Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses 2015

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Alabama

Minimum Specificationsfor School Buses

Alabama State Department of Education

Division of Administrative and Financial Services

Pupil Transportation Section

Montgomery, Alabama

!"#!#"$%&

Thomas '( BiceState Superintendent of Education

Dennis )oe

Division Director

*ffice of Supporting Programs

+oe ightsey

Director

Pupil Transportation

The Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses can be found on the Alabama State Department

of Education -ebsite at ---(alsde(edu under Department *ffices.Division of Policy and Budget.*ffice

of Supporting Programs.Pupil Transportation. Publications(

Effective Date: April 1, 2014

2015

http://www.alsde.edu/





Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses

Changes Document

/e- re0uirements and changes in the Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses for

2015 are found on the follo-ing pages and headings( All changes appear in italics -ith the

e1ception of deletions( For noted deletions refer to the #&2! specifications for comparison(

NOTE: Page numbers in 2!" specifications an# 2!$ specifications ma% not coinci#e

Pag

e

Section &eneral Description of Change

6

Electrical System #2B New lanuae re!uirin a 200 ampere alternator

1" ransmission New lanuae a$$in %or$ 6&1'0 to allowable transmissions

1' Air (on$itionin #' New lanuae re!uirin mu$ flaps for front an$ rear on buses

e!uippe$ with air con$itionin

1' Air con$itionin #) New lanuae clarifies re!uirements for shrou$s or continuous

$uctin on s*irt mounte$ con$ensers

2' +$entification #" New lanuae rewor$s no trespassin stic*er to comply with

the (harles ,(huc*- .olan$/ r Act Alabama Act 201"3"')4

"2 Seats (rash Barriers #11 New lanuae allows the use of conertible seatin meetin the

re!uirements of %M7SS 225

""

Stop Arm Sinal

New lanuae re!uirin the use of 8E9/ strobe3type lihtin

"5

7i$eo Sureillance E!uipment

New lanuae clarifies number of camera positions an$

installation an$ proce$ures

'0 (rash Barriers #1 New lanuae clarifies crash barrier placement

'1 .ower 8ift #1 New lanuae clarifies $rier ision out of the lift $oor lass



on the riht si$e of the bus



2#.#$.#&23



'NT(OD)CT'ON

Alabama la- 4#"3"56 re0uires the Alabama State Board of Education to adopt minimum standards to

govern the specifications for all ne- school buses and the overall operation of all school buses in the state

of Alabama( This responsibility also e1tends to the inspection of school buses being sold and operated inthe state of Alabama( The primary reason for the development of specifications and the inspection of

school buses is to enhance the safety of Alabama7s school buses( Every effort must be made to ensure that

Alabama school buses continue to provide the safest transportation available for our most precious cargo 8our students(

*n behalf of the Alabama State Department of Education 4ASDE6, 9 -ant to e1press great appreciation

to each member of the Alabama School Bus Specifications )ommittee for their service, hard -or:, andcommitment to the tas:( Special than:s are also e1tended to Specifications )ommittee )hairperson, ;reg

'ay and )o")hair, +eff Du:e( Their many years of e1perience, leadership, and dedication helped to

ensure a successful committee meeting resulted in another set e1ceptional specifications(

Special than:s must also be e1pressed to Alabama<s school bus dealers, their school bus manufacturers

and the many vendors and others in the school bus industry that assisted in the development of these

standards( =ithout their participation, the specifications process -ould be significantly -ea:ened(

School bus specifications al-ays begin as a product of many individual thoughts and ideas( >o-ever,

they culminate in standards, -hich help assure the safest school buses possible as -ell as vehicles, -hich provide a true value for Alabama<s ta1payers(

The Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses become effective on April 2, #&2!( 9f you have0uestions or recommendations regarding any of the specifications in this document, please contact Mr(

+eff Du:e at the ASDE or any member of the specifications committee( )ommittee members are listed

on the follo-ing page(

+oe ightsey, Director Pupil Transportation

Alabama State Department of EducationMontgomery, Alabama ?2&

!"#!#"$%&

Specifications #&23

2.2?.2!



Alabama State Department of E#ucation *SDE+

School Bus Specifications Committee

,anuar% !- 2!"

;reg 'ay, )hairman

g-ray@mcpss(com

Mobile )ounty Schools

#%! 9nternational Drive

Mobile, A ??&?#32"##2"3#?&

+oe ightsey

oel@alsde(edu

State Department of Education

555"&%"%5&

)hris Bible

cbible@ftpay:2#(org

Ft( Payne )ity Schools

#2 5th Street /E

Ft( Payne, A 3$?5

#3?"5!3"$#55

;lenn Bro-n

rgbro-n@bcbe(org

Bald-in )ounty Schools

#?&&"A >and Avenue

Bay Minette, A ?3&%

#32"35&"25$!

