National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures May 2010 Adopted by the Fifteenth National Congress on School Transportation NATIONAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS and PROCEDURES 2010 Revised Edition Adopted by: THE FIFTEENTH NATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri May 16-20, 2010 Co-Sponsored by: National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services National Association for Pupil Transportation National School Transportation Association School Transportation Section, National Safety Council School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council Missouri Safety Center, University of Central Missouri This publication is available from: Missouri Safety Center University of Central Missouri Humphreys Suite 201 Warrensburg, MO 64093 Phone: (660) 543-4830 Fax: (660) 543-4482 CONTENTS Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................1 About this Document and Guiding Principles .................................................................................5 Intended Use ....................................................................................................................................6 Interpretations and Information; Interim Committee .......................................................................8 Chronicling Innovations in School Transportation ..........................................................................9 School Bus Types ..........................................................................................................................15 Bus Body and Chassis Specifications ............................................................................................17 Air Cleaner .........................................................................................................................19 Aisle ...................................................................................................................................19 Axles ..................................................................................................................................19 Back-up Warning Alarm ....................................................................................................19 Brakes: General ..................................................................................................................19 Brakes: Hydraulic ..............................................................................................................20 Brakes: Air .........................................................................................................................20 Bumper: Front ....................................................................................................................21 Bumper: Rear .....................................................................................................................21 Certification .......................................................................................................................22 Clutch .................................................................................................................................22 Color ..................................................................................................................................22 Communications Systems ..................................................................................................22 Construction .......................................................................................................................23 Crossing Control Arm (Optional) ......................................................................................23 Defrosters ...........................................................................................................................24 Doors ..................................................................................................................................24 Drive Shaft .........................................................................................................................25 Electrical System ...............................................................................................................25 Emergency Equipment ......................................................................................................29 Emergency Exits ................................................................................................................30 Exhaust System ..................................................................................................................32 Fenders: Front ....................................................................................................................33 Fire Suppression Systems (Optional).................................................................................33 Floors .................................................................................................................................33 Frame .................................................................................................................................34 Fuel System ........................................................................................................................34 Governor ............................................................................................................................35 Handrails ............................................................................................................................35 iii Heating and Air Conditioning Systems .............................................................................35 Hinges ................................................................................................................................39 Horn ...................................................................................................................................39 Identification ......................................................................................................................39 Inside Height ......................................................................................................................40 Instruments and Instrument Panel ......................................................................................41 Insulation (Optional) ..........................................................................................................42 Interior................................................................................................................................42 Lamps and Signals .............................................................................................................43 Metal Treatment .................................................................................................................45 Mirrors ...............................................................................................................................46 Mounting ............................................................................................................................46 Oil Filter .............................................................................................................................46 Openings ............................................................................................................................46 Overall Length ...................................................................................................................47 Overall Width.....................................................................................................................47 Passenger Load ..................................................................................................................47 Public Address System ......................................................................................................47 Retarder System (Optional Equipment) .............................................................................47 Retroreflective Material .....................................................................................................47 Road Speed Control ...........................................................................................................48 Rub Rails ............................................................................................................................48 Seats and Restraining Barriers ...........................................................................................49 Shock Absorbers ................................................................................................................51 Side Skirts ..........................................................................................................................51 Steering Gear .....................................................................................................................51 Steps ...................................................................................................................................51 Step Treads.........................................................................................................................52 Stirrup Steps .......................................................................................................................52 Stop Signal Arm .................................................................................................................53