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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
 Posted - 09/18/2002 : 3:57:53 PM
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What would you do in the event you had no spare buses available except one small one?
Today, we had two buses having problems and an empty bus lot. Only one bus was there, but it was 95-9, a lift bus with little seating capacity. 98-48 had no working warning lights and 00-14 kept stalling. I didn't get to see what happened as I had to get off the bus (darn, lol). But what woudl you do in this situtation? Double up on routes?
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
Forums: http://thebusboy.proboards2.com
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2002 : 4:33:08 PM
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We usually always have one extra bus on hand. There have been times, where we have had to use all of our buses, and when we knew all of our own buses were going to be used, we would borrow a bus to keep on hand in case something happened.
We were in this situation last Winter, our buses did not go in for their regular maintnance over Christmas break like they were supposed to, so they were going in two or three at a time, leaving us with no extra buses.
In the situation you mentioned, we would end up taking one route and dividing it up between a few routes. That usually doesn't create a capacity problem in the afternoon because the amount of students riding in the pm is lower do to extra ciricular activites.
"America's #1 Conventional School Bus- Thomas/International."
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thomasvista2012
Top Member
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2002 : 09:19:58 AM
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Well Mike you could do what Dade County does and instead of retiring ALL of their old buses, they keep some in storage to use as a "spare bank" should any of the compounds run out of spares.
It used to happen a lot when I was in elementary and middle school. In fact, there were several occasions where our jam packed 65 passenger bus would be fitted into a 30 passenger lift bus as a spare. It's a pain, and it's also dangerous to fit that many people into a tiny bus like that.
School Bus Terminal
http://www.schoolbusterminal.net |
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thomas91
Advanced Member
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2002 : 5:20:58 PM
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We have approx. 38 buses at our lot.
4 are 36 Passenger, 1 spare.
34 are 65-72 Passenger, 6 spares.
We have only had to cram the passengers of one of our larger bus onto a 36 passenger bus once or twice and this was in the middle of the winter...Buses wouldn't start, they were getting stuck, etc...
We normally have no more than 4 spares out on a given day...spares are out if:
1) A regular route bus is on a ex. cirricular trip or field trip
2) The regular route bus is broken or in for maitnance
All of our spares are pre-1992 buses...
1 1988 Thomas/International
1 1989 Blue Bird/International (old style cowl)
1 1987 Carpenter/International
1 1989 Blue Bird/International (new-style cowl)
1 1991 Blue Bird/International
1 1990 Blue Bird/International
1 1990 Blue Bird/International (this is the 36 pass. spare)
A buses life at our lot is this...
NEW Bus purchased,in full service for 5-8 years, then used a spare or sold.
USED Bus purchased,in full service for 2-10 years or until high millage (130,000+) is achived...retired
Retired to heavily used spare for 1-5 years.
Retired to emergency use spare for 1 or 2 years, then sold. There is normally only one emergency-use spare per year, and it most likely will not even get started up, it will just sit in the corner until it is sold. This bus is normally the oldest of the fleet. Currently, our emergency spare is a 1987 Intenational/Carpenter.
A little bit off subject, but just thought I would fill you in on our yard since I don't say much on here.
Good Day.
thomas91
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2002 : 6:05:07 PM
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Thomas91
It's interesting that your district considers 130,000 high mileage. We used to get at least 250,000 out of our buses before we sold them. I remember 82-A had around 270,000 when we sold it, 86-A my bus was somewhat lower, it was sold around 230,000, but we aren't keeping the buses as long anymore. The last two buses we got rid of were this past summer, we got rid of buses 89 and 91, (bus number is model year) both Blue Bird/Internationals, 89 had just over 200,000 miles, and 91 had somewhere around 180,000 if I remember correctly. The next few buses we get rid of will be between 180 to 200 thosand miles. After that we are going to push our Thomas Builts up over 200,000 before we sell them, same goes for the IC as long as it holds up, which we're assuming it will.
"America's #1 Conventional School Bus- Thomas/International."
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thomas91
Advanced Member
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2002 : 2:17:59 PM
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thomas86a,
Sorry, I guess 130,000 is a bit low, its more like 180,000 miles.
Oh, an I might add that we privatly owned, not distict run.