'ichard )ash

cashr@bibbed(org

Bibb )ounty Schools

%#2 =alnut Street

)entreville, A 3&!#

#&3"$#?"$?22

eith )lar: :hclar:@morgan:2#(org

Morgan )ounty Schools

2#3 Point Mallard Par:-ay SE

Decatur, A 3?&2

#3?"3"?!!#

David ;ibson

dgibson@pcboe(net

Pheni1 )ity Schools

P( *( Bo1 !?&

Pheni1 )ity, A ?5?%

!"#$5"#5#

Don 9ngram, ASTA Presidentdingram@auburnschools(org

Auburn )ity Schools

P( *( Bo1 #%&

Auburn, A ?52"#%&

!"55%"!$23

ee indsay

lindsay(lee@lee(:2#(al(us

ee )ounty Schools

?2! MagaCine Avenue

*peli:a, A ?5&2

!"%!3"!32

Bobby Martin

blmartin@chilton(:2#(al(us

)hilton )ounty Schools

2%&3 ay Dam 'oad

)lanton, A 3&!3

#&3"#5&"#$3&

eslie Mathison

Mathison(leslie@aidb(state(al(us

A9DB

P(*( Bo1 ?$5

Talladega, A 32?&#3?"%?2"!!

Turner *liver

olivert@pcboe(org

Pic:ens )ounty Schools

P( *( Bo1 #

)arrollton, A 3!!%

#&3"?%"5#!!

Fay Par:er

fay(par:er@lcschools(org

auderdale )ounty Schools

P( *( Bo1 #%5

Florence, A 3?2

#3?"%?&"25

Brian Stovall

brian(stovall@lcs:2#(org

imestone )ounty Schools

&& South +efferson Street

Athens, A 3?22

#3?"##"32&

Tony Morris

morristrn@yahoo(com

Pell )ity Schools

2&&& Bruce Etheredge Par:-ay

Pell )ity, A 32#5"#2

#&3"55!"!5&&

+erome )oo:

coo:53&&@bellsouth(net


#32"352"&#?

+eff Du:e

papad@charter(net


#3?"#?!"%#?

*bie Fuller

obeyonly2@yahoo(com


!"#2"2?#&

+erry >arper

harper@alsde(edu


#&3"3!"$&%3

Brad >olley

bholley@alsde(edu


!"!!!"%?2?

+erry assiter

lassiter@alsde(edu


555"$"&32&

+eff Snider

effsnider#&2&@yahoo(com

State Department of Education#&3"#3$"&&$$

)athy Staggs

ctstaggs@bellsouth(net


#&3"!2&"2%#2

+oe Beams

oebeams@aol(com


#3?"#?&"3#!#

+erry Davidson

lindacd3&@bellsouth(net

State Department of Education#&3"?&2"&32

'ay +ones

do33@charter(net


%&?"35?"2&3&

Specifications #&23

2.2?.2!

mailto:[email protected]




























The Alabama School Bus 'nspection .an#boo/ -as developed by the Alabama State Department of

Education 4ASDE6 Pupil Transportation Section as a standard for school bus safety inspections at the local

school system level( This handboo: is provided as a guideline for local school system school bus inspectors,

shop foremen, technicians, maintenance supervisors, and transportation directors in conducting the monthly

inspections re0uired by Alabama la- and the 'ules of the Alabama State Board of Education(

The goal of this handboo: is to provide uniform standards for state and local school bus inspections( The

manual also identifies the critical items to be inspected on Alabama school buses, ho- they are to be inspected,

and -hich items should remove a school bus from service until the item is repaired 4out of service items6(

)opies of the handboo: have been distributed to all local school systems( Additional copies of the document

are available from the ASDE, Pupil Transportation Section at !"#!#"$%& or on the ASDE -ebsite at

---(alsde(edu under Department *ffices.Division of Policy and Budget.*ffice of Supporting Programs.Pupil

Transportation. Publications(

A0ABAMA

SCHOOL BUS INSPECTION

HANDBOOK

P(EPA(ED B1

A0ABAMA STATE DEPA(TMENT O ED)CAT'ON

D'3'S'ON O ADM'N'ST(AT'3E AND 'NANC'A0 SE(3'CES

T(ANSPO(TAT'ON SECT'ON

MONT&OME(1- A0ABAMA





TAB0E O CONTENTS

PA&E

SECT'ON ' 4 &ENE(A0

P(O3'S'ONS(((2

SECT'ON '' 4 SC.OO0 B)S C.ASS'S STANDA(DS(

Air )leaner((

A1les

Bra:es((

Bumper 4Front6 3

)ertification( 3

)olor 3

Directional ights ?

Drive Shaft(( ?

Electrical System( ?

