CCSD School Bus Idling Policy

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CCSD Transportation

ACTIONS TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY IDLING

Morning Delivery in school loading/unloading zones – NO IDLING ZONE
- Drivers should cut off engine as ASAP
  - Lift bus drivers may need to leave the engine running if loading or unloading a wheel chair
  - Special needs bus drivers may need to idle for heat or air conditioning to accommodate a medically fragile student
- Driver should not start engine again until a check for students and belongings is completed and driver is ready and it is clear to depart (keep radio on for communication)
Afternoon Pick-Up in school loading/unloading zones – NO IDLING ZONE
- Drivers should cut off engine as ASAP (keep radio on for communication)
  - If this is driver’s 2nd load then be sure to check for students and belongings upon arrival
- If the school is designed for angle parking, then utilization in the afternoon will place the exhaust further away from student walk paths and the school
- In cold weather the school may permit drivers to enter the school and go to a designated location to stay warm
  - Remember to respect the educational environment
- OR in cold weather drivers may congregate on one bus (for health and safety) and keep only one engine running while waiting for P.M. dismissal
  - If drivers gather on one bus be sure the bus is well away from the school and any school building air intakes
- Drivers MUST ensure that they are back on their bus prior to dismissal
- Driver should not start engine again until driver is ready and it is clear to depart
Field & Athletic Trip destinations – NO IDLING ZONE
- Drivers should not idle while waiting for students during field or athletic trips
  - Exception would be for driver/student health and safety under extreme temperature conditions (see #5, “Exceptions”, item “c”)
    - Minimize idling under these conditions and move the bus to a position well away from the school/building where possible
      - When idling is required to warm or cool the bus if the driver is required to stay with the bus for security reasons
      - When idling is required to warm or cool the bus prior to departure
Pre-Trip Inspection
- Drivers should keep idling to a minimum
  - Limit to the time required for inspecting the bus and the equipment on the bus
    - No more than 8 to 10 minutes (see #5, “Exceptions”, item “c”)
  - Drivers should not routinely start and unnecessarily leave the bus running
Exceptions – Provided all reasonable steps are taken to minimize idling, the following exceptions apply:
- Idling is sometimes required in freezing weather
  - For deicing the windshield
  - Or to thaw air brake lines
- Idling may be necessary for passenger and driver health and safety
  - If the outside temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, then idling MAY be required for adequate heat
  - If the outside temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and the climate inside the bus is unsafe, then idling COULD be required for adequate cooling (not to be abused).
    - BUT the lowering of windows and other measures to minimize or eliminate idling at these warm weather temperatures is highly desired (preferred method)
  - Recommend that idling take place outside the school zone in the afternoon (where possible) if there is a requirement to maintain a safe and healthy temperature
    - In this case you would enter the school zone just prior to dismissal and shut off the engine
- Extended idling may also be required for cold weather fleet start-up
  - If the outside temperature is 20 Fahrenheit degrees or below

Georgia’s 18,000 school bus driver’s actions to eliminate unnecessary idling can make a significant impact. Collectively, they can make a huge difference in creating a healthier and cleaner environment and in protecting THEIR health and the health of THEIR STUDENTS.

Remember – under all conditions, including the exceptions noted, eliminate any unnecessary idling.

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