’re designed to be the are the most highly qualified drivers on your drills in a safe, traffic-free area safest mode of transportation on the the road. They receive countless hours of on school property. The objective is road,” said Cain. “But parents in cars specialized training, including written to get the children off the bus safely are not as vulnerable as us, simply exams and road tests, and they must in the shortest possible time and in an because of frequency. School buses complete a certified driver improvement orderly way.” are out mornings and afternoons with course in addition to taking periodic MTO lists three standard ways to children. There are a lot of kids and a re-examinations. Also, in many areas evacuate a school bus: lot of vehicles.” school bus drivers are required to have • Through the front exit only “There is a lot of training that goes CPR and first aid certification. All • Through the rear exit only into training a bus driver,” explained of this helps in the proper staging of • Through the front and rear exits Cain. “And our company, like so many, bus evacuations. simultaneously goes to community events and to schools

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 11 to train students. We’ll show a video Video Important Aid to a joint venture between the OSBA in the classroom and do an actual SSSC provides its own 12-minute and the Ontario Association of School evacuation with the kids, showing them bus evacuation video, which covers Business Officials (OASBO) which will how to exit a bus.” front, rear, split and other evacuation soon release a special needs evacuation According to Cain, a staged bus types. “There are three primary ways video as a step in the right direction. evacuation is like a fire drill. “The worst of evacuating a bus,” according to the Cain explained that when evacuating thing is to have no plan,” she explained. educational video. “The method you students, “You need to know if you have “Do you plan with your family what you use will depend on the nature of the any students who have a disability, would do if you were upstairs sleeping emergency. This will always be the bus whether that is physical or some other and a fire erupted downstairs? How driver’s decision, but in a real emergency, type of disability. Can students help one would you evacuate? Most people don’t he/she might not be able to help and then another? Do you have a few students on think about that… (but) our drivers are you’ll have to decide.” your bus who are natural leaders? They trained to always remain calm and to Boucher said every driver, bus might be good helpers in an emergency take charge.” patroller and school receives education situation.” She said “knowing your Renée Boucher, Executive Director in proper evacuation. “Bus patrollers group” is important when identifying of the Sudbury Student Services become the drivers’ helpers,” said unique needs during an evacuation. Consortium (SSSC), agrees with Cain Boucher. “They receive training on how in regards to the similarity between fire to help the driver with front, back and All Hands On Deck drills and staged bus evacuations. split evacuations, and the reasons behind Stock Transportation, a full-service “In my years here, one school them. And we go to the schools with student transportation provider with has caught on fire, but how many the drivers, watch the video and then decades of experience providing quality times do we actually have an incident practice an evacuation.” school bus transportation, will soon on a school bus that requires us to With 24-, 36- and 72-passenger buses, roll out a new bus evacuation training evacuate?” said Boucher. “I know it is and including buses that accommodate program, according to Senior Safety and repetitive, but that’s how students are physically challenged students using Training Specialist Beth Buttenham. going to be able to do it well when it wheelchairs, evacuation training is She concurred with Cain and Boucher really338622_United.qxd happens.” 9/22/07 3:19 PM “a Page priority,” 1 said Boucher. She points that special needs students require “a customized plan specific to the students on a particular route.” According to Buttenham, “Time really is of the essence in evacuating a bus… (and) there are so many decisions to be made dependent on the emergency: is it at the front of the bus, the back? Where is the door? Can you use the ramp?” She added, “It’s an adrenaline rush, and somehow it just gets done without a whole lot of thought given to it” thanks to preparedness through staged evacuations. “It’s all hands on deck.” Participating in safe school bus riding practices—including staged bus evacuations—is a staple amongst school boards and bus companies. In fact, this best practice element is much more than complying with rules and regulations: it’s a matter of life or death. The old adage, “Practice makes perfect,” certainly comes to mind when discussion staged bus evacuations. Yet, www.unitedmuffler.com while evacuations follow standard

www.osba.on.ca procedures, no two real-life evacuations are alike. With 18,000 school buses on the road in Ontario, practice is imperative to ensuring the safety of Please be Sure to Visit our Website @ our Website to Visit be Sure Please our precious cargo: our students, our future.

