March 2014

    Dawn Lair is a school bus mechanic as well as school bus driver for Live Oak School District in Northern California. Meet her and other women who prove that the maintenance bay is not just a man’s world in this month’s cover story.

    FEATURES

    Who Says It’s a Man World?
    Women overcome attitudinal hurdles to succeed as school bus mechanics

    Breaking Bad
    Transportation and maintenance managers dissect the bad driving habits that increase wear and tear on buses and maintenance costs

    Reviewing School Bus Lube, Oil and Filter Practices
    Technical editor Robert Pudlewski evaluates current methods and reminds readers of the importance of LOF maintenance compliance for OEM engine warranty service

    DIY: How to Repair and Replace Seat Covers
    Step-by-step instructions on repairing punctures and small tears, and replacing a seat cover that has worn out its usefulness

    INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

    Top Story: Bus dealerships expand their parts inventory to better service school district clients

    Onboard video camera surveillance systems evolving

    Caring for child safety restraint systems webbing and equipment

    STN Survey Results: Diagnosing maintenance staff

    News Briefs: Navistar’s first bus orders with Cummins ISB6.7L engine, California the first state to approve all-electric Trans Tech bus, Wisconsin law on school bus lighting, Blue Bird’s technical training at the STN EXPO, Biz Bites, and much more

    SPECIAL REPORT

    Complementary Training
    Third-party sources offer alternative-fuel school bus refresher training that helps technicians dig deeper into the heart of these systems 

    Q&A

    Talking Tyler Traversa with Ted Thien

    COLUMNS

    The Glass Ceiling
    First Take by Ryan Gray

    Going for the Gold
    Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin

    ANALYSIS

    Using Vehicle Diagnostics to Drive Maintenance Programs
    By John Whelan

    DEPARTMENTS

    Mailbag: Views and opinions from our readers

    STN Online: Highlights from our website

    Products and Solutions / Upcoming Events: The latest offerings for the student transportation set and monthly calendar

    MARKETPLACE

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