Carroll County Public Schools Transportation Services Department

Transcription

1 Carroll County Public Schools Transportation Services Department The mission of the Transportation Services Department is to support the learning process by providing safe, adequate, efficient, and economical transportation services for all students and comply with Federal, State and Local policies and procedures.

2 School Bus Driver Training The Transportation Services Department trains new bus drivers each year 50% of the drivers that enter training become certified CCPS bus drivers Pre-service requirements: Bus driver applicants must have a satisfactory driving history All trainees are fingerprinted and subject to a criminal background check by Federal and State agencies Drivers must pass an extensive Federal Department of Transportation physical Drivers are required to undergo pre-employment employment drug testing 2

3 School Bus Driver Pre-Service Training School bus drivers are provided 30 hours of pre- service training which includes: 15 hours of classroom training covering Federal, State and Local laws, policies and procedures.topics covered include (but not limited to): Student behavior management To develop proactive strategies Bus evacuations To be able to perform efficiently and orderly Loading/Unloading students To focus on monitoring the danger zone 3

4 School Bus Driver Pre-Service Training 15 hours of behind-the the-wheel training covering(but not limited to) the following skills: Right and left parallel parking, bus docking Proper mirror use and school light use Railroad and bridge crossing procedures and air brake use Accident training, defensive driving techniques and pre-trip inspection On road driving under the supervision of a driver instructor 4

5 Special Needs Driver and Assistant Pre-Service Training Must attend an additional 6 hours of pre- service classroom training covering (but not limited to): Identifying different types of disabilities Behavior management strategies Learning how to help students expand on their independent lifestyles Securing adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, vests, and car seats Evacuation of special needs buses and students 5

6 School Bus Driver MVA Testing Once a driver has completed training, CCPS Driver Instructors administer an off- site commercial driver s s license MVA test. CCPS first public school system in MD to be approved for this program CCPS was pilot for expansion to other MD public school systems Program is now in existence in other MD public school systems 6

7 School Bus Driver In-Service Requirements To remain certified, CCPS drivers must do the following: Pass an annual Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT) physical Participate in 6 hours of classroom training each year on topics related to school bus safety Receive a satisfactory route observation report every two years Maintain a satisfactory driving record Participate in random, post accident and reasonable suspicion drug and breath alcohol testing program 7

8 Principles of Routing and Scheduling Safety- The primary focus of routing Bus stops and routes that do not jeopardize the safety of students Adequacy- Resources are adequate to serve the student population Seats are available for all eligible students Buses arrive on time at bus stops and at schools 8

9 Principles of Routing and Scheduling Efficiency- Routes are established to be as efficient as possible Routes are as direct and short as possible Deadhead (time and mileage on the route not transporting students) is minimized Layover time (time where buses are idle in between runs) is minimized Bus capacities are fully utilized 10

10 Principles of Routing and Scheduling Economy- Buses are utilized to the fullest extent possible School start times (tiering( tiering) ) established by TSD to maximize resources Bus stops should be approximately 1/4 mile apart (COMAR) to limit the number of bus stops Contractors are assigned routes closest to their garage location 9

11 Routing and Scheduling Target Capacity of CCPS Buses CCPS Target capacity High school 44 students Middle school 51 students Elementary school 58 students 11

12 Routing and Scheduling Data Sources Written route operation forms completed by bus drivers Stop Sheets Manifests Computerized mapping and routing programs Enrollment projections Road network updates from Carroll County Roads Department New development updates from county and municipal government planning departments 12

13 Routing and Scheduling Route Operation Forms (Stop Sheets) 13

14 Routing and Scheduling Driver Manifests 14

15 Bus Vehicle Safety 15

16 Fleet Acceptance- Transportation Services Administrators and Driver -Instructors Daily Pre-trip Inspections Drivers Annual MVA State Certification Inspection Contractors and State Certified Repair Facilities School Bus Inspection Program Transportation Services Team 16

