UCS buses ready to roll after successful inspection

Utica Community Schools buses are ready to roll for the new school year.

The 245-bus fleet recently passed a near-perfect inspection from the Michigan State Police with a more than 99 percent passing rate. The minor issues identified through the inspection have been addressed and buses were cleared for the new year. 

“Our goal is the same as every employee in Utica Community Schools – to make sure that every child achieves,” said Director of Transportation Jan Delboy. “We know we are the first face they see in the morning and the last they see at the end of the day.”

UCS buses typically pass the annual state inspection with a rate in the high 90th percentile, with minor items needing to be addressed prior to the inspector leaving the grounds. 

The state program requires review of nearly 300 items before inspectors certify a bus. Brakes, steering and suspension are the main focus of inspections. First aid kits, warning lights and safety equipment, and overall mechanical issues are among areas reviewed during the annual inspection. 
State inspectors visit district bus garages with little notice.

UCS buses undergo a regular maintenance schedule conducted by the district's eleven mechanics to ensure they are in good working order and safe for the road. In addition, the district’s transportation inventory department ensures that necessary supplies are available to guarantee that buses are quickly repaired and returned to the road. 

In addition, drivers perform a daily pre-trip inspection and use a work order system to identify potential problems. Once an issue is reported, the district pulls the bus off the road immediately while the repair is made. Mechanics use the opportunity to inspect the bus for any other problems with the bus. 
UCS buses travel more than three million miles annually and transport approximately 21,000 students. 

In addition to helping ensure safe buses, the district’s 235 UCS drivers are committed to maintaining safety standards on the road through regular training. Prior to hiring, UCS drivers undergo three-week training. A mentor is then assigned to ride with the new driver for the first few days. 

Once on the road, drivers regularly go through advanced training programs. Drivers also participate in summer training sessions.