Engine %

E1haust System 5

Fenders, >oods((( 5

Frame(( $

Fuel Tan:( $

;overnor( 2&

>eating System, Provision for 2&

>orn( 2&

9nstruments G 9nstrument Panel(( 2&

*il Filter(( 22

*penings( 22

Passenger oad 22

'etarder System 4*ptional6( 22

'oad Speed )ontrol 22

Shoc: Absorbers(( 2#

Springs.Suspension Systems ((((( 2#

Steering ;ear 2#

Tires and 'ims( 2#

Transmission 2

Turning 'adius( 2

Hndercoating 2

=eight Distribution(( 2



SECT'ON ''' 4 SC.OO0 B)S BOD1 STANDA(DS PA&E

Air )onditioning 2!

Aisle 2!

Bac:"up =arning Alarm(((( 2!

Battery.Batteries 23

Bumper 4Front6(( 23

Bumper 4'ear6 23

)eiling 23

)ertification 23

)hains 4Tire6(( 23

)olor(( 2?

)ommunication Systems ( 2?

)onstruction 2?

)rossing )ontrol Arm(( 2%

Defrosters 25

Doors(( 25

Emergency E1its( 2$

Emergency E0uipment((( #&

Fire E1tinguishers(( #&

First"Aid it(( #2

Body Fluid )lean"up it((( #2

=arning Devices((( #2

Fire Suppression #2

Floor and Floor )overings(( #2

>andrail4s6 ##

>eaters ##

>inges (( #

9dentification(( #

9nside >eight( #3

9nsulation #3

9nterior #3

amps and Signals(( #3

Metal Treatment( #%

Mirrors #5

Mounting #5



SECT'ON ''' 4 SC.OO0 B)S BOD1 STANDA(DS *Continue#+ PA&E

/oise Suppression S-itch #$

*verall ength(( #$

*verall =idth((( #$

Public Address System #$

'etro reflective Material(((( #$

'ub 'ails((( #$

Seat Belt for Driver((( &

Seat and )rash Barriers( 2

Steering =heel 4See )hassis Standards6(( #

Steps( #

Step Treads #

Stirrup Step(((

Stop Arm Signal((((

Stop Arm Signal"'ear 4*ptional6 ((((

Storage )ompartment(

Sun Shield((

Tailpipe((

Traction"Assisting Devices((((( !

Trash )ontainer and >olding Device((((( !

Hndercoating(( !

Ientilation(( 3

Iideo Surveillance E0uipment(( 3

=heel >ousing((( 3

=indshield and =indo-s(( ?

=indshield =ashers(( ?

=indshield =ipers((((( ?

=iring( %

SECT'ON '3 4 SPEC'A0 NEEDS SC.OO0 B)S STANDA(DS9ntroduction $

Definition J Specially E0uipped School Bus $

;eneral 'e0uirements(((( $

Air )onditioning( !&

Aisles( !&



)ommunication System (( !&

)rash Barriers (( !&

Evacuation Blan:et(((( !&

;laCing( !2

9dentification ((( !2

Passenger )apacity 'ating( !2

Po-er ift(( !2

'amp( !!

'egular Service Entrance(( !!

'estraining Devices(( !3

Seating Arrangements !3

Securement and 'estraint System for =heelchair.Mobility Aid and

*ccupant !3

Special ight(( !$

Special Service Entrance( !$

Support E0uipment and Accessories(( 3&

Technology and E0uipment /e-((( 32

SECT'ON 3 4 A0TE(NATE )E0 SO)(CE STANDA(DS 3#

SECT'ON 3' 4 OPT'ONS( 3#

oc:ing Fuel )ompartment Door 3#

Storage )ompartment for 'e0uired Emergency E0uipment(( 3#

SECT'ON 3'' 5 M)0T')NCT'ONA0 SC.OO0 ACT'3'T1 B)S 3

Definition ( 3

9dentification ( 3

)olor 3

Seating ( 3

ighting and =arning Devices( ( 3

9nspections (( 3!

'egulations ( 3!

D'SPOSA0 O )SED SC.OO0 B)SES

SECT'ON 3''' 5 6)'C7 (EE(ENCE C.A(T

33

3?



A0ABAMA M'N'M)M SPEC''CAT'ONS O( SC.OO0 B)SESEECT'3E April !- 2!"