17 School Bus Inspection Program Inspections In Summer, Fall and Spring for All Buses All Buses In Fleet (Contractor & County Owned) Staged at Selected School Facilities Using 2 Inspection Team Lines Central Area Winters Mill HS Southern Area Century HS Western Area Francis Scott Key HS Northeast Area Shiloh MS 17

18 Each CCPS Inspection Line 18

19 Inspection Line Leader Records Details Communicates with Team and Contractors 19

20 Two Certified Professional Mechanics Inspect Engine Compartment Inspect Under Carriage 20

21 Two Driver Inspectors Running Signal and Light System Checks With Other Inspectors Testing Controls and Instrumentation 21

22 Two Interior/Exterior Inspectors Inspects Emergency Kits For Required Components Checks Lights, Emergency Exits, Seats, etc. 22

23 Tire Inspector From A Professional Tire Service Inspects Tread Depth, Tire & Wheel Integrity and Inflation 23

24 Adjunct Inspector from the Motor Vehicle Administration Has The Authority to Issue State Citations and Confiscate Tags 24

25 Fire Extinguisher Service Technician Examines Extinguishers, Updates Inspection Tags And Services Expired Units 25

26 Site-Based Data Recorder and Record Maintenance Records Defects On Computer, Manages Forms & Paperwork 26

27 Inspection Standards Documented In The May 2005 Revision Of The Maryland Public School Inspection Manual 27

28 Individual Bus Results: Passing No Defects Found 30-Day Citation Minor Defects (i.e., Torn Seats, Clearance Lights) Contractors Report Appropriate Repair Within 30 Days Redline Citation Bus Forbidden To Transport Children Until Repair Is Completed and Re-inspected MVA Tag Removal/Confiscation Must Be Reinspected By MVA 28

29 Inspection Results Are Recorded On Individual Inspection Form, Spreadsheet, Compiled and Reviewed Following Each Inspection 29

30 Special Needs Transportation 30

31 Special Needs Transportation 853 students riding special needs buses as of 4/1/06 58 schools serviced (21 out-of of-county) 65 total special needs bus routes 1,748,061 miles annually $5,251 average cost per student 31

32 Special Needs Transportation Cost ($) is 10X higher for special needs bus routes versus regular education bus routes Same side, curb-to-curb service Longer bus routes Longer student loading/ unloading time Bus assistant on every special needs bus Out-of of-county placements Additional equipment 32

33 Special Needs Transportation Out-of of-county Cost = $ 100,000/ bus per year 12- year air-conditioned bid buses beginning in SY students transported to non-public schools + Md. School for the Blind and Md. School for the Deaf (Columbia + Frederick) Now transporting to 21 out-of of-county school locations Average student ride time 2.5 times that of in-county special education bus routes 11 and 12 month programs lasting up to 214 days Increasing number of non-public school locations Increasing number of students placed outside Carroll County 33

34 Special Needs Transportation Pre-Kindergarten (Formerly EEEP) 180 students transported daily Programs now at seven (7) schools 13 bus routes Special education + Gateway buses used to reduce cost 34

35 CCPS Transportation Services Department Challenges Driver shortage High fuel costs Increased traffic-gridlock Increased time and mileage Increased cost of buses/equipment Increased cost of routing and scheduling Student ride times New programs during and after school New driver requirements Federal and State Regulations 35

36 CCPS Transportation Services Department - Next Steps Work collaboratively with Contractor s s Association to address driver shortage Continue to evaluate routing and scheduling to reduce time and mileage Continue to work with County Government staff to monitor projected population growth by specific areas Continue to monitor fuel costs and promote alternate fuels Continue to reduce ride times- especially on out-of of- county routes Continue to work with staff to provide special education programs within Carroll County Continue to adhere to Federal and State regulations 36

37 Special Needs Transportation Thank you to all of our regular education and special needs bus drivers and assistants! 37