12 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 Supplier Showcase

Get the Rust Out

With the introduction of pre-emergent salts, rust has become an added cost of doing business for fleet owners. Automotive manufacturers have been successful in increasing the lifespan of their vehicles, but no-one anticipated the impact of these next-generation salts. Although these salts have been embraced by local governments, environmental groups and the snow contracting community, fleet managers are extremely distraught. Not taken into account were the effects that these salts would have on vehicles and infrastructure. These new salts are able to stick to the vehicles longer and are more active process will determine whether rust control is a needless at lower temperatures. As a result, equipment is experiencing expense or smart investment for your company’s equipment severe body rot, parts failures and something new—wiring fleet. However, an effective annual rust control program can harness issues—all because of corrosion. Staying on top be worth its weight in gold. Choosing the correct corrosion of corrosion issues can extend the life of the vehicles and control products and applying them where needed will help equipment, reduce repair costs and downtime, and project a extend the life of your vehicles and equipment. clean, professional, rust-free image in the marketplace. With To learn more, contact, Greg Lawrie, President and the varying rust control options available, the product and Co-Founder of Pro Fleet Care, [email protected].

Two Percent Better Fuel Economy and Improved Reliability

In your daily focus of meeting providing up to two percent better fuel demanding performance standards and economy versus 2010 models. Your bottom lowering your fleet operation costs, the line will benefit from this advanced Cummins ISB 6.7 engine meets the thinking, and from virtually no change 2014 fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas in maintenance, and improved reliability emissions a full year ahead of schedule. and fuel economy. The totally integrated package uniquely To learn more, contact Bill Lupkoski, optimizes performance—from air Cummins’ Bus Engine Business Manager, handling to exhaust after-treatment—while [email protected].

Anti-Corrosion Innovations Recently Thomas Built Buses announced three new anti- corrosion products which are specifically designed to address the corrosion issues facing operators in the northern parts of North America. They are: • TuffCoat—a strong, durable anti-scuff, anti-corrosion black Stepwell liner. • UnderGuard—an undercoat (replaces black asphalt in use now, still to be approved for Ontario use) available for customers to specify in Ontario school bus • EdgeGuard—a coating product that covers exterior joints applications. that are painted on a bus. All three products are available now on buses built by Thomas Built Buses is committed to building the Thomas. For more information go to thomasbus.com and lowest cost of ownership buses, and these product options search for “anti-corrosion” or call Harper Bus Sales at reinforce that commitment. EdgeGuard and TuffCoat are 905-564-8270.

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 13 Competitive Procurement: It’s Everybody’s Business….

