Hey, Bus Driver!

Episode Notes New members of the Bus Right team stop by the show to talk about their journey in student transportation and share some new updates going on with Bus Right. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We get together at the 2023 AASBO Summer Conference with Patrick Fleming from the Flagstaff Unified School District, to talk about his departments roll in planning and participation of the TAA Emergency Bus Drill. Patrick shares his thoughts and takeaways about the drill and how he is working with his department to bolster their ability to respond to emergencies. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We recap the 2023 TAA Summer Conference with members of the Flagstaff Fire Department discussing the school bus rollover accident reenactment drill that took place on Tuesday, June 20th. Whether you were there or not, you don't want to miss this episode! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We review and opine on some recent school transportation news over the last few months. Articles ranging from school staff being assaulted on the bus, to a student who safely stops a school bus after the driver has a medical emergency. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We talk to a couple Arizona transportation directors at the AASBO Spring Conference, covering challenges of taking over a department as a leader, student ridership, and their thoughts on EV and alternative fuels. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Chad and Chelsea get their turn to host the show, and interview Jason on the recent passing of Arizona Senate Bill 1630 and how it applies to alternative transportation and 11-15 passenger vehicles. If you're in Arizona, this is a MUST listen! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We discuss everything we know so far about electric buses, the EPA grant process, and what districts should consider when looking into EV and the infrastructure needed. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We get back from an extended break in the show to kick off 2023 discussing new hiring strategies one district is using to overcome the extreme bus driver shortage many districts across the country are experiencing. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Our 50th episode, we talk about one of the most challenging but key pieces to a successful transportation operation, dispatch. The lifeline between bus drivers and operations and the challenges they face daily to make sure students get to and from school on a daily basis. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes The EZRouting team joins the podcast to talk about their routing software, the benefits of new technology and making routing seamless and EZ! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes In this episode, we talk about contracted transportation and the differences between a private company and school district run transportation departments. For departments that are starting out the school year short staffed, consider finding out if contracted transportation can help fill the gaps. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Transportation professionals from around the country join this episode to recap the 2021-22 school year and share their plans for summer school and preparing for the upcoming school year. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Josh Rice, joins this episode to talk about the work put in at his district to get driver's $25.00/hour to address their bus driver shortage. There is some really great information in here about how to put a plan together to take to your district leadership team, to do the same. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes John Ramirez from Boerne ISD in Texas, joins the show to talk about Servant Leadership, challenges of a growing district and why transportation folks need to get involved with their state transportation organizations. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We get together during the AASBO spring conference in Laughlin, Nevada, to catch up on things going on in transportation since our last episode, discussing EV, the rise in fuel prices and privatization of school transportation. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes In this episode, a group from around the country discuss the impacts that the new strains of COVID-19 have had on daily operations, as well as discussion on transportation technology and what the future holds for student transportation. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes In this episode we talk a bit about routing challenges, then switch gears to the importance of getting involved in your state's transportation organization. These organizations are critical in continuing the education, training and networking, that's needed to stay relevant with the ever-changing transportation world. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We get back on track, discussing challenges from supply chain shortages and where to start with the electric bus discussion. We will cover many more episodes on electric as the technology and availability progresses. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes While working around "Back to School" season and the bus driver shortage, we talk about just that, including the challenges that the 1st quarter brought us. Listen in on the 40th episode of the show! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes George Carroll joins the podcast to talk about his life journey, experience with student transportation and shares a few tips to deal with stress in the workplace. George has some great topics designed for Transportation department morale and encouraging teams to Make a Difference! You can find out more about George at https://gcspeaker.com/unsung-heroes/ Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Andy Gall from Synovia Solutions joins to talk about student ridership, GPS and a plethora of data and reports that are available to help make your operation run more safely and efficiently. If you are thinking about student "tracking" be sure to give this episode a listen! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Transportation professionals from Iowa and Co-Founders of a new organization, Our Voce, join the show to talk about their mission to encourage and empower women in the workplace. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Day 2 from the Transportation Administrators of Arizona 2021 Summer Conference. A couple Directors from around the state join to talk about their journey in student transportation, challenges from this past school year and what they look forward to as we approach the upcoming new school year. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Day 1 of the Transportation Administrators of Arizona 2021 Summer Conference. A few friends return to discuss the year, student tracking & new GPS technologies from an end-user perspective. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We follow up with Keith Corso from BusRight almost 1 year later from his first appearance on the show. Keith shares his companies journey through the pandemic and shares their exponential growth bringing a simple bus routing platform to the School Transportation Industry. If your operation is still using pen & paper, I encourage you to check out how BusRight can enhance your operation! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes In this episode we discuss implementation strategies used to bring Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to the school bus. We cover initial planning, communication and training to staff and students as well as share some tips on what we should have thought of. This is a great episode to listen to if you are looking for strategies to reward positive behaviors! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes With school transportation teams across the nation facing staffing shortages, alternative transportation partners like ALC Schools offer temporary and long term solutions to help support these challenges. On this episode we talk to part of the ALC team to find out more about how they can help. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We hear from First Light Safety Products on some really interesting new products that are on the market and available now that are making school buses safer for students and creating more visibility to other motorists on the road. