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National Interstate affiliate provides school bus driver training to contractors National Interstate Insurance Company, Richfield, OH, affiliate, Safety, Claims and Litigation Services, LLC (SCLS) is providing the School Bus Safety Company (SBSC) driver training course to insured school bus contractors as part of its loss control services package. “School bus accidents can be tragic, and we continually look for proactive ways to help our clients prevent such tragedies,” says National Interstate Vice President Jim
Parks. “We have analyzed the Driver Training Course and are confident that its use will make children safer while reducing the cost of risk to our customers.” SBSC President Jeff Cassell says six of the eight largest student transportation contractors and more than 2,200 school districts are currently using SBSC training programs.
McDonald Transit to operate Capital Metro buses The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro), Austin, TX, has retained McDonald Transit Associates, Ft. Worth, TX, to operate the major part of the fixed route bus network for a three-year term with four optional years. “We are delighted to have been selected,” says Steve Keiper, appointed chief executive of the subsidiary set up by McDonald Transit Associates to operate the network. “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Capital Metro and its employees to provide a high quality level of service to the community.” With 79 lines, the network of more than 250 buses deliv-
ers a modern urban bus system to 1.3 million residents, carrying more than 21 million passengers each year. McDonald Transit already manages extensive urban transportation networks in the U.S. including Charlotte, NC, Colorado Springs, CO, and Fort Worth, TX. The contract is worth $400 million over the potential seven-year period, which it says is one of the most important urban bus transportation contracts in the U.S. Mathieu Dunant, CEO of Ratp Dev America, says the aim is to provide a smooth transition with the combination of the local knowledge and the expertise of McDonald Transit and RATP Group.
BUSRide Magazine Presents:
Brake Maintenance and Repair COMING THIS AUGUST! This August, BUSRide focuses on brake maintenance and repair, together with preventative safety measures that can help prolong brake life on heavyduty buses and motorcoaches. We look at: • Brake maintenance best practices • Troubleshooting • Brake testing and diagnostic technologies
• Tips and tricks for the safest brake function and vehicle performance possible • Whether to repair or replace • The dangers of subpar or counterfeit parts
DEADLINE FOR THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE IS JUNE 26, 2012. For more information, please call 800-541-2670 ext 211 or email randerson@busride.com.
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June 2012
BUSRide