s the most prominent and talked about issue in the Who’s responsible for what? It is the responsibility school bus industry for the past 5+ years, much has of all school transportation stakeholders to be aware and Abeen said and done about the competitive procurement/ understand the implications of the competitive procurement bidding process. The fact is that competitive procurement process. Transporting children each day in a safe and reliable has profound implications on every aspect of the school bus manner is often easily stated and assumed, but takes a industry and every stakeholder. Everyone is inextricably linked monumental effort...it does not just happen by chance. The in a chain of responsibility—the Ministry of Education, school school bus industry is at a critical point, a paradigm shift boards and transportation consortia, bus operators, vehicle of an essential service where ALL stakeholders have the manufacturers and parts suppliers, parents and students. If responsibility of being architects and contributors to the future one party does not fulfill their responsibility, then inevitably a of school busing in Ontario. domino effect—the entire school bus industry, and the safety of students and viability of the industry, is affected. Parents. As a tax payer in the province of Ontario, a competitive procurement process, is intended to be a sensible Why care? Because competitive procurement is about and constructive practice to validate a large budget item the 800,000 children’s lives that ride on school buses each receiving government funding and provide accountability for and every day. It is not about purchasing pencils, school books tax dollars. Parents are responsible to voice their needs and or commodities. As noted by the Ministry of Government concerns, and are entitled to expect a process that evaluates Services, having a competitive procurement process allows and awards contracts based on a company’s ability to deliver improved accountability and transparency for purchasing safe, reliable service for the life of the awarded contract. decisions and processes, and maximizes the value that organizations receive from the use of public funds. School Boards and Transportation Consortia. Competitive procurement for school boards/transportation Why have a competitive bidding process? consortia is an opportunity to ensure that tax dollars The Provincial Government mandated that all Ministries in are allocated appropriately to transportation within the the Province must, under the Broader Public Sector (BPS) overall school board budget, based on value, quality and Procurement Directive, put all contracted services or purchases safe service. A change to the contract award practice has valued over $100,000 out to a competitive bidding process. In opened the doors for school boards/transportation consortia Ontario, the Ministry of Education spends over $820 million on to find routing and other efficiencies. These efficiencies home to school student transportation. Each year, this funding can alter expenditures for the transportation service by supports over 800,000 students riding to school every day on finding overall routing solutions by geographic areas across almost 17,000 school buses, from 73 school boards operating multiple school boards not just by historical operator service through 33 transportation consortiums. Historically, these areas. Despite budget pressures on each school board, it is contracts were “evergreen” in nature, renewed annually through the school board/transportation consortia responsibility to a negotiation between existing school bus operators and school ensure that Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) are written fairly, boards. Over 5 years ago, the Ministry of Education assembled and in an open and transparent manner that allows suitable a committee of industry stakeholders to develop a template for competition among school bus companies choosing to bid. the bidding process which involved school boards and school An effective procurement process encourages proposals from bus industry representatives (bus operators). This process was bus companies of all sizes and allows the school board to designed to provide an appropriate template and best practices equitably evaluate and select the most competent and fitting framework for securing and managing contracted school bus contractor. The competitive procurement contract is not transportation that met with the overall intent and purpose necessarily awarded based on the lowest rates but founded of the provincial Government’s BPS Procurement Directive. on overall school busing excellence in relation to pricing,