Have a nice day.
thomas91
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BusFreak
Top Member
USA
798 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2002 : 12:12:52 AM
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Fairfax usually uses the old buses as spares. Right now, most of our spares are 1984 Ward Internationals. Funny though, as old as those buses are, they are still going strong. I almost think they will last longer than our late 80s Wayne Fords and GMCs. Those International 360s just keep on roaring. At any rate, there are usually quite a few spares laying around in every lot, incase anyone needs one. I guess though its kindof unfare to compare our district to others, for we are so large. One thing I ask however, is what do districts do that are all Owner Operator driven, like MrMagoo's district in TN. Does everyone own their own spare bus too? I wouldnt think so, but what is one to do in an emergency situation where they should need a spare?
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Bus Boy 39
Top Member
USA
1315 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2002 : 07:07:12 AM
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All together our contractor has eight spares. Three at one garage, and five at the other. The oldest spare we have is a 1993 and the newest one is a 2002. When ever a spare is needed, there is always an extra bus lying around. Our spares are very safe and they get the job done. We have never ever had a problem were we couldn't find an extra bus for someone to use. If that were to happen, my contractor would get a bus from the main garage in the big city. Our spares are:
6- 1993 GMC Blue Bird 66 cap.
31- 1996 GMC Blue Bird 66 cap.
40- 1996 GMC Blue Bird 72 cap.
214- 2001 Blue Bird AA FE 72 cap.
217- 1996 GMC Blue Bird 72 cap.
219- 2000 GMC Blue Bird 72 cap.
220- 1997 Ford Blue Bird 72 cap.
316- 2002 BB AA FE 84 cap.
 Blue Bird--Flying into the future!  |
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Carpenter Bus_19
Advanced Member
USA
286 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2002 : 07:31:05 AM
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In Our district its required by the contract between us and the district to have at least 2 spare buses around at any given time In our case we have 7 buses 3 are spares/trip buses and 1 is one of those where it might sit for months on end then used once in a school year. the remainder do thier runs
Luke L. C.
Driver,Mechanic
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2002 : 10:41:49 AM
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Many keep going on about having spares on the lot but you must understand that we had all our extra buses out and being used, except 95-9. This has happened to us before or just didn't have enough time to go and get one, so we'd double up on routes or do what ever would work safely. It is very interesting, though, to hear what others would do so please continue!
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
Forums: http://thebusboy.proboards2.com
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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Stevebus42
Advanced Member
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2002 : 9:14:44 PM
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I can say amen to the football game. We have been short drivers all year. We started the year with ten open routes and no subs. We are just starting to heal. We have just about filled most of the open routes but we are still plauged by drivers taking off and medical absentces. You just do what you have to do to get the kids home.
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MongoKen
Senior Member
USA
147 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2002 : 1:23:07 PM
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BusFreak -
Do you know what the legal limit (in years) is before buses are required to be retired in Virginia? In Prince William County we retire buses after 13 years of service. We just retired the 89 models. I just thought it was interesting that Fairfax still runs 84's. I'm sure those buses run strong!! Also, did they recently retire the waynes witht he 4 lamp systems? I haven't seen any on the road this year..I know the 84 Wards you mentioned have the 4 lamp system. Just wondering... thanks!
"Superior Buses..A Legend of the Past" |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2002 : 1:38:36 PM
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quote:
BusFreak -
Do you know what the legal limit (in years) is before buses are required to be retired in Virginia? In Prince William County we retire buses after 13 years of service. We just retired the 89 models. I just thought it was interesting that Fairfax still runs 84's. I'm sure those buses run strong!! Also, did they recently retire the waynes witht he 4 lamp systems? I haven't seen any on the road this year..I know the 84 Wards you mentioned have the 4 lamp system. Just wondering... thanks!
"Superior Buses..A Legend of the Past"
I've seen those buses! The Waynes, that is. They looked as if they were in great condition when I did see them last year. We were on a trip to the DC area and my teacher made the comment that he was surprised Fairfax had such "bad" buses yet were one of the richest districts in the country. Well, hehehe I of course replied defending those buses.
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
Forums: http://thebusboy.proboards2.com
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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thomasvista2012
Top Member
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2002 : 3:28:38 PM
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I speak for Chris (Bus1396) when he says that yes, Fairfax County is an extremely rich county, but they invest a lot more in education in the classroom per se, instead of transportation. Like he told me "If it has 6 wheels and an engine, it's good enough for them [Fairfax]!".
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BusFreak
Top Member
USA
798 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2002 : 4:55:10 PM
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I have no idea what the legal limit in VA is for retiring buses. Those old Ford Waynes with the 4 lamp system have indeed been retired. I haven't seen them in over a year. We do still have some newer (87 and 88) waynes running around here. Those were the last of the conventional buses purchased by the county though with the exception of a very small number of special ed vistas purchased in 1994. I will try to find out when districts are required to retire their buses.
