Huntsville City Schools welcomes new buses
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - If your child attends a Huntsville City School they will be riding a new bus when school starts in the fall. Huntsville City School is upgrading their buses to Apple Bus.
Apple Bus said their bringing a student focus upgraded experience.
"We've got new technology that we haven't used in the past and new school buses don't hurt either," said Huntsville City Schools transportation coordinator Scott Gillies.
"Parents can be assured that things are going to be better this year than they have been in the past couple of years," Gillies said. "We are going to get kids to school on time and safely."
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As the wheels on the bus go round and round your kids will have extra eyes on them as they travel to school. Each bus has four security cameras that are constantly monitored.
"If there is activity that we see could be a problem then we'll address it with the principal and even the parents and we will solve those issues before they get out of hand," said Apple Bus general manager James Akins.
Nine buses will have security guards in addition to the bus driver. "Some of the buses that should I say are repeat offenders from past years will be monitored a little bit more heavily," Akins said.
Apple buses also have an alarm system to alert the driver before they leave to make sure and check that all of the children are off the bus.
As your child is heading to school or coming back you can actually see where they are in real time by downloading the SafeStop app. Parents can also sign up for text alerts or emails in case of delays. Your child will experience a cool ride because each bus is air conditioned.
One hundred and eighty drivers are already in training and Apple Bus expects to hire 20 more drivers.
"When you have enough drivers your routes run smoothly, your routes run on time, stops are consistent," Akins said.
In addition to a national background check drivers take driving lessons and de-escalation training.
"There are specific qualities that we look for in those drivers. One thing we look for is compassion and drivers that has a degree of empathy that can put themselves in the position of some of the students," Akins added.
If you are looking to apply for a driver you can here.
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