Catherine Coker

Assistant Director of

Transportation for

Portage Township Schools

When your child steps onto a Portage Township School bus you can rest assure that much thought and preparation has gone into assuring their safe transport to and from school. Safety first is the Portage Township School's Transportation Department's primary focus. In July, the Indiana State Police inspected Portage's fleet of 102 buses. Getting ready for the inspection involved hours and hours of groundwork. All buses were washed inside and out until they were spotless. Imagine detailing 102 buses! Every aspect of the bus is checked in preparation for the inspection. Each bus is reviewed using a 54-item checklist inspection. Things that are checked during the inspection process included fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency exits, windows, doors, horn, stop arms, exhausts system, headlights, shock absorbers, wheel chair lifts to name a few. For the past 20 years 100% of Portage buses passed inspection. This year was no exception. All buses breezed through this rigorous

inspection.

Leading the preparations for inspection was head mechanic Steve Anderson along with his crew Darrell Tate, Larry Hilley, Paul Mayfield and summer help Jacob Engel and Jack Miller. To maintain this high standard of efficiency throughout the year, Portage mechanics constantly check and recheck buses to maintain all buses at their top-notch inspection status.

New bus drivers for Portage undergo extensive training in preparation for their vital role in the safe transportation of Portage school children. Trained by Barbara Whitten, School Bus Trainer for PTS, bus drivers are required to participate in 11 days of learning safe driving procedures, practicing with a trained driver, and learning the ins and out of bus driving. Four written exams are taken and must be passed to obtain a Class B CDL license.

In addition to the exams, bus drivers must take a state driving test much like an initial drivers license test for automobile drivers. During this exam, conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOT), bus drivers must parallel park, show ability to make proper turns, obey bus procedures for railroad crossings and follow all driving procedures. Finally, drivers must also pass a physical which includes vision and hearing, physical fitness and drug and alcohol screening. Every year ALL drivers must attend safety school to prepare them for the new school year.

The bus drivers and mechanics take their responsibility to the children of Portage very seriously. They want to provide your child with a safe and enjoyable ride to and from school. Portage Transportation Department is ready and willing to serve the students of Portage Township Schools. Join us in a safe and productive school year!

Catherine Coker

Assistant Director of

Transportation for

Portage Township Schools