SECT'ON ' 4 &ENE(A0 P(O3'S'ONS

Stan#ar#s2( All school buses ordered by local education agencies beginning April !- 2!"- shall 426

meet the applicable Federal Motor Iehicle Safety Standards 4FMISS6, and 4#6 meetAlabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses( 9n the event of a conflict bet-een

the re0uirements of an applicable Federal Motor Iehicle Safety Standard, as referred to

in this section, and the Alabama minimum specifications, the re0uirements of the

FMISS shall control( School buses not meeting minimum specifications 8ill not be

certifie# b% the Alabama State Department of E#ucation *SDE+9 )n#er unusual

circumstances an# 8ith a#euate ;ustification- e<ceptions to these specifications

ma% be grante# b% the SDE Director of Pupil Transportation9

Certification

#( All school buses shall display a #urable- legible certification data plate mounted in thedriver<s compartment of the vehicle( *n this data plate, the manufacturer shall certify to

the SDE and the local education agency that the school bus meets or e1ceeds all

standards as specified herein, is in compliance -ith the applicable FMISS, and ismanufactured from all ne- components( All chassis and body information shall appear

on this certification data plate( The bus body data plate shall specify the ma1imum

design capacity of the body( The ma1imum design capacity of any bus body siCe shall be the number of passengers the bus can transport before special needs modifications(

)se# School Buses

( Hsed school buses purchased for use by a school system in Alabama shall meet all of the

legal Federal and Alabama re0uirements for school buses that -ere in effect on the date

the vehicle -as manufactured( 9t is recommended that school systems contact the SDEPupil Transportation *ffice prior to the purchase of any used school bus(

Bi# (euirements

!( 9n order to be in compliance -ith the State Bid a-, school bus purchases shall be by

competitive bidding( Bid forms to the body manufacturer shall contain certain options

re0uired by the chassis manufacturer, -hich may result in changes in normal ;ross

Iehicle =eight 'ating 4;I='6 or alterations to the body( For special needs buses, theschool system shall provide the dealers -ith detailed information regarding desired floor

plan( The school bus body manufacturer shall submit floor plans -hich includedimensions at the time bid 0uotations are submitted sho-ingK

2( ocation of the emergency door, emergency -indo-s and roof hatches(

#( Aisle and staging areas and seat spacing(

2



( Trac: locations and.or -heelchair securement positions(

!( ocation of air conditioning evaporator4s6 for all buses ordered -ith airconditioning(

3( E1tended -arranties may not be included in initial bus bid and cannot be used todetermine lo- bidder(

3( Ser=ice Manual>Diagnostic Euipment

Body and.or chassis suppliers, including integral 4for-ard control6 suppliers, shall provide each school district purchasing school buses -ith one complete set of the most

current service manuals, as specified by the school system, available to include both

body and chassis at no additional cost upon delivery of bus( Provisions for manuals anddiagnostic e0uipment, including, but not limited to code boo:s, soft-are, and training,

etc(, shall be agreed upon during the pre"bid process( Diagnostic e0uipment shall not be

included as a part of the bus bid and cannot be used to determine lo- bidder(

?( Ne8 Technolog%

/e- technology not in the present specifications shall have prior -ritten approval fromthe SDE School Bus Specifications )ommittee(

%( School Bus Definitions

School bus capacity is determined based on body siCe before modifications are made(

T1PE A: A Type A school bus is a conversion or body constructed upon a van"type orcuta-ay front"section vehicle -ith a left side driver7s door designed for

carrying more than 2& persons( This definition shall include t-o

classificationsK Type A"9 -ith a ;I=' of 2&,&&& or underL and Type A"99,-ith a ;I=' over 2&,&&& pounds( All Type A buses shall have dual rear

-heels( T%pe A buses un#er !"-$ poun#s &3?( shall ha=e four48heel

#isc bra/es9

T%pe A buses e<cee#ing a &3?( of !"-$ poun#s shall ha=e air bra/es9

T1PE B: A Type B school bus is a conversion or body constructed and installed upon a

van or front"section vehicle chassis, or stripped chassis, -ith a ;I=' ofmore than 2&,&&& pounds and designed for carrying more than 2& persons(

Part of the engine is beneath and.or behind the -indshield and beside the

driver<s seat( The entrance door is behind the front -heels( All Type B buses

2!,3&& pounds or under shall have four"-heel disc bra:es(

T1PE C: A Type ) school bus is a body installed upon a flat bac: co-l chassis -ith a

;I=' of more than 2&,&&& pounds and designed for carrying more than 2& persons( The entire engine is in front of the -indshield and the entrance door

is behind the front -heels(

T%pe C buses ma% not e<cee# @24passenger capacit% 8ithout prior-

8ritten SDE appro=al9

#



T1PE C! A Type )2 school bus is a body installed upon a flat bac: co-l chassis -ith a

;I=' of more than 2&,&&& pounds and a ma1imum of 2$,&&& pounds anddesigned for carrying a ma1imum of ? persons( This is a special category of

a Type ) school bus designed to be an alternate to a Type A2, Type A#( This

bus shall not e<cee# a ma<imum capacit% of persons9

T1PE D: A Type D school bus is a body installed upon a chassis, -ith the engine

mounted in the front, midship, or rear, -ith a gross vehicle -eight rating ofmore than 2&,&&& pounds and designed for carrying more than 2& persons(