14 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 service offerings, safety, training and capabilities of the moves forward. A number of real and perceived challenges bidding contractor. have been encountered, not the least of which is a lack of openness, fairness, comprehensibility and transparency of Bus operators. The paradigm shift for school bus RFP documents. As well, the evaluation criteria in relation companies, who own buses and employ bus drivers, is an to financial formulas, company size, geographic regions, enormous one. Moving from the process and security of route bundling and a number of other factors have been the annually renegotiated evergreen contracts can be stressful subject of many discussions. There is also the specter that and demanding. This former negotiation process may not a procurement process would lead to a monopoly delivery have had a direct correlation to the actual costs to operate a service and increase barriers to effective competition. These school bus, but rather, was potentially based on the annual challenges have led to multiple laws suits and legal blocks funding amount disbursed by the Ministry of Education. that have temporarily stopped all competitive procurement This process may not have been successful for the long term activities in the student transportation industry in Ontario. because it did not reflect the actual costs of providing safe, Notwithstanding, $1 billion of taxpayers’ money is on the line secure and reliable transportation services. The new guidelines with school transportation services. Thus, value for money is for competitive procurement of school bus services can be an a very important factor, but certainly not the only concern. opportunity for operators and the industry to conduct business Among several considerations, competitive procurement based on cost of operation and value of their services. It is can potentially allow for cost savings, rate consistency and the responsibility of school bus companies to know their true stability, uniformity in the nature of services, establishment cost of operation, understand the cost implications of the of clear service levels and accountability, and performance contracts in which they are bidding, and ensure that their bid standards/benchmarks in an effort to reach the ultimate proposals include appropriate pricing for hiring and training goal—safe, reliable transportation for children of today caring, competent and professional employees that focus on and tomorrow. keeping students safe. In the new bidding environment, bus OSBA and various other parties acknowledge the companies have an opportunity to bid for existing as well as perceptions and challenges and are working diligently to new business. Bottom line is about safety...about transporting mitigate them to ensure a scope of work clarity, unambiguously children reliably, without harm, and on-time to school every written RFP documents, understandable information on day. It is about the future viability of the school bus industry what a bidder is required to be or have to be compliant and/ of which the school bus company plays a major role. or selected through the RFP process, ongoing training for consortia and operators, and a province-wide set of standards, Government. The Ministry of Education allocates processes and measurement criteria to maximize transparency, funding to school boards/transportation consortia across accountability and stability. the province so that school boards may hire suitable bus companies/contractors. It is through this funding and the OSBA continues to advocate for fair and competitive procurement process, that the Ministry can reasonable solutions for all. OSBA is the largest ensure safety and that children are not put at risk. They are provincial organization representing a variety of bus operators responsible for providing competitive procurement training, from small, medium and large-sized companies. Membership education and support for school boards/transportation has grown and now represents over 10,000 of the 17,000 consortia and bus companies for effective participation in school buses travelling Ontario roads today. The Association the procurement process to ensure the highest level of school has provided numerous training and educational seminars bus transportation services now and in the future. Government on how to prepare a proposal and enter the competitive bid also has a responsibility to ensure a process that allows school process. OSBA also continues to meet with school boards/ boards/transportation consortia to conduct fair and transparent transportation consortia through the Ontario Association of bid processes for all school bus companies to bid on a level School Business Officials (OASBO). Ongoing meetings occur playing field. It is Government’s duty to have oversight of with the Ministries of Education and Government Services large budget expenditures ensuring that the underlying process and OSBA continues to provide realistic, reasonable ideas used by school boards is not only compliant with the BPS and solutions. OSBA is helping to raise the bar and ensure Procurement Directive, but awards busing contracts that professionalism at all levels. By being an advocate of the maintain the integrity and viability of the school bus industry school bus industry and safety of children, OSBA is helping and its enviable safety record. parents, school boards and our children receive safe, reliable transportation now and in the future. Growing pains. Competitive procurement is not a new phenomenon. It happens in every other province in Canada and All for one and one for all. All parties need to work most other industries around the world. Competitive bidding is in unison and take responsibility for keeping students safe. indeed a new process in the Ontario school bus industry and OSBA will continue on the path of professional responsibility still very much in its infancy stage. Many stakeholders are and accountability to all groups—government, school board/ experiencing this process for the first time and discovering transportation consortia, and in particular the parents and a paradigm shift to their business practices as the process children on all school buses in the province.

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 15 #NoMoreBullies By Stuntman Stu

