Publications and Bulletins/Memos

Publications

• 2010 School Bus Specifications Manual (PDF)
  • School Bus Stop Violation Camera Systems Specification (PDF)
  • OSPI/WSP Inspection Interpretations (PDF)
• A Pilot Project on the Use of Biodiesel with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in School Buses (PDF)
• 2011-12 Student Transportation Directory (PDF, 158 pages)
• School Bus Driver Handbook (revised August 2010) (PDF)
• 2009 School Bus and Traffic Safety Education Vehicle Inspection Manual (Rev. 5/10) (PDF)
• Technical Assistance Paper No.2 "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act" (PDF)
• The Impact of the Rising Cost of Diesel Fuel on School Transportaion in Washington State (Discussion Draft) (PDF)

Bulletins/Memos

• 2011–12 School Year, Required Student Transportation Operations Winter Reports - M065-11, Attach 1, Attach 2, Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, Form 4
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) changes in requirements for the VHF/UHF Spectrum - M066-11
• School Bus Inspection Results, 2010–11 School Year - M061-11, Attach
• Post-Collision School Bus Inspections - M054-11, Attach
• School Bus Safety Week, October 17–21, 2011; School Zone Safety Patrol Mini-Grants - M053-11, Attach
• School Bus Driver Compliance Report, School Year 2011–12 - M051-11, Attach 1, Form 1
• 2011–12 Reimbursement and Categories for School Buses - B065-11, Attach 1
• 2011–12 School Year, Required Student Transportation Operations Reports - B055-11, Attach 1, Attach 2, Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, Form 4, Form 5, Form 6, Form 7, Form 8
• 2011-12 State Accepted Quotes for School Bus Categories - B059-11, Attach
• Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS) Orientation - M039-11, Attach
• School Zone Flashing Beacon/Lighting Project Grant - M010-11, Attach
• Student Transportation Operation Allocation 2010–11 - B003-11
• School Crosswalk Violation Form - M004-11, Attach

Reports/Studies

• School Walk and Bike Routes: A Guide for Planning and Improving Walk and Bike to School Options for Students (PDF, 2.74 MB)
  A publication developed by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation, this guide is a valuable resource for those wishing to establish or monitor safe walking routes to and from school.
• K-12 Pupil Transportation Funding Study, Report 06-10, conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) (PDF)
  The 2005-07 Operating Budget mandated this study by JLARC on the state student transportation funding method. JLARC evaluated the cost of providing student transportation for basic education programs.
• The Relative Risks of School Travel (PDF, 2.2 MB)
  This 2002 study from the National Academy of Sciences is a very comprehensive comparison of the risks associated with the various modes of travel to and from school. There is an excellent executive summary.
• School Bus Safety: Crashworthiness Research (PDF, 3.2 MB)
  This 2002 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the result of the US Congress requesting the US Department of Transportation to investigate the safety value of installing safety belts on school buses. Lots of technical information.
• Pupil Transportation in Vehicles Not Meeting Federal School Bus Standards (PDF, 764 KB)
  This Highway Special Investigation Report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) discusses the issue of transporting students in vehicles other than school buses. Specifically addresses the additional risks involved in the use of “non-conforming vans” (AKA “15 passenger vans”).
• Vans Used for School Transportation (PDF, 20 KB)
  A position paper from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services that discusses the NTSB study of the use of non-conforming vans in school transportation.
• Pupil Transportation System Security: Different Times – Added Responsibilities (PDF, 55 KB)
  A position paper from the National Association of State Directors of Student Transportation Services that discusses school transportation security in the post-9/11 world. An overview providing guidance on an action plan.