The engine may be behind the -indshield and beside the driver<s seat, at the

rear of the bus, behind the rear -heels, or midship bet-een the front and rear

a1les( The entrance door is ahead of the front -heels(

T%pe D buses ma% not e<cee# "4passenger capacit% 8ithout prior-

8ritten SDE appro=al9

SECT'ON '' 4 SC.OO0 B)S C.ASS'S STANDA(DS

Air Cleaner

2( The engine inta:e air cleaner shall be furnished and properly installed by the chassis

manufacturer to meet engine specifications(

The inta:e air system for diesel engines shall have an air cleaner restriction indicator

properly installed by the chassis manufacturer to meet engine specifications(

A<les

2( The front and rear a1les and suspension systems shall have a gross a1le -eight rating4;A='6 at ground commensurate -ith the respective front and rear -eight loads of the

bus loaded to the rated passenger capacity(

#( Iehicle minimum a1le capacities at ground -hen loaded shall meet the body

manufacturer<s ;I=' specified by the FMISS( A1le assemblies shall have minimum

capacities at ground as sho-n on the chart on the last page of this boo:let(

( Front -heel bearings must be oil filled on all Type ) and D buses(

Bra/es

2( A bra:ing system, including service bra:e and par:ing bra:e, shall be provided and shall

comply -ith all )D pre"trip inspection re0uirements( All Type A"2 and A"99 school

buses belo- 2!,3&& pounds ;I=' shall be built to manufacturer7s specifications( Type)"2 school buses bet-een 2&,&&& pounds ;I=' and 2$,&&& pounds ;I=' are

e1empt from air bra:e re0uirements, but shall have four"-heel disc bra:es(

#( Buses using air in the operation of the bra:e system shall be e0uipped -ith -arningsignals located -ithin the interior of the driver compartment and clearly audible and



visible to the driver, that -ill give a continuous -arning -hen the air pressure available

in the system for bra:ing is ?& psi 4pounds per s0uare inch6 or less(

An air pressure gauge shall be provided in the instrument panel capable of complying-ith )D pre"trip inspection re0uirements(

( Antiloc: bra:e systems for either air or hydraulic bra:es shall include control of alla1les in compliance -ith FMISS 2&3 or 2#2(

A( Air bra:es shall be installed on all chassis e1ceeding 2!,3&& pounds ;I='( As anoption, air"disc bra:es may be installed on Type ) and D school buses( E<ception:

Type )"2 school buses bet-een 2&,&&& pounds ;I=' and 2$,&&& pounds ;I='

are e1empt from air bra:e re0uirements, but shall have four"-heel disc bra:es(

All air"operated bra:e systems shallK

426 Meet all Federal Motor Iehicle Safety Standards 4FMISS6 for air bra:es(

4#6 Be S"cam or four"-heel"disc"type bra:es( Air"disc bra:es may be installed on

Type ) and D school buses -ith approval from the SDE( 9f S"cam"type, thecamshaft, -hen applying bra:es, shall rotate in the same direction as the -heels(

Automatic slac: adusters shall be the same design on all -heels( Dust covers

shall be installed on all -heels unless deleted through local option at the time ofthe bid(

46 >ave at least a 2# )FM air compressor(

4!6 Be e0uipped -ith a par:ing and emergency bra:e( A manual control, clearly

identified, shall be -ithin easy reach of the driver( The par:ing bra:e valve shall

comply -ith )D pre"trip inspection re0uirements(

436 >ave bra:e lining siCes as sho-n on the chart on the last page of this boo:let4S"

cam air bra:es6

4?6 >ave a reservoir capacity, -hich is e0ual to or greater than t-o 4#6 times total

volume of all bra:e activators at full travel(

4%6 Be e0uipped -ith air dryers -ith a heated automatic drain valve 4Bendi1 AD"$

or AD.9P6 or prior approved e0ual( Air dryers shall be serviceable at the local

level(

B( Buses using a hydraulic assist"booster in the operation of the bra:e system shall be

e0uipped -ith -arning signals, readily audible and visible to the driver, that -ill provide continuous -arning in the event of a loss of fluid flo- from the primary

source, or loss of electric source po-ering the bac:"up system(

!