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes For the 30th episode, we discuss the aftermath of the past year and how COVID-19 has impacted the student transportation industry. We discuss silver linings, how student transportation departments should plan for the upcoming 21/22 school year. There is a lot to unpack and look into as we all prepare for the next few months. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes There are hundreds of specifications that are available when building a school bus. We talk about how to navigate the options, how to understand your department needs and how to ensure you are able to maximize the funding available when it comes time to purchase school buses. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Episode 28 covers the new FMCSA MAP-21 requirements and deadlines as well as the new Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. This episode has a ton of information that affects ALL CDL holders. We cover the training topics, what you should be doing to get ready from an organizational standpoint and how to get your team in compliance for the Clearinghouse that went into effect, January of 2020. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes A few Transportation Directors from Arizona, join the show to talk about transportation challenges, building a strong team culture and give us an insightful look into a day in life of a Transportation Director. There is some great information in here for any aspiring leaders that want to move up in this industry. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Homeless youth transportation challenges transportation departments across the nation. We talk to a couple of colleagues who work with this very delicate population on a daily basis and discuss helpful tips and techniques to successfully transporting students who may be experiencing some form of homelessness. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Betty Baker, Blogger of "Bus Me, Betty!" and Bus Driver in Ohio, joins the show to give us an interesting perspective of being a transplant from Australia driving a school bus in America! Check out the great energy that Betty brings and check out her hilarious tales of driving a big yellow school bus at busmebetty.com Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes We are back for 2021 and to kick off the new year, the Arizona Association for Pupil Transportation (AAPT) stop by to talk about what's on the horizon for 2021, conference and Bus Rodeo! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Shannon, Chad & Jason look back on 2020, COVID-19, the past 22 episodes and share thoughts on the first "year" of the show, sharing their favorite topics, guests and look ahead to 2021! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Some friends of the show bring some new friends to discuss the history of technology on the school bus, how it's evolved in the last 10 years and share their current technology favorites that help in their daily operations. A little nostalgia for the veteran transportation folks as well as some good helpful nuggets. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Most everyone knows the name ROUSH when talking about automobiles, but did you know that ROUSH is an option for the school bus? School buses have come a long way over the years when it comes to powertrain options and fuel types. Adam Wilkum, Derek Whaley & Eric Kissel join the show to talk about propane autogas as a fuel option for school bus fleets. Regardless what your job title is, there is some great information here for everyone in the school bus industry. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes My friends Chad, Shannon, Stephanie & Tommy (all previous guests) return to help celebrate the 20th episode. We discuss what transportation has been like for a little over a month since students have returned to in-person learning, share successes, silver-linings and what we have to continue working on as we get back to "normal". This episode has great information for those around the country that haven't yet transitioned students back and are hoping not to reinvent the wheel. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes October 19th-23rd is School Bus Safety Week and to help continue to bring awareness to such an important topic, we talk with some great people doing important work around the country as it relates to stopping for the school bus. We hear from NASDPTS President, Mike LaRocco, Executive Director, Charlie Hood, Red Means Stop-PA founder, Amber Clark & Bus Patrol CEO, Jean Souliere. You don't want to skip this episode! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Craig Raridon and Ron Deming from REI (not the outdoor company), stop by to talk about camera systems have evolved over the last few decades, new technology, using cameras for contact tracing to trace COVID-19 exposure and share a few funny stories about their journey in the student transportation industry. This episode also features the soundtrack of 2020 (bad video-conference sound), but still a ton of good information here for those looking to update their bus camera systems. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes As schools re-open and buses take to the road again, student transportation departments are continuing to look for ways to comply with CDC guidance by keeping school buses safe, clean and free of COVID-19. We talk about a very intriguing product that will allow school bus drivers to disinfect school buses in an effortless manner. For more information check out www.transmist.com Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes One of Arizona's Student Transportation Legends, Freddie Yazzie stops by to share his story about his journey in student transportation, the School Bus Road-eo and his bus, the Legacy of Excellence. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Cor'Darius Jones of "Mr. Bus Driver!" stops by to talk about his hilarious bus driver videos that showcase what driving a bus is all about! We have some good laughs, talk a bit about bus driver life and how his team is preparing for the return of school. Check his videos on his Facebook Page and YouTube Channel by searching for Mr. Bus Driver! Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Keith Corso brings colleagues, Chris Gregg, Phillip Dunn and Katrina Falk to discuss various approaches on what this fall will look like for transportation teams across the nation. Each provide a broad look from Florida, Indiana & Washington State as well as input on from Jason about Arizona's return. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes The RWC Group Sales Team joins the show to talk about bus sales life, new school bus technology and how RWC is supporting the student transportation industry during our worldwide pandemic. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Keith Corso, Founder and CEO of BusRight, joins this episode to talk about his inspiring story and his vision for the student transportation industry. If you are interested to know more about BusRight and products they offer, check out their website at www.busright.com Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes Adam Jensen with Tyler Technologies, joins the show to talk about new updates to Tyler Drive, the benefits of a student ridership program and how districts are using Tyler Drive to aide in contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes The current President, President-Elect, Past-President and Treasurer from the Transportation Administrators of Arizona (TAA) join episode 10 to talk about the history and future direction of TAA and announce the upcoming virtual conference on June 23rd and 24th. For more information about TAA visit www.taa-online.org Support Hey, Bus Driver! by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/hey-bus-driver

Episode Notes With new guidelines being released around school starting in the fall, we talk to Stephanie Arbaugh and Kayleen Sorensen about how districts are beginning to plan for the the 20-21 school year.

Episode Notes Stephanie Wilcoxson of Infinit-I Workforce Solutions, joins us to talk about their online school bus training platform, a free 30-day trial of the software for transportation providers during the pandemic and what online training for School Bus Drivers looks like.