October, 2005

So what IS the 14 th NCST (and Why Should I Care)? National Conferences on School Transportation held since 1939 Now convened each five years in Warrensburg, Missouri Basic purpose to deliberate and adopt the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures (NSTSP, “the book”)

National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures May 2000

Intended Use For use by states when establishing their standards, specifications, recommendations, and guidelines for school transportation vehicles and operations NSTSP documents official actions of the NCST delegates and comprises recommendations to regulatory authorities or other parties.

The numbers: 297 Delegates 47 States 63 Other Interested Parties Met from Sunday, May 15 th to Thursday, May 19 th, 2005 in Warrensburg

Major themes of 2005 NCST Increased leadership position by delegates –Example was stance on passenger crash protection issues Improved accessibility and productivity through technology, room layout Name changed to “Congress”

So what really happened???

Opening Events: Opened proceedings with name change to Congress NSTA, NAPT, NASDPTS presented jointly adopted positions and statements on: –School bus passenger crash protection –School transportation security –Recent initiatives to work together

Chassis Specifications (Denny Coughlin, Chair): Mostly cleanup and updating Tackled issue of improved fire protection –SBMTC charged with developing test protocol and performance specs for chassis firewalls Eliminated some obsolete references, including power and gradeability

Body Specifications (Bill Schroyer, Chair): Variable volume back-up alarms (opt.) Battery compartment on Type A1 diesels Front, rear bumper wording standardized Black or yellow trim per state specs Jacknife doors removed Emergency exits changed to FMVSS plus roof hatches

Body Specs ( continued): Floor material specs and max burn rate MFSAB exemptions: color, stop arms, crossing arms Electronic circuit protection 28 in. “high back” seats standard, incl. resolution for same to NHTSA Driver seat integrated belt (opt.)

Body Specs ( continued): Noise canceling switch std. (RR crossings) No lap belts, except with CSRSs Bus Type definitions updated Resolutions to SBMTC on: –Rub rails –Rear bumper underride –Firewalls Resolution to NHTSA on Type A lap/shoulder belts

Alternative Fuel Buses ( Brian Higginbotham): Updated to include: –Biodiesel –Hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric –Clean diesel/ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) moved to end due to upcoming federal mandate –General cleanup of layout and format

Specially Equipped Buses (Mike Wagner): Most specific content removed and references inserted to: –FMVSS 222 (WTORS) –FMVSS 403 (wheelchair lifts) –FMVSS 404 (wheelchair lift installations) –Others as required Appendix D removed

Operations Procedures (Doug Snyder): Main focus was to reorganize and “clean up” the section Routing and scheduling procedures more comprehensive CASTO proposal for optional student escorting procedure defeated Reduced idling procedure incorporated Post-trip passenger checks (using visual or electronic system and procedures)

Operations Procedures (Doug Snyder): Increased danger zone dimensions (to 12 feet) Language recommending that all buses shall have two-way communications systems where technologically feasible

School Transportation Security (Pete Baxter): Provides an overview of questions and considerations re: security Designed to be used to help LEAs develop self-assessments and locally tailored, comprehensive security awareness and training programs Will probably be a stand-alone section for greater visibility

Special Needs Operations (Alexandra Robinson): Name of section changed to “Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs” All references to bus aides and monitors changed to “attendants” Aligned with latest IDEA reauthorization Updated references to WC-19 transportable wheelchair standard

Infants and Pre-schoolers (Linda Bluth, Jean Zimmerman): Updated to emphasize importance of post- trip checks for children left behind Use of tethers on safety restraint vests or systems when instructed by mfr’s. Other updates to conform to latest NHTSA guidelines Related updates to prohibit standees on lifts, use of W/Cs w/out functional locks

Accident (crash) Reporting (Charley Kennington): Approved use of model online crash reporting system, including minimum data elements Online system to be made available to states so national organizations will have access to more detailed, current crash reporting information

Activities Transportation (Maxine Mougeot): Improved clarity and comprehensiveness of policies for activity trips Pre-trip instructions to passengers on use and location of emergency exits Means of checking carriers’ safety records Will continue as a subsection under General Operations (Trans. Other than To and From School) Prohibition on towing of trailers by buses transporting students

School Bus Inspection (Bruce Little): Section was new in 2000 Updated to clarify inspection procedures and OOS criteria; new Inspection Methods section that details how to inspect specific items Updated to correct content errors from 2000 document Many states already exceed the NCST inspection procedures

Resolutions (Bill Loshbough): Improved procedures for submission: –Single subject –Process specified to forward for federal consideration –Elimination of duplicate resolutions 11 Resolutions adopted

Resolutions Adopted: Integrated driver seat/seat belt (NHTSA) High back passenger seats (NHTSA) Rub rails performance std. (SBMTC) Standardized bus definitions (FMCSA vs. NHTSA) WC-19 wheelchairs crash data Study of school bus underride (NHTSA)

Resolutions Adopted: NCST subcommittee on innovations Study of fire protection (SBMTC) School transportation security funding and assistance (US Congress, from four associations) Three point belts on Type A (NHTSA) Hours of service guidelines and use of Moving Kids Safely program

Schedule for Publication: Hard copy book (2005 National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures) to printer in November On website in PDF (read-only) format shortly after publication No CD will be produced

Delegate Evaluations: 148 of 268 were first-time attendees Adequacy of NCST info: 4.17 (out of 5) 202 of 250 satisfied with state process Delegation adequately representative of state: 4.51 (out of 5) 233 use document as guide; 168 for developing regs

Delegate Evaluations: 171 believe NCST document adequately used in their states; 38 no, 22 unsure Comments: round tables; electronic voting; good experience and learning tool; drafts with state comments hard to follow; pace of meeting too fast and sometimes hard to follow; CMSU staff fantastic

Delegate Evaluations: More Comments –delegates didn’t always understand process –more open process for selection of chairs –process needs to be more timely and efficient –review changes, deletions, new material only

Credits: Dr. Leanna Depue and CMSU staff- –registration, meals, meeting room improvements, on-the-fly word processing and report production, arranged Parliamentarian, etc., all with a smile and flexibility Dwight Carlson, General Conference Chair –Managed the always lively proceedings to keep delegates on task and working to a successful, productive conclusion Dr. Cal LeMon –Challenged and motivated delegates to pursue common interests and set aside provincial concerns Dr. Barbara Goodman- Editing Chair –Worked tirelessly to see document through to publication

Safari so good—What’s next? Reappointment of Steering members Sponsoring organizations to discuss future of NCST process—food for thought: –Process for changes between Congresses? –Process for remote or proxy voting? –Promote more widespread use of the Specifications and Procedures?

New Website Coming Soon:

REMEMBER, IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE !!

ANY QUESTIONS?