426 The system shall be e0uipped -ith a source of hydraulic pressure, automatically

initiated upon loss of po-er from primary source, and operating independently of

the primary po-er source(

4#6 All bra:e systems shall be designed to permit visual inspection of bra:e lining

-ear -ithout the removal of any chassis components(

Bumper- ront

2( The front bumper shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer for all school bustypes, unless there is specific agreement bet-een the chassis manufacturer and the body

manufacturer( =hen Type D chassis are supplied to a body company by a chassis

manufacturer, the body company shall supply the front bumper as part of the body

installation(

#( The front bumper shall be of pressed steel channel or e0uivalent material at least

.2? inch thic:, not less than 5 inches -ide 4high6 and shall e1tend beyond for-ard"most part of the body, grille, hood, and fenders and shall e1tend to the outer edges of the

fenders at the bumper<s top line( Bumpers on Type A buses may be built tomanufacturers7 specifications(

( To- eyes or hoo:s shall be furnished and attached so as not to proect beyond the front

bumper( To- eyes or hoo:s, attached to the frame chassis, shall be furnished by the

chassis manufacturer( This installation shall be in accordance -ith the chassismanufacturer<s standards( Type A buses are e1empt from to- hoo: re0uirements(

!( The bumper shall be designed or reinforced so that it -ill not deform, -hen the bus islifted by a chain that is passed under the bumper 4or through the bumper if holes are

provided for this purpose6 and attached to both to- eyes( For the purpose of meeting

this standard, the bus shall be empty and positioned on a level, hard surface, and bothto- eyes shall share the load e0ually( The front bumper shall not be deformed -henlifted by a bumper ac: positioned on the bumper attachment points(

Certification

The chassis manufacturer shall certify to the SDE and local education agency having

pupil transportation urisdiction that their product meets minimum standards on items

not covered by certification issued under re0uirements of the /ational Traffic and

Motor Iehicle Safety Act(

Color

2( The chassis, including the front bumper, shall be blac:( The hood, co-l and fendersshall be in national school bus yello-( The hood may be painted -ith non"reflective

paint(

#( =heel rims shall be painted blac:, gray, or yello- on all buses(

( Multifunctional School Activity Buses shall be e1empt from these re0uirements( 4See

MFSAB specifications on page 32(6

3



Directional 0ights

2( Each Type ) chassis may be e0uipped -ith Type A front directional lights of the t-o"

faced type mounted on the top of the fender and the hood side panel, or have an amberturn signal and mar:er light that is an integral part of the headlight assembly( This turn

signal.mar:er light shall be seen from the front and the side of the vehicle(

Dri=e Shaft

2( Tor0ue capacity of the drive shaft assembly shall at least e0ual ma1imum engine tor0ue

as developed through lo-est transmission gear reduction(

#( Each drive shaft shall be e0uipped -ith protective metal guard or guards to reduce the

possibility of it -hipping through the floor or dropping to the ground if bro:en( 4The

body manufacturer is responsible for Mini Buses(6

Electrical S%stem

2( Battery

A( Storage batteries shall have a minimum total of 2,3&& cold cran:ing amps at &degrees Fahrenheit( Type A buses shall be built to manufacturer7s specifications(

B( Since all batteries in Type ) and D buses are to be located in a sliding tray, the

battery shall be temporarily mounted on the chassis frame by the chassis

manufacturer(

9n these cases, the final location of the battery and the appropriate cable lengths shall

be according to the current SBMT) Design *bectives(

)( All school buses shall have a battery"disconnect device installed( *n Type ) and D

school buses, t disconnect s-itch shall be located in the battery compartment( The

location of the disconnect s-itch on Type A school buses shall be agreed upon by thelocal school system and the bus supplier(

#( Alternator A( All Type A and B buses up to 23,&&& lbs( ;I=' shall have a minimum 2& amperes

alternator(

B( All ) and D buses over 23,&&& lbs( ;I=' shall be e0uipped -ith a heavy"dutytruc: or bus"type alternator capable of producing a minimum output rating of 200

amperes( The alternator shall be capable of producing a minimum of 3& percent of

its ma1imum rated output at the engine manufacturer<s recommended idle speed(

)( All ) and D buses e0uipped -ith an air conditioner or electrical po-er lift shall have

a minimum #%& amperes alternator(

D( A direct"drive alternator is permissible in lieu of a belt drive( A belt drive shall be

capable of handling the rated capacity of the alternator -ith no detrimental effect on

other driven components(

?



E( 'efer to SBMT) Design *bectives, most current edition, for estimating re0uired

alternator capacity(

( =iring

A( All -iring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of the Societyof Automotive Engineers(

426 All -iring shall use standard colors and number coding and each chassis shall be

delivered -ith a -iring diagram that coincides -ith the -iring of the chassis( All-ires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet or loom(

B( The chassis manufacturer shall install a readily accessible terminal strip or plug onthe body side of the co-l, or at an accessible location in the engine compartment of

vehicles designed -ithout a co-l, that shall contain the follo-ing terminals for the

body connectionsK

426 Main 2&&"amp body circuits4#6 Tail lamps

46 'ight turn signal4!6 eft turn signal

436 Stop lamps

4?6 Bac:"up lamps4%6 9nstrument panel lights 4rheostat controlled6

)( Daytime running lamps shall be provided(

!( )ircuits

A( An appropriate identifying diagram 4color and number coded6 for electrical circuitsshall be provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end user(

