Routing, Scheduling & Communication Systems Flashcards

A district wants one fleet of buses to serve the high school, middle school, and elementary school each morning. Which scheduling approach makes this possible?

Answer: Staggered (tiered) bell times

Staggered bell times let the same bus run several tiers in a row, so fewer buses and drivers are needed.

When choosing bus stop locations, which factor should come first?

Answer: Pupil safety, including sight distance and a safe waiting area

Stops are placed for safety first, meaning good sight distance for approaching drivers and a safe place for students to wait.

What is the main benefit of a 'deadhead' analysis in route planning?

Answer: It finds miles driven with no students aboard, so they can be cut

Deadhead miles are driven with no students aboard, and cutting them lowers fuel, wear, and labor costs.

A routing software package uses student address data to place students on a map automatically. What is this process called?

Answer: Geocoding

Geocoding turns a street address into map coordinates so routing software can place each student.

Under federal rules, which drivers may NOT use a hand-held mobile phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle?

Answer: All CMV drivers, including school bus drivers

FMCSA rules (49 CFR 392.82) ban hand-held phone use for all CMV drivers, and most states add their own limits for school bus drivers.

Which practice best keeps two-way radio messages short and clear across a fleet?

Answer: Using standard codes or plain-language rules and keeping messages brief

Standard radio rules keep the channel open for urgent calls and cut down on misunderstandings.

How often should a district review its routes for efficiency and safety?

Answer: At least once a year, and whenever enrollment or road conditions change

Enrollment, construction, and new hazards change over time, so routes need a yearly review plus reviews when conditions change.