Discussion
Over the years dealing with various Governmental departments, we were able to secure learner transport contracts with the Kwa Zulu Natal Department of Transport and the Gauteng Department of Education and Limpopo Department of Education. Our formular of success is mainly due to our stringent approach in managing our fleet and learners as detailed in the various points below.
Adherence to time schedule
Drivers are provided with a timetable with pick up points and times along the bus route. This timetable is stuck in the bus where it is be visible to the driver and the learners. To ensure punctuality of learners to and from school, drivers are required to be present by 5:30am at their buses which allows them an early start and also accommodating for any unforeseen challenges in the morning.
Tracking of Vehicles
All vehicles are fitted with tracking devices to monitor, amongst other things, speeds, routes and location and ensure vehicles are operating only on designated route, picking up learners from only designated pick up points. Instances of late-coming or deviation from route can be picked up immediately.
Communication system
All buses are equipped with dedicated cell phones to ensure they remain contactable at all times.
Daily Vehicle Maintenance
Drivers complete pre inspection sheets so as to identify any faults with the bus so that immediate action can be taken to rectify. In this way a preventative maintenance plan is implemented.
Inspection and Service
Scheduled fortnightly inspections/running repairs are carried out onsite by mechanical team. Major service is carried out every school holiday at depot.
Bus safety Features
All buses have tracking systems and we have a dedicated team to monitor the tracker to ensure that buses are on route, on time and driving within the allowed speed limits. All buses have high backed padded seats. All buses have safety-reinforced windows. All buses are equipped with fire extinguishers. All buses are equipped with safety belts. All buses have one way entrance doors which can only be opened by the driver. All buses are equipped with air brakes. Only new tyres are fitted onto our fleet no re-treads.
Safer Driving Techniques
Drivers undergo preparatory training during the initial period of employment before they commence carrying learners. Drivers are sent for training during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd term school holidays. All staff are trained in CPR, First Aid and Internal Standard Operating Procedures.
Standard Operating Procedure in an Event of Accident
- Call for Medical Assistance
- Notify local traffic police and authorities
- Notify principal of relevant schools
- Administer medical assistance utilising first aid kit to any injured learners
- Call for relief bus and driver if necessary to minimise inconvenience to learners
- Utilise safety reflective triangles behind the bus to alert other motorist a problem with the bus, also hazard lights to be engaged
- Notify local traffic police and authorities
- Notify principal of relevant schools
- Administer medical assistance utilising first aid kit to any injured learners
- Call for relief bus and driver if necessary to minimise inconvenience to learners
- Utilise safety reflective triangles behind the bus to alert other motorist a problem with the bus, also hazard lights to be engaged
Learner Supervision in a Bus, on Pick-up and Drop-Off Points
We use learner marshals who are required to monitor learner behaviour, learner stats and liaise with schools to ensure that any problems are addressed immediately. They are identified with neon coloured vests and are neatly attired. Drivers are reminded to ensure that doors must only be opened when the bus has reached a complete stop and it is safe for learners to disembark. Likewise, doors are only closed once all learners are boarded at a particular pick up point and once it is established that there are no learners near the bus, will the bus be allowed to commence or continue its trip. First Aid kits are available on all buses as a first line form of medical treatment in the event of any injuries sustained by learners.
• Reporting System, Using tracking devices and reports form marshals the admin team provide daily reports to management regarding daily operations. The necessary reports are forwarded to the Government Department on a monthly basis.
• Stakeholder Participation, The marshalls are in contact with people on the ground on a daily basis. The operations managers also engages with stakeholders on a regular basis to obtain feedback on the running of the learner transport service.
• Reporting System, Using tracking devices and reports form marshals the admin team provide daily reports to management regarding daily operations. The necessary reports are forwarded to the Government Department on a monthly basis.
• Stakeholder Participation, The marshalls are in contact with people on the ground on a daily basis. The operations managers also engages with stakeholders on a regular basis to obtain feedback on the running of the learner transport service.