he #NoMoreBullies anti-bullying campaign was launched in TSeptember of 2011. As a victim of bullying in high school, Stuntman Stu tweeted “If I have to visit every school in Ottawa to speak out against bullying I will.” From that moment on, Stuntman Stu, Angie Poirier and Trisha Owens—better known as the MAJIC 100 Morning Show—took it upon themselves to rally around the issue and pledge to visit schools in Ottawa with a presentation to inform students and teachers about the growing problem of bullying. In the weeks that followed the #NoMoreBullies hashtag was created and the campaign was born. The movement took on a life of its own on the MAJIC 100 NoMoreBullies Facebook page (www.NoMoreBullies.ca) with parents, students, teachers, city officials, the local media—everyone was The No More Bullies campaign was finally discussing the topic and sharing started because something needed to their stories, personal experiences and be done—action needed to be taken concerns in an open manner. Within demand within Ottawa, they were to help deal with the issue of bullying. months, hundreds of celebrities, recently made available to the general Talking about the problem in an open students, athletes, politicians, families, public by visiting the radio station and controlled environment was the first sports teams—joined the campaign and reception desk. The blue bracelets important step in a long road to help showed their support. with the hashtag #NoMoreBullies, is a eliminate the problem within schools and The MAJIC 100 No More Bullies reminder that the campaign is forever communities. The MAJIC 100 Morning campaign is well into its third season. ongoing and that the discussion, even Show no longer wanted to be bystanders Stuntman Stu, along with Angie after the school presentation has ended, and just highlight stories of victims of Poirier and Trisha Owens, continue to must be continued on a daily basis. bullying as members of the local media, visit schools all across Ottawa and the but wanted to use their platform and local surrounding area with their team of celebrity to be part of the solution, foster experts. The presentation is an honest The presentation is an honest and change and inspire others to do the same. and frank discussion about bullying, In the end, the message for students to done in a way that engages students frank discussion about bullying, walk away with is not to be silent. Talk to and teachers and speaks to fears and someone—anyone—about what you’re issues that they face on a daily basis. going through. Ending the silence is what The presentation covers everything done in a way that engages will bring an end to the problem. And about what it’s like to be bullied, how it’s a message, with every presentation, to eliminate bullying and where to go students and teachers and speaks that is getting across to kids, parents, for help. teachers and the community of Ottawa. The campaign has also made to their fears and issues that they The hundreds of emails and phone available #NoMoreBullies bracelets, calls received on a monthly basis are a which students receive at the end of testament to the positive change being the presentation, and due to the huge face on a daily basis. made in the community.

16 SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 A Calculator for Operators Small steps toward measuring and decreasing “Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)” can make a big difference

homas Built Buses recently announced the launch a new T “total cost of ownership” (TCO) calculator, which will allow fleet managers (across all OEMs) to measure the current TCO of their fleet and take immediate steps to reduce their costs. “Adding newer school buses with fuel costs, maintenance charges and capital cost, financing, preventive better fuel efficiency to your fleet is a parts. When many school bus owners maintenance based on the OEM great way to save money and increase are keeping buses for up to 20 years, maintenance schedule as published, overall efficiency,” says Paul Start, it’s important to consider all of the and fuel economy. With this tool, fleet market growth development manager associated costs with owning a bus. managers can compare the total cost for Thomas Built Buses. “And, we “Fuel economy is quite possibly the per vehicle and total cost per mile for understand that not all fleets are ready most important component of TCO,” Thomas Built buses compared to other to upgrade to newer buses. So we want Start explains. “By far, the cost of fuel buses on the market. to give fleet managers tools today that over the lifetime of a bus will be the “Any Thomas Built dealer can now they can use to understand and reduce highest expense incurred. Fuel costs work with a fleet manager to determine their TCO.” continue to rise, and we don’t see that what factors most affect a fleet’s total abating any time soon. Without changes cost of ownership, how to better plan What is Included in TCO? in driving habits or to the fleet itself, for the life cycle of each bus, and what When it comes to the total cost of overall TCO will continue to rise.” steps can be taken immediately to reduce owning a bus, the purchase price of a bus maintenance and fuel costs,” says Kelley is only the beginning. TCO includes the How to Measure TCO? Platt, CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “Put total cost of a bus for its entire lifetime The Thomas Built Buses TCO simply, our goal is to educate every including direct and indirect costs such calculator allows fleet managers to customer on how to run a more cost- as the total cost of the bus, financing, calculate their TCO built on four pillars: effective fleet.”

