Traffic & Transit

Journal & Courier

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School bus costs rise as Indiana districts compare solutions

School transportation officials from across Indiana used a regional networking meeting to compare recruitment strategies, discuss student behavior issues and confront the rising cost of replacing school buses. The Transportation Directors Networking Group held its first meeting on Sept. 23, bringing transportation leaders together in a Zoom session hosted by Wabash Valley Education Service Center , according to a community announcement. Among the most common concerns was the challenge of recruiting and retaining school bus drivers. Transportation directors discussed difficulties filling regular routes and maintaining substitute driver pools, particularly in smaller communities. One district shared details of a "Drive the Bus" event that allows potential applicants to try operating a school bus in a parking lot. Other recruitment efforts included highlighting pay rates on banners and reaching out to parents and school employees who may be available before or after school hours. Participants also discussed student conduct on buses and the training drivers need to support behavior management, build relationships with students and assist those with special education needs. Technology and operations challenges Transportation leaders compared routing software, GPS platforms and electronic vehicle inspection tools while noting that internet connectivity can limit the effectiveness of technology on rural routes. The

Indiana · 09-29