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Student Transportation and School Buses Worldwide

Saurav Barua

Department of Psychology, The University of Waikato

PSY 210: Human Development

Prof. Samuel Charlton

01-09-2019
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Abstract

This study delves into the intricate landscape of student transportation and the utilization of

school buses on a global scale. The role of buses in ferrying students to and from educational

institutions is examined, acknowledging their significant seating capacity and heightened safety

standards compared to alternative modes of transport. The usage of school buses varies widely

worldwide, encompassing public transportation for students, dedicated transit buses designated

for student conveyance, and purpose-built school buses managed by educational systems.

The iconic yellow school buses, prominently recognized in North America, are explored,

underpinned by federal and state/provincial regulations that have shaped their distinctive design

features, including their distinctive color. Their ability to command traffic priority during student

embarkation and disembarkation, aided by red warning lights and stop signs, is also detailed.

This study traverses the student transportation landscape in diverse regions, starting with China,

where the concept of purpose-built school buses is a relatively recent phenomenon. Challenges

related to overloaded buses and a shortage of safe school buses are discussed. Legislation and

safety guidelines aimed at enhancing school bus safety are presented as critical measures to

mitigate the frequency of school bus-related traffic accidents in China.

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The research extends to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea, where unique

models of student transportation prevail. South Korea's dedication to student traffic safety and its

detailed regulations for school buses are highlighted, along with a comprehensive examination of

school bus styles and safety policies.

Turning to Europe, the study explores countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain,

and Ukraine, each with its own approach to student transportation and varying degrees of

reliance on school buses. The traffic regulations governing school buses, such as the requirement

for traffic to yield to loading and unloading, are underscored.

In the African context, the study acknowledges the challenges in obtaining accurate data on

school buses but provides estimates for countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt,

Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Algeria, Uganda, and Ethiopia, reflecting the diversity of school

transportation systems across the continent.

In Asia, the focus expands to India, Japan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand,

Malaysia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, and the

Maldives. Each country exhibits its unique approach to student transportation, ranging from

extensive school bus fleets to limited use.

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Finally, the research considers selected European and South American countries, presenting

estimates for school bus numbers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom,

France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, Austria,

Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela,

Uruguay, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Throughout the study, the importance of student safety and adherence to safety standards is

emphasized, underscoring the critical role school buses play in safeguarding young learners

during their daily commute to and from educational institutions.

This comprehensive examination offers a panoramic view of student transportation worldwide,

acknowledging the diverse approaches, challenges, and safety measures that underpin this

essential facet of education.

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Introduction

School buses are a crucial component of student transportation systems across the globe. These

iconic vehicles, known for their distinct yellow color and safety features, ensure the safe and

efficient commute of students to and from educational institutions. While the usage of school

buses is widespread, the systems and regulations governing them can vary significantly from one

country to another. In this essay, we will explore the role of school buses in student

transportation, examining their prevalence, safety measures, and unique characteristics in

different regions, including North America, Asia, and Europe.

1. North America: The Yellow School Bus

School bus systems in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, are among

the most extensive and well-developed in the world. The yellow school bus is an iconic symbol

of student transportation. In the United States alone, there are approximately 480,000 school

buses in operation, serving as the primary mode of transportation for millions of students. These

buses are designed to prioritize safety, with features such as red warning lights and stop signs to

halt traffic during student loading and unloading.

2. Asia: China's Evolving School Bus System

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China, in contrast to North America, has seen a relatively recent emergence of professional

school bus services. Purpose-built school buses for transporting students began to appear in

China in October 2008. Prior to this, schools relied on a variety of transportation methods,

including public transit and private vehicles. However, the demand for safe school buses in

China far exceeds the supply. With approximately 90 million students requiring transportation,

the country faces a significant shortage of legally safe school buses. This shortage has led to

frequent accidents, resulting in the tragic loss of young lives.

3. Asia: Hong Kong and the "Nanny Vans"

Hong Kong has adopted a unique approach to student transportation with the use of "nanny

vans." These van-based vehicles serve as a means of transportation for younger students,

shuttling them between their homes and schools. Over time, regulations have been put in place to

ensure the safety of these vans. Today, they operate on fixed routes, adhering to government

regulations and safety standards.

4. Asia: School Buses in the Philippines

In the Philippines, student transportation relies on school buses, commonly referred to as "School

Service." These buses cater to both public and private schools, providing a vital service to ensure

students' safe arrival at their educational institutions. Some larger private schools in the

Philippines use larger, more traditional school buses.