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 17 Fleet managers wishing to set a Often, the change in habits comes expensive than air drum brakes up front, baseline for their current TCO can do from the drivers. Drivers are being but they extend brake life 2-3 times more so without even leaving the parking lot. retrained on how to decrease idle than normal air drum brake applications. “The easiest way to start measuring times, stop more efficiently and drive This becomes even more pronounced TCO is to start with fuel economy,” Start to maintain fuel efficiency. Still other when fleet managers add in a turbo explains. “Oftentimes, fuel economy organizations have simply re-engineered exhaust brake to their engines. measurements are listed on the engine their routes to be more fuel efficient. Other features include bonded electronics. Any fleet manager can One of Thomas Built’s customers who windshields, which require replacement simply walk up to a bus and see how worked diligently on decreasing his TCO about 90 percent less often than much fuel has been used, current fuel ended up with hundreds of thousands of traditional windshields; multiplex wires economy, idling time, etc. This is dollars in fuel savings. and technologies, which greatly reduce valuable information that many more “We routinely counsel our customers vehicle weight and diagnostic time during fleet managers could start to utilize on how even small changes can make electrical failures; LED lights, which last right away.” a huge difference in their TCO,” Start much longer than incandescent lights; Fuel economy can be combined with explains. “Durability and performance corrosion protection for buses in extreme recorded maintenance costs, capital of parts and service definitely play a role climates; the list goes on. costs and financing to show a true TCO in total cost of ownership. Unfortunately, “Simply right sizing your buses and snapshot. After a baseline is set, the trick many transportation owners/managers selecting the most efficient components is pinpointing metrics that will help to order buses and parts based on what and parameter settings will enhance lower TCO. they’ve ordered in the past and not performance, as well as greatly reduce “In my opinion, measuring TCO based on newer technology. Buses today overall operating costs,” Start says. is more than just recording metrics,” include much newer technology than “Specifying rear-end ratios, transmission Start says. “To really start to see a they did 5-6 years ago including idle modes, axle/suspension sizing, brake change, fleet managers have to shift parameters, fuel economy modes and the type, etc. based on what the market their reference point from looking at a ability to gear their bus/power train. Just required 10 years ago is detrimental to long-term budget to lowering the cost utilizing newer technologies will help to both performance and cost.” per mile.” decrease TCO.” Small steps toward measuring As many school bus fleet For example, Thomas Built Buses and decreasing TCO can make a big managers are focused on set budgets utilizes SCR (selective catalytic difference. The first and biggest step (capital, maintenance, fuel, etc), Start reduction) technology on engines, which that all fleet managers can take is to recommends focusing on the total cost reduces the use of EGR (exhaust gas change their mindset from satisfying per mile, which will help transportation recirculation). With SCR technology, their individual budgets to working directors save money in their total buses do not need to burn extra fuel and toward a holistic viewpoint that is the annual budget. regenerate as often. total cost of ownership. No matter what type of buses Reduce your Total Cost comprise a fleet, there are a variety If you would like to know what your of Ownership of parts and services that will further total cost of ownership is (even if you There are a number of ways to start decrease a fleet’s TCO including air don’t currently own Thomas Built decreasing a fleet’s TCO. As many disc brakes, which allow for consistent Buses), call your Thomas Built Buses operators are purchasing newer, more application and result in shorter stopping dealer to learn more or visit the fuel efficient buses, others are simply distances, even wear and a longer following link: www.thomasbus.com/ changing some old habits. brake life. Air disc brakes can be more total-cost-of-ownership.

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SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 594544_Grey.indd 18 1 28/06/12 4:05 AM School Bus Safety By Jeffrey Reed