Engine ire E<tinguisher *Optional+

See Fire Suppression System page #2(

Engine 'nformation

2( Buses shall be e0uipped -ith diesel engines -ith minimum horsepo-er re0uirements

as follo-sK

Type A buses under #$ passenger J manufacturer7s specifications

Type ) or D buses J#2& hp minimum

Type D buses %5 passengers and above J #& hp minimum

An engine heater may be installed as per the manufacturer<s specifications(

Alternative"fuel engine information can be found on page 32, under Alternative Fuel

Standards(

The retro"fitting of e1isting school bus engines for alternative fuel use is prohibited(

%



E<haust S%stem

2( The e1haust pipe, muffler. after treatment device, and tail pipe shall be outside the bus body and securely attached to the bus frame( The chassis manufacturer shall

furnish an e1haust system -ith a tail pipe of sufficient length to e1it the rear of the

bus or at the left side of the bus body no more than 25 inches for-ard of the frontedge of the rear -heelhouse opening( 9f designed to e1it on the side of the bus, the

tailpipe shall e1tend to the s:irt line -ith a turndo-n angle of appro1imately !3

degrees( =ith the e1ception of special needs buses, Type A vehicles may have themanufacturers standard e1haust system( The bus shall not automatically begin to

regenerate the diesel particulate filter -hile the bus is not moving( The s-itch to

regenerate the diesel particulate filter shall be readily accessible to the technician, but

not accessible to the driver

#( The muffler and the tail pipe shall be constructed of aluminiCed, or e0uivalent

corrosion resistant material( The tailpipe shall be made of at least 2? gauge material

and shall be mounted in such a -ay that it -ill not cause damage to bra:e lines

( The muffler. after treatment device, and e1haust pipe shall be properly insulated fromthe fuel tan:, lines, and connections by a protective shield at any point -here it is !

inches or less from the fuel tan:, lines or connections(

!( The tailpipe on all special needs vehicles shall be routed to the left of the left frame

rail to allo- for the installation of a lift on the right side of the vehicle(

3( /o e1haust pipe shall e1it beneath an emergency e1it or the fuel fill(

?( *n all Type ) and D buses, the tailpipe shall e1it at the bottom edge of the rear

bumper or through the rear bumper( 9f the tailpipe e1its through the rear bumper,sufficient clamps or brac:ets must be provided to eliminate rattles( 9f the tailpipe

e1its beneath the rear bumper, it shall be turned do-n appro1imately !3 degrees and

positioned in such a -ay that it cannot be crushed beneath the rear bumper(

The opening in the tailpipe shall direct all e1haust gases clear of the perimeter of the bus

body( Manufacturers must ma:e reasonable efforts to ensure that e1haust gases -ill not

produce burns on students or other individuals present(

en#ers- .oo#s

2( The total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at the fender line, shall e1ceedthe total spread of the front tires -hen the front -heels are in a straight"ahead position(

#( Front fenders shall be properly braced and free from any body attachments(

( A fiberglass or other reinforced resin composite tilt hood shall be provided( The hood

opening and closing effort shall be minimiCed to aid the driver -ith pre"trip inspections

and service( 9f the hood is not designed to remain secure in the open position, a safety

5



prop -ill be re0uired( The -iring harness shall be a 0uic: disconnect type to aid -ith

servicing(

rame

2( The frame or e0uivalent shall be of such design and strength characteristics as to

correspond at least to standard practice for truc:s of the same general loadcharacteristics, -hich are used for high-ay service(

#( Any secondary manufacturer that modifies the original chassis frame shall guarantee the performance of -or:manship and materials resulting from such modification(

( Any frame modification shall not be for the purpose of e1tending the -heelbase(

!( >oles in top or bottom flanges or side units of the frame, and -elding to the frame, shall

not be permitted e1cept as provided or accepted by the chassis manufacturer(

3( Frame lengths shall be provided in accordance -ith current SBMT) Design *bectives(

uel Tan/

2( All Type ) and D chassis above a 2%&"inch -heelbase shall have a minimum ?&"gallon

fuel tan: -ith a 33"gallon actual dra-( The tan: shall be filled and vented to the outside

of the body, the location of -hich shall be so that accidental fuel spillage -ill not dripor drain on any part of the e1haust system( T%pe C4! school buses are e<empt from

this tan/ sie reuirement9

#( /o portion of the fuel system, -hich is located to the rear of the engine compartment,e1cept the filler tube, shall e1tend above the top of the chassis frame rail( Fuel lines

shall be mounted to obtain ma1imum possible protection from the chassis frame(

( Fuel filters shall be installed as per manufacturer<s specifications( Fuel filtration shall

include -ater detection and separation( At least one fuel filter shall have a replaceable

spin"on or cartridge"type element(

!( Fuel tan: installation shall be in accordance -ith current SBMT) Design *bectives for

location on the chassis right frame rail or bet-een frame railsL the filler tube shall be

located on the right side of the bus(

3( Type A buses may meet manufacturer<s specifications(

?( The fuel tan: on vehicles constructed -ith a po-er lift unit may be mounted on the left

chassis rail or behind the rear -heels(

%( 9nstallation of alternative fuel tan:s shall comply -ith all applicable fire codes(

