Wanted: Top Shops

School transportation is part of the “behind-the-scenes” network of services that help students get through their school day. Even further behind the scenes is the school bus shop staff. The technicians who keep the buses in working order have even less contact with students and parents than drivers and directors do; but without them, the wheels on the bus wouldn’t go ‘round and ‘round!

Every year, SCHOOL BUS FLEET recognizes maintenance staff in our Top Shops feature. Last year, we spotlighted operations from all corners of the U.S., including the Midwest, Northeast, South, West Coast, and even the extreme driving environs of eastern Alaska, near the Yukon.

We are always fascinated to hear directly from maintenance staff about the lengths they go to make sure school buses are safe and well taken care of. Many of the mechanics we’ve heard about make a lifelong career out of working on school buses, with admirable results, including stellar inspection ratings, high shop morale and school buses their communities can be proud of.

Do you know of a school bus shop that goes above and beyond in maintenance? We’re looking for operations that excel in safety, efficiency and innovation.

To nominate a shop in the U.S. or Canada, send an e-mail to info@schoolbusfleet.com, and include contact information for the transportation director or maintenance supervisor, and details on why you think the shop should be recognized. Or to share an interesting maintenance story, make a comment in the feedback section.

The deadline is this Thursday, Jan. 29. Looking forward to hearing about the great shops out there!

--Claire
Print | posted on Monday, January 26, 2009 2:46 PM

Comments

 re: Wanted: Top Shops

left by dave davis at 1/26/2009 3:50 PM
i work for north allegheny school district in pittsburgh pa our mechanics really keep a sharp fleet although some buses are older than others they always pass inspection by pa state police who are very tuff and you feel safe in these vehicles we also have some diffuculty im weather below 20f but there out there at 3 and 4 in the morn to check out and get these buses running these giys deserve a that a boy and although times are tuff the fleet runs with little or no problems not bad we have approx 80 78 passengers buses and minis 36 or less not sure of that count as a driver of 30 years have always felt our fleet was one of the safest out there

 re: Wanted: Top Shops

left by Dan Bartelt at 1/26/2009 4:19 PM
As a state instructor and district trainer, I often talk with the trainees about the importance of school buses being in top performance condition. This comment always leads me to acknowledge Mechanic Supervisor Bill Jarrett and his staff of top quality mechanics at Quincy (IL) Public School District #172. It would be easy for some to take the fleet of some 100 vehicles for granted because our mechanics keep them at peak performance. What impresses me so much is when a driver mentions something about a bus that needs attention, the mechanics are on it right away with a casual "Can Do' approach. No song and dance, no reminders needewd, no sighs of just one more thing to do! I am so proud of our mechanics who bring an attitude that exemplifies their genuine concern and caring for children in the maintenence of all our buses. Quincy Public School mechanics are positive team members who make us all proud!

 re: Wanted: Top Shops

left by mike hamovitz at 1/26/2009 7:12 PM
I would like to nominate My Shop and Machanics I drive for lawton public schools Lawton Oklahoma
and our mechanics go above and beyound they keep our fleet running they also have to keep the trucks and cars and tractors and other equipment going and you know about the budget crunch these guys are keeping an ageing fleet going most of our busses are 70 and 80 models with a bunch of 90 models very few newer models
but they rebuild motors and do body work repair seats they had to replace floors on some buses my bus is a 90 model blue bird and she runs good and she and I do not miss very many days of school she is like the rest of the fleet getting old and past her prime but they keep her going. I think we have about7 men in the shop and my hat is off to them. Our saftey record is outstanding also. please feel free to come and visit us down here.
we loved your last visit some years ago. nice to be able to read your magazine and your e-mail and news letters we pass them around so everyone gets to read them. they are a treasure to share the knowledge.

Michael Hamovitz
SSG Ret. Army
school bus driver 20 plus years
1708 nw williams ave
lawton , okla 73507-2538
580-512-1222 cell
580-248-3255 work
rainbow@sbcglobal.net

# re: Wanted: Top Shops

left by Randy Dukek at 1/27/2009 6:08 AM
I would like to nominate the maintenance shop for Independent School District 196. The school district covers 110 square miles and owns/operates more than 200 school buses. Independent School District 196 is the 4th largest school district and is the largest school district owned fleet in Minnesota. The fleet is well maintained and score extremely well on the annual state inspection that is conducted by the State Highway Patrol. Our district was the first in the state to retro fit our school buses with systems to reduce emissions to provide a healthier environment for our students. The vehicle technicians provide a valuable service to the students of the school district by providing safe, reliable and efficient buses each day.

I would be pleased to provide you with further information regarding our maintenance shop and our amazing vehicle technicians. You may contact me at your convenience. Thank you for your time.

 re: Wanted: Top Shops

left by Joe Englert at 1/27/2009 8:51 AM
North Babylon should be rated as the TOP SHOP these guys do a real good job take a look at it.
Great Place Great Community
Tell Eileen Murpy and George Otting i said so! 631-321-3246 you guys always skip over North Babylon's Transportation Systems Bus Depot

Great Service Safety First!

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