he school bus industry in Ontario in Maxville, Ontario, said safety is heavily regulated, with a score training comes first with his stable T of governing rules including the of 300 drivers operating 250 buses. Highway Traffic Act, Public Vehicles Act, McRae acknowledges the fact that added Employment Standards Act, Accessibility security measures will likely increase in for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the future, thanks to both government Environmental Protection Act. But when legislation and policies within individual Student Transportation of Eastern it comes to the most important guidelines companies. But he said juggling current Ontario (STEO), agreed with McRae of all—protecting our students—there responsibilities with worst-case-scenario in regard to not wanting to alarm is still a lot to consider regarding ideal training is a tough balancing act. drivers—or students or educational security measures. “We mention at our (fall) start-up staff. She also recognized that preparing No matter how much a school bus meetings with our drivers different for serious threats to school bus safety company prepares, it is impossible (security) scenarios and how to handle is imperative. to predict if or when a life-or-death them (including) students fighting on “I think from a training perspective, situation will arise inside a school bus the bus,” said McRae. “We talk about you don’t want to create a culture of fear or outside its doors. As a society, we what to do if a disgruntled parent or just amongst drivers, students and school are taking greater steps in combatting a member of the general public gets on officials. But you want to ensure that your bullying, which itself can pose a threat to the bus. We ask our drivers to tell people drivers have all of the tools necessary to drivers and passengers. But with security politely but sternly, get off the bus—it’s managing a situation effectively, should measures heightened within the walls private property. You’re not allowed on a crisis occur,” said Murray. of our schools, now may be the time to here. And at that point if they don’t, then “We have looked at what is available consider extra caution. call the police.” within both the U.S. and Canada, The security landscape has certainly Yet McRae said beyond that—for and more importantly what has been changed within our elementary schools, example, using scare tactics during a effective,” Murray added. “We’re in due in part to former Ontario Premier hiring process—is a fine line between the very early stages. We’re finding Dalton McGuinty’s $10-million locked- preparing a driver for the worst and out what exists in terms of emergency doors policy encouraging front door scaring them away from the job. preparedness, so we can equip our locks, entry buzzer systems and security “They already have a full list of drivers with proactive tools. And we’re cameras. This latest policy follows up procedures to remember as a bus driver,” recognizing that students and school on a 2005 movement which saw 850 said McRae. “If I am training a driver buses can be vulnerable targets for those of Ontario’s 4,000 elementary schools and right off the hop tell him, here is kinds of incidents.” receive funding for similar security what you need to do if somebody comes Education and transportation have elements. at you with a gun or knife, there is a good been gridlocked by bad news, which In late 2012, the Newfoundland chance we are going to have a hard time has helped fuel the need for added and Labrador government launched getting drivers. security measures. The 9/11 travesty an overhaul of their school bus system “That said, the next time we meet prompted the U.S. Government to to include measures such as the use of with our consortium safety officer, make its Homeland Security measures video surveillance on vehicles. This those are things we will bring up as an not only law, but a household name. effort followed the protest involving association,” added McRae. “Safety has Through its Maritime & Land Security Swift Current, Saskatchewan parents and always been a big part of training. Going department, the U.S. Transportation students whose complaints about planned back 20 years, drivers never needed to Security Administration has published busing resulted in a school closure. be trained in first aid and CPR, but those a four-page school bus security paper. With the U.S. Department of are now requirements and for good It outlines: identifying security threats Homeland Security tightening security reasons. I think everyone in our industry and incidents; recommended procedures measures in American school buses, is does a good job training drivers. But for employees; controlling situations; it only a matter of time before Ontario maybe we are now looking for a little evacuating vehicles; warning signs school buses adopt an ‘Operation more guidance in specialized training (including identifying and responding Lockdown’ mentality? in (security threat) training.” to suspicious people); threats, incidents Nick McRae, general manager of Janet Murray, Human Resources, and reporting guidelines; and vehicle Roxborough Bus Lines headquartered Safety and Training Coordinator with and area inspections.

