Allegheny Transportation proposed a mascot, Gus the Goose, to minimize injuries by appearing in videos, at school assemblies and in signs on buses to help students remember safety rules. Reliance Transportation proposed the installation of electronic “child check” units in their passenger vans to minimize the chances of a child being left in a van. F&S Transportation proposed creating an eco-friendly driver simulator for new and seasoned drivers to test their skills in real-world environments while saving on fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
“Judging of all 14 applications and scoring for the grant was extremely competitive,” explained Michael Berk, PSBA executive director. “The proposals we received showed ingenuity, creativity and our members’ ongoing commitment to the safe transportation of our students. We encourage applicants not selected to re-submit for 2019.”
“Safety is the utmost importance in transporting students to school, and we recognized the opportunity to enhance both awareness and contractor operations through a safety grant,” said Brian Brusoski, senior vice president of property and casualty with Keystone. “Giving operators a chance to select their initiatives was unique and effective, and it will inspire other operators in future years. It’s a win-win for all involved.”