By the way, MongoKen, I have seen the new Saf-T-Liners Prince William County has, and they look to be extremely nice buses. Any idea how they are spected?
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MongoKen
Senior Member
USA
147 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2002 : 09:18:41 AM
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BusFreak -
Yes, they do look like nice buses!! Unfortunatley, I haven't worked for Prince William County Schools Trans Dept in over a year, so I'm not sure of the specs. (I work over at AMS now, right down the street from the West Ox Rd Lot:) ) so I get to see the Fairfax buses often!! :) Btw...in case you did not know, Prince William has scheduled their bus auction on Oct 26th. They will be selling off 89's and a 90's..i would say they have to be auctioning off at least 60 buses!! I can send you additional info if you would like.
"Superior Buses..A Legend of the Past" |
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2002 : 09:16:59 AM
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We try and have 10% of our spares on hand incase of allot of breakdowns! We also have a program that other near by districts will help us out in an emergency situation!
I have a friend whose district is growing fast and just added two new schools, but had not added any new buses yet! Come this spring they will be hurting unless the Blue Bird dealer will lease a few buses to them! I think next years, they will keep their trade inns.
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MongoKen
Senior Member
USA
147 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2002 : 09:21:16 AM
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We try to keep at least a couple spares at each bus lot in case of breakdowns/emergencies. We also have a "Radio Bus" program. Basically we have 10 drivers who are not assigned runs. They standby at various locations around the county and respond to breakdowns/driver no shows..emergency last minute stuff..
"Superior Buses..A Legend of the Past" |
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CRAZYOVERBUSES
Active Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2002 : 12:32:14 PM
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The county I live in keeps at least two spares at each school. When ball season is going on, some add a third as usually one bus leaves early for the game. They keep an additional half dozen at the county shop for distribution in the event of a bigger problem at one of the schools.
For example, we had a 1995 Blue Bird stolen from the lot at school and taken for a two hour joy ride before they got it stuck on a stump and set fire to it. It was a total loss. Since we had money to replace extra buses, a driver at the same school got a bus a year early and her old bus was put as a spare.
After this incident the burned bus was replaced with her new bus (this driver drives over 150 miles per day with trade school and regular route) and the other driver got her old bus back. So they sent one of the Spare "spares" to the school to cover the gap.
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Captain Larz
Senior Member
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2002 : 09:28:12 AM
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We have several spare buses, but sometimes we get those crazy days where everything breaks down at the same time and we are already using some of our spares on charters. In Bus Boy's case I would look for a special ed or head start route has a few passengers that would all fit on 95-9 and switch buses.
Larz |
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UncleNeal
Senior Member
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2002 : 06:57:15 AM
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We have experienced this problem a few times. We have 2 spare transit-style buses, but no spare smaller buses. We are in desperate need of a spare wheelchair accessible bus. One day this past September, one of our w/c buses was down, and we actually had to ask one parent to transport their child to school themselves. Another child was transported an hour late to school (parents allowed this) and the bus was up and running by the afternoon route time. Sometimes you never have enough spares, and with budget cuts, it can get worse.
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 11/20/2002 : 1:05:15 PM
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hehe We had this happen again, but not as severely. One morning we had a plague of stop arms that would not extend.
Stop at: http://www.buses.cjb.net
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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jimbo20
Senior Member
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2002 : 07:41:28 AM
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TRY THIS FOR SIZE, ONE SPARE FOR EVERY 10 RUNNING BUSES.
JIMBO
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Chestnut Ridge TD
New Member
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2002 : 1:17:57 PM
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We do it like this: One spare for every five running buses. With this, and our fleet's modern age, we never have a problem with lack of spares or running buses. Obviously, this is impossible for many districts who have budget problems.
________________________
Blue Bird and IC... You Wanted Classy Buses, Now You Have Them! |
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AmTran 241
Advanced Member
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2002 : 3:09:48 PM
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Our company has 40 Regular school busses
-20 AmTran International FE
-5 International FE
-5 Thomas International Conv.
-10 Blue Bird GMC Conv.
We have 9 Spare busses
-3 AmTran International FE
-3 Thomas International Conv.
-3 Blue Bird GMC Conv.
We usally have atleast half are spares in during the day,and are mechanics usally are fast workers. So we usally don't run into problems!
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William Johnston
Senior Member
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - 11/22/2002 : 09:59:49 AM
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Jimbo's right. We try to stick very close to the 1 for 10 ratio. It has work great for us. Dispatch also should know were they have a little fudge room.
Bill
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No more buses