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 19 Following the 1999 Columbine drivers are being trained to maintain amongst some critics. This suggestion High School shootings, school security added awareness, as dictated by the First includes school buses. reached enormous heights, but even Observer security program. In Colorado, When a bus passenger was beheaded more so following the 2012 massacre transportation employees must display while travelling Greyhound in Manitoba at Sandy Hook Elementary School badges while on duty, and all buses in 2008, the spotlight on safe bus in Newtown, Connecticut, where are now equipped with cameras. In transportation shone brighter than ever a gunman killed 20 children and Pennsylvania, a new school safety task before in Canada. While this was a tragic six educators. force has formed. And in Utah, a new set of circumstances, it was an isolated Considering some of the added policy is focusing on armed hijacking occurrence. But with the headlines came security measures which are sweeping and hostage events. a call for action amongst the motor the U.S., it may be worthwhile to ask Just like fire drills are the norm coach industry. if these measures surface north of the within elementary and high schools, Today, most security headlines 49th parallel. In Alabama, school bus shooter drills are now being called for regarding school bus travel involve bullying—one of the most hotly-debated topics in modern society. With numerous children on a school bus, the possibility exists for less than ideal circumstances, hence the importance of driver training. “Kids fighting is probably the biggest thing,” said McRae of his company’s fall www.kleenoil.ca driver training session. “What do you do in the event of students fighting on a bus? How do we train kids to behave better? Bullying is something that we have had good help with from local consortiums, and at the government level, in regards to training for how to deal with bullying— anti-bullying. There are a lot of good programs out there,” said McRae. Bullying is certainly an epidemic, and today we are proactive in fighting back with an anti-bullying movement. But disasters such as the recent kidnapping of a 5-year-old boy in Alabama and fatal shooting of the 65-year-old kidnapper act as steady reminders that we must prepare for the worst. Installing a camera system on a school bus may be a case of “Big Brother is watching” in the eyes of critics, and time and costs associated with additional driver training may be seen as bothersome. But without a doubt, added school bus security measures are here to stay. According to Janet Murray, government-imposed legislation will most likely partner with Kleenoil  ltration is a management tool to • Reduce oil related maintenance costs individual policies when a blanket effort • Maximize engine, hydraulic and transmission oil life to implement additional safety measures • Double engine, hydraulic and transmission life cycles • Remove particles of one (1) micron nominal three (3) absolute comes to fruition across Ontario. • Remove water to maximize the oil additive package • Consequently reducing maintenance costs “There is always a mandated Many major Ontario city bus  eets have been ordering new busses with Kleenoil KU50/KU65 units installed by bus component on what is delivered in OEM`S in Canada, USA and UK. terms of programing, which is fair,” OIL FILTRATION SPECIALISTS INC. KLEENOIL FILTRATION CANADA LTD. said Murray. “Policy makers decide Ian Anderson Shirley Archambault 10 Malta Avenue, Unit 808, Brampton, ON L6Y 4G6 850 Boundary Road, Unit 2, Cornwall ON. K6H 5R5 what’s important. And that is always Cell: (905) 978-2901 Tel: (613) 933 9090 • Fax: (866) 552 5333 Email: [email protected] www.kleenoil.ca • Email: [email protected] complimented by either an organizational continued on page 22

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 591215_Kleenoil.indd20 1 21/06/12 6:44 AM Burn the Bus: Real-Life Evacuation Training By Renée Boucher

n October 17, 2012, the Sudbury present and explained how the school or any school bus out there,” said Renée Student Services Consortium bus is structured and its different Boucher of SSSC. “Although fires that O(SSSC), in cooperation with safety features. are set with accelerants can produce Leuschen Transportation, Northway The goals for this day were to more heat, burn at a higher temperature Bus Lines, City of Greater Sudbury determine the approximate amount of and increase the spread of fire, the whole Fire Services, EMS and the Ministry time available to evacuate students from point of this exercise was for everyone of Transportation (MTO), organized a burning school bus, as well as to give to be involved and practice the well- a training day for approximately the safety officers, trainers, firefighters established evacuation procedures that 120 attendees. and EMS personnel hands-on training we have in place,” Boucher said. This day consisted of school bus should this situation occur. For everyone involved, the event was evacuation training, special needs bus The Sudbury Fire Department ignited seen as a huge success. The exercise evacuation exercises, safety discussions, the bus by adding accelerant underneath highlighted that with evacuation school bus extrications, and the burning the hood of the bus. “It was a very training, combined with assistance of a 72-passenger school bus and a intense feeling to witness this up close from all other services, student safety is smaller special needs school bus. A and think about the possibility of this achieved with great speed, cooperation, representative from MTO was also happening to one of our school buses, reliability and expertise.

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2013 21 field trip Marketplace

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