News & Insights

As we approach the end of the school year, school bus operators are already planning work that must be done over the summer months. For most operators, the summer months are the best time of the year to review and revise employee handbooks, as well as other employer policies and procedures. One component that should not be overlooked during this review period is language regarding the company’s drug and alcohol policy (or policies).

As we approach the end of the school year, school bus operators are already planning work that must be done over the summer months. For most operators, the summer months are the best time of the year to review and revise employee handbooks, as well as other employer policies and procedures. One component that should not be overlooked during this review period is language regarding the company’s drug and alcohol policy (or policies).

School buses are by far the safest mode of transportation. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as previously found that school buses are seventy times safety than passenger cars. Notwithstanding this excellent track record, accidents do happen. In the event of an accident with injuries, many school bus operators may wonder who is responsible for the medical bills of any injured passengers. This is addressed in the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) establishes the minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, and overtime requirements for employees working over forty (40) hours per week, at a rate of one and one half times the employee’s regular rate of pay. 29 U.S.C. §206, 207. But, employees employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity are exempt from these minimum wage and overtime requirements. 29 U.S.C. §213(a). The United States Department of Labor (“USDOL”) regulati...

​School bus drivers know that nearly every school bus is equipped with audio/video recording equipment. Drivers also know that most students travel with a cell phone that has audio/video recording capability. As a result, drivers often have to deal with students making their own audio/video recordings on the school bus when incidents or accidents occur. How should a driver respond when students are recording a school bus incident, or when students are recording the driver disciplining students?...

“Working Capital” is an important part of business buy/sell transactions, but it is not a term commonly used or known by most business owners. Working capital is the invisible asset in every business. Basically, it is the ready cash on hand needed for day to day operations. Read further to understand how it is calculated for a buy/sell transaction, and how it impacts the value of the deal.

Insurance requirements for school bus operators often times differ from state-to-state. Some states have specific requirements for school buses used in home-to-school transportation, while others only impose minimum insurance requirements on specific types of transportation, such as charter work. For school transportation operators, sometimes federal requirements apply as well. Continue reading for a brief overview of what minimum insurance requirements could apply to Pennsylvania school transpo...