bus winter

It’s Never Too Early to Get Your Buses Cold-Weather Ready

bus winter

School is back in session. That means buses are tuned up and ready for a new season of daily driving and field trips galore. While your school bus fleet may be in top condition right now, it’s never too soon to plan for old man winter.

Review this quick Seven-Point list now and take action so your department isn’t in the deep freeze later.

  1. Are all coolant lines and connections leak free?
  2. Do you have proper coolant/antifreeze on hand?
  3. Are proper filling procedures being followed?
  4. Do you have starting aids such as a coolant block heater/intake manifold heater or oil heater on hand and ready to go?
  5. Has the fuel/water separator been drained?
  6. What is your plan for a winterized diesel fuel?
  7. Do drivers know about the High Idle switch and its proper usage for longer idle times in cold weather?

“Few school budgets allow for an extra route bus, so anticipating cold weather requirements can really save the transportation department headaches and money.” Jason Jackson – Bus Service Manager

The Parts Department at Kansas Truck Equipment can help you with winter fronts, fuel filters, fuel/water separators and more. Most parts available for delivery within 24 hours. Call for more information – (866) 948-3849.

For more details on cold weather prep ideas refer to this article by Cummins Engines which appeared in the monthly publication, School Bus Fleet.

Kansas Truck Equipment is proud to be the only Cummins-certified Blue Bird Bus dealer for the state of Kansas.

rei mobile video surveillance

Benefits of Mobile Video Surveillance

rei mobile video surveillance

Safety and cost are a transportation director’s two most important responsibilities. So a solution like mobile video surveillance from REI on school buses offers long-term benefits that far surpass the short-term cost.

1: Provide a safe environment for Students, Drivers and Monitors

A safe environment in student transportation is one that combines responsibility with accountability, and mobile video surveillance can keep drivers and aides accountable to transportation directors and fleet managers. It can also keep students accountable to administrators and parents, allowing administration to address parental concerns in a timely manner.

Inside the bus, video surveillance offers footage over high back seats, something that can’t be done from a rear-view mirror. Students can benefit from the ability of video surveillance to record stop-arm violations and capture license plate information. Video surveillance footage can benefit your school district in many ways, protecting your transportation teams in the process.

2: Minimize Costs

It goes without saying that safety is the most important part of a transportation director or superintendent’s job. But they also must find ways to reduce costs, both in the short-term and the long-term.

Mobile video surveillance on your school bus fleet allows you to monitor the performance of your drivers and aides and spot opportunities for improvement in their performance. Real-time location information can be immensely helpful in improving the efficiency of your drivers, and improve your training, both of which can save on costs such as equipment downtime, fuel costs and overtime cost. Well-trained employees can reduce risks, which can have long-term insurance savings. Another benefit of mobile surveillance is that it can even save on maintenance costs by identifying issues with equipment before they become costly repairs.

3: Reduces Vandalism

We mentioned accountability earlier, and studies have shown that the presence of mobile video surveillance reduces vandalism. That can save further on unnecessary maintenance costs.

Mobile video surveillance on buses creates an environment where drivers and students can feel safer. Parents and administrators can rest easy knowing that drivers aren’t alone in keeping an eye on things.

For your custom quote, call Dave, Dan or Alicia at Kansas Truck Equipment Co., Inc.
(316) 491-2995 or (866) 948-3849

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