“Meet the BCI Proma Low Floor, conceived to assist special needs students, quickly accessible for wheelchair through door ramp without the inconvenience of a lift. This school bus can sit up to 29 passengers and be tailored to accommodate several wheelchairs in its adapted roomy front area, with storage on wheel arch for luggage.” - Desmond Armstrong, Bus & Coach International

<p>A major report finds that school transport
is failing Australia’s youth in 2018. </p>



<p>The NSW report from the Office of the
Advocate for Children and Young People highlights that school transport isn’t
working for almost 40 percent of students and two-in-five would like to see
major changes. </p>



<p>The main concerns raised by students are
unreliability, lack of transport in rural areas, overcrowding and lack of
cleanliness. They also complain about the cost, but most concerning are reports
of “feeling unsafe” and being on the receiving end of negative attitudes from
bus drivers. </p>



<p>Students highlight how important this issue
is to them and they want more of a focus on improving school transport with
more frequent, cheaper/free buses, better routes (improved in rural areas) and
improved security. Poorly managed school transport is a challenge for many
students but is especially adverse for less privileged kids, those with special
needs and those who live in rural communities.</p>



<p>Good management of, and improved school
transport to and from school, would have such a positive effect on a student’s
school experience and learning opportunities. For many disadvantaged kids,
transport is something that can be improved quickly and easily by school
leaders who  ;would be making a huge
difference in otherwise chaotic lives.</p>



<p>Schools also utilise vehicles during the
day, whether it is a minivan for sport and music trips or a fleet of coaches to
transport a year group to school camp. Some schools go a step further and
invest in their own minivans and buses, which allows a greater flexibility in
organisation of field trips. </p>



<p><strong>If your school is considering hiring or purchasing a vehicle here are
a few tips: </strong></p>



<p>Look at the vehicle’s suitability for use
and consider the age of your students. What the vehicle will be used for? Is the
vehicle accessible for special needs students?</p>



<p><strong>Features.</strong> Ask whether they are
they fitted with features like cruise control, electronic stability control
(ESC), ABS with disc brakes and air suspension, and do they meet the latest
emissions controls?</p>



<p><strong>Comfort.</strong> Check carefully
whether the vehicle has maintenance records and safety certificates. Air
conditioning may not be considered a necessity to the person holding the
purse-strings, but Australia’s climate would disagree! </p>



<p>Sweating on the school bus isn’t a fond
memory for most teenagers and any teacher who’s had to walk through a fug of
body odour and deodorant would likely recommend air conditioned student
transport. ; </p>



<p><strong>Sustainability.</strong>
If your school owns its own vehicle, you could consider leasing it out when not
in use. Some communities work together to find exciting solutions that could
benefit more than just the school itself. On the weekends your vehicle could be
used by local community groups or sporting clubs. Particularly if your bus is
wheelchair accessible, it could come in handy at other community facilities. Of
course, student wellbeing must be prioritised, so buses should be regularly
inspected, cleaned and serviced. </p>



<p><strong>Sponsorship.</strong> Schools can use the
side of the bus for advertising or community notices. </p>



<p><span style="background-color: rgb(232, 234, 235);"><b> </b></span></p>



<p> </p>

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