Every school day, nearly 30,000 students ride to and
from campus aboard CCSD school buses. The buses run
almost 2,000 routes totaling over 26,000 miles daily--
more than 4 million miles annually.
The CCSD Transportation Department sets routes and
assigns drivers for those routes, but also oversees extensive
safety training for drivers and operates its own bus
shops with ASE-certified technicians.
“Our bus drivers and technicians are very passionate
about the students they serve,” Transportation Executive
Director Jim Georges said of the 550-person department.
“Safety is the utmost concern at all times.”
SAFETY INITIATIVES
The Department has earned the prestigious National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue
Seal of Excellence, and in 2015 was one of the first school
systems in the State to obtain this level of certification.
This recognition program is the National standard for
outstanding transportation maintenance departments
and companies; ASE is an independent non-profit organization
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that since 1972 has worked to improve the quality
of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying
automotive professionals.
In order to earn this recognition, at least 75 percent of
the organization’s service staff must be ASE certified, and
each area of service must be overseen by at least one
ASE-certified professional. In addition to passing an ASE
Certification test, automotive technicians must have two
years of on the job training or one year of on the job
training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to
qualify for certification. To remain ASE certified, professionals
must be retested every five years. Currently 90%
of maintain ASE certification.
Every CCSD school bus is inspected and undergoes
maintenance at least once every 20 days by this staff of
ASE-certified technicians.
CCSD’s school bus drivers are trained in advance of
and throughout the school year to ensure each is prepared
to best serve students and respond to emergencies.
Drivers not only know best practices for operating
their vehicle – which include inspecting it before and after
every trip – but also learn first-aid, bus management and
other tools for success. Students must follow the same
code of conduct on school buses as they do in the classroom,
and drivers study up to ensure adherence.
Safe Passage
CCSD Buses Transport 30,000 Students Daily