Bus inspection earns high grades from NYSDOT

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has given the Schoharie Central School District Transportation Department a high rating in its school bus safety inspection report for the 2010-11 school year.

Of the district’s 55 vehicles that were inspected by the NYSDOT, 96.4% passed. This is an increase from an 88.7% passing rate in 2009-10, and an 81.1% passing rate in 2008-09.

All school buses are subject to a comprehensive inspection by the NYSDOT at least every six months. Vehicles that do not pass are placed out of service until problems are corrected. Only two vehicles received that designation last year, and  both were repaired within a short period of time.

The NYSDOT performs semi-annual vehicle safety inspections on a wide variety of vehicles that are subject to inspections. Of the approximately 154,000 inspections conducted each year, almost 80 percent are performed on vehicles used in school transportation services, either directly by a public or private school or by a contractor hired to provide that service.

The remaining inspections are performed on vehicles used in other services that are regulated by the NYSDOT, including motor coach charter services, transit authorities, ambulettes (transit for disabled passengers) and “for hire” passenger services.

[11/18/11]