Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced the results of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division’s 2012 annual school bus inspection program. A total of 11,934 school buses were inspected between the dates of Feb. 2 and April 30, 2012. Missouri’s 2012 statewide approval rating was 88.3%, compared to 87.7% in 2011.
The 2012 statewide results are as follows:
• 10,538 buses received approval upon initial inspection. During the annual school bus program, buses found to be free of defective items are rated as “approved”.
• 1,157 buses were deemed defective upon initial inspection. Buses with one or more minor defective items, yet deemed safe for the transport of students, are rated as “defective”.
• 239 buses were placed out-of-service upon initial inspection. Buses with one or more major defective items are deemed to be unsafe for the transport of students and are rated as “out-of-service” by inspection personnel.
Buses rated as “defective” may continue to be operated for the purpose of pupil transportation until repair is made. School districts are allowed 10 days following initial inspection to repair identified defects before being re-inspected by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel. Buses placed out-of-service by inspectors must be repaired, then re-inspected and placed back into service by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel prior to being used for the transportation of students.
“I applaud the working relationship among the employees of the Patrol’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Division and Missouri’s school districts and contracting companies,” said Col. Replogle. “This year’s increase in approval rating is a clear indicator that Missouri’s pupil transportation professionals continue to strive to make student safety their top priority. Missouri’s schoolchildren deserve the safest transportation possible when travelling to and from school each day. The annual school bus inspection program continues to ensure that Missouri’s school buses are among the safest in the nation.”
A total of 256 Missouri school districts will be awarded the distinction of Total Fleet Excellence for approval ratings of 90% or higher with no buses placed out-of-service. During the 2012-2013 school year, buses with an award-winning fleet may display the Missouri State Highway Patrol Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger-entry side of the bus. In addition, each district earning the Total Fleet Excellence designation will receive a certificate from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Results of the annual school bus inspection program are a matter of public record; therefore, requests for information pertaining to the 2012 annual school bus inspection program may be directed to MVI Analyst Brenda J. Davis via e-mail at: brenda.davis@mshp.dps.mo.gov.