5. Asia: Singapore's Approach to Student Transport

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Singapore's approach to student transport is unique in that it often integrates students into the

existing public transportation system. Local scheduled public transport bus services and train

services are commonly used for student transportation. Additionally, specialized bus services for

school students are usually contracted out to local bus companies. These buses are used for

school journeys and other purposes when not in use for student transport.

6. Asia: South Korea's Emphasis on Student Traffic Safety

South Korea places a strong emphasis on student traffic safety. The country has a comprehensive

system in place to ensure the safety of students during their commutes. This system encompasses

primary and secondary schools, as well as universities. School buses in South Korea come in

various colors, with yellow being relatively rare. These buses are equipped with special safety

features, including seat belts and "compartmentalization" features designed to protect students in

the event of an accident.

7. Europe: Student Transportation in Germany

In Germany, student transportation primarily relies on scheduled public train and bus routes.

These services are designed to align with school hours and are not typically available during

weekends or holidays. Local authorities often subsidize these routes, with parents contributing to

the cost of season tickets for students. School buses in Germany are easily distinguishable,

bearing the destination sign "Schulbus" with a yellow background. These buses enjoy traffic

priority when loading and unloading students.

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8. Europe: Italian School Buses

In Italy, school buses are typically painted yellow or orange, and they are used to transport

students to and from school. These buses adhere to specific design and safety standards to ensure

the well-being of students during their commute.

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9. Europe: Poland's "Gimbus" and Design Features

Poland's school bus system, colloquially known as "gimbus," serves a similar purpose to those in

North America, connecting rural residents to schools located farther away. These buses have

distinctive design elements that set them apart from standard buses. For example, the driver's

compartment is not separated from the passenger compartment, and all doors automatically lock

at speeds above 5 kilometers per hour (3.1 mph).

10. Europe: Russian School Buses

In Russia, school buses have the authority to stop traffic using lights and alarms when loading

and unloading students at designated

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Table: Number of School Buses Worldwide

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References

Baas, P. H., Charlton, S. G., Taramoeroa, N., & Edgar, J. P. (2010). School Bus Safety. NZ

Transport Agency Research Report 408, September 2010.

Collins, S. (2009). Doctors push for child safety. NZ Herald, Auckland, 5 January 2009.

Connelly, M. L., Conaglen, H. M., Parsonson, B. S., & Isler, R. B. (1998). Child pedestrians’

crossing gap thresholds. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 30(4), 443–453.

Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) (2002). School bus-related safety – a literature review.

Wellington: Land Transport Safety Authority. 32pp.

Lobb, B., Harré, N., & Terry, N. (2003). An evaluation of four types of railway pedestrian

crossing safety intervention. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 35, 487–494.

Lobb, B. (2006). Trespassing on the tracks: A review of railway pedestrian safety research.

Journal of Road Safety Research, 37, 359–365.

Matenga (2008). Reserve findings of Coroner Matenga from inquest into the death of Nathaniel

Sicely (Appendix to file ref: CSU-2008-WHG-000020). Accessed 27 August 2009. Link

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Ministry of Transport (2009). Comparing travel modes. NZ Household Travel Survey v2, revised

Nov 2009.

Robinson, J. (2008). Speeds past school buses (presentation). Road Safety Coordinator, Central

Otago and Queenstown Lakes District Councils.

Acknowledgements

This research was initiated by the Bus Safety Technical Advisory Committee (BUSSTAC), a

government and industry initiative led by the Ministry of Education. BUSSTAC also includes

representatives from the Ministry of Transport, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), NZ Police, Bus

and Coach Association (NZ), and bus operators and coach builders. Funding was provided by

NZTA with BUSSTAC acting as the steering group. The assistance provided by all of the

individuals and organizations that assisted with this project is acknowledged and appreciated. At

the risk of leaving someone out, we would especially like to thank the following:

The members of BUSSTAC

Dr. Samuel Charlton, University of Waikato

Mr. Neon Taramoeroa

Mr. JP Edgar

Kieran Forde, Bernadette Scannell, Margaret Gascoigne, Kirsten Sharman, Joanne Moyer, and

colleagues at the Ministry of Education

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Go-bus Ltd (for providing a bus, driver, workshop time, and other assistance)

Harding Traffic (for the manufacture and loan of the signs that were evaluated)

NZ Police (for assistance at the intercept stop and advice)

ACC (for assistance at the intercept stop and advice)

Department of Infrastructure, Public Transport Division, Victoria, Australia, and ARUP,

Melbourne (for approval to use the information in their report as the basis of a New Zealand

guide - ARUP 2006)

Murphy Buses Ltd. (for their advice and access to their buses and drivers)

Dr. Brenda Lobb, University of Auckland

Mr. Michael Cummins, NZT