5( The fuel tan: on buses e0uipped -ith diesel engines shall have interior baffles to help

prevent fuel starvation on inclines(

$



&o=ernor

2( An engine governor is permissible( =hen it is desired to limit road speed, a road speedgovernor should be installed(

#( An electronic engine speed limiter shall be provided and set to limit engine speed not toe1ceed the ma1imum revolutions per minute as recommended by the engine

manufacturer( For Type ) and D buses, and -here feasible on Type A buses, bus road

speed shall not e1ceed a ma1imum of %& miles per hour(

.eating S%stem- Pro=ision for

2( The chassis engine shall have plugged openings for the purpose of supplying hot -ater

for the bus heating system( The opening shall be suitable for attaching a pipethread.hose connector( The engine shall be capable of supplying -ater having a

temperature of at least 2%& degrees Fahrenheit at a flo- rate of 3& pounds.per minute at

the return end of & feet of one inch inside diameter automotive hot -ater heater hose

4SBM9 Standard /o( &&2""Standard )ode for Testing and 'ating Automotive Bus >ot=ater >eating and Ientilating E0uipment6(

.orn

Buses shall be e0uipped -ith a horn or horns of standard ma:e -ith each horn capable of

producing a comple1 sound in bands of audio fre0uencies bet-een #3& and #,&&& cycles persecond and tested per the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard +""%%( There shall be

no air horns(

'nstruments an# 'nstrument Panel

2( )hassis shall be e0uipped -ith the follo-ing instruments and gauges 4lights in lieu of

gauges are not acceptable e1cept as noted6K

A( Speedometer

B( *dometer 4shall sho- accrued mileage to si1 digits not including tenths6

)( Tachometer

D( Ioltmeter

426 An ammeter -ith graduated charge and discharge and its -iring compatible -ith

generating capacities is permitted in lieu of a voltmeter(

E( *il"pressure gauge

F( =ater temperature gauge

;( Fuel gauge

>( Hpper beam headlight indictor

9( Air bra:e indicator gauge

2&



426 A light indicator in lieu of a gauge is permitted on vehicles e0uipped -ith a

hydraulic"over"hydraulic bra:e system(

+( Turn signal indicator

( ;lo-"plug indicator light -here appropriate

( A t-elve"volt accessory outlet -ith cover

#( All instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair(

( 9nstruments and gauges shall be mounted on the instrument panel in such a manner that

each is clearly visible to the driver -hile in a normal seated position in accordance -ith

current SBMT) Design *bectives(

!( The instrument panel shall have lamps of sufficient candlepo-er to illuminate all

instruments and gauges and the shift selector indicator for an automatic transmission(

Oil ilter

An oil filter -ith replaceable element shall be provided and connected by fle1ible oil lines ifit is not of built"in or engine"mounted design( The oil filters shall have a capacity of at least

one 426 0uart(

Openings

All openings in the floorboard or fire-all bet-een the chassis and the passenger"carrying

compartment, such as for gearshift selector and par:ing bra:e lever, shall be sealed(

Passenger 0oa#

2( Actual ;I= is the sum of the chassis -eight, plus the body -eight, plus the driver<s

-eight, plus total seated pupil -eight( For purposes of calculation, the driver<s -eightis 23& pounds( For purposes of calculation, the pupil -eight is 2#& pounds per pupil(

#( Actual ;I= shall not e1ceed the chassis manufacturer<s ;I=' for the chassis,nor shall the actual -eight carried on any a1le e1ceed the chassis manufacturer7s ;ross

A1le =eight 'ating( 4;A='6

(etar#er S%stem *Optional+

A retarder system, if used, shall limit the speed of the fully loaded school bus at 2$(& mph or

& :m.hr on a % grade for (? miles or ? :m(

(oa# Spee# Control

=hen it is necessary to control vehicle ma1imum speed, a vehicle speed limiter shall be

utiliCed( For Type ) and D buses, and -here feasible on Type A buses, bus road speed shallnot e1ceed a ma1imum of %& miles per hour(

22



Shoc/ Absorbers

Buses shall be e0uipped -ith front and rear double"action shoc: absorbers compatible -ith

the manufacturer7s rated a1le capacity at each -heel location(

Springs>Suspension S%stems

2( The capacity of the springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate -ith thechassis manufacturer7s ;I='(

#( Front springs shall be of the leaf type, shall have a stationary eye at one end, and shall be protected by a -rapper leaf in addition to the main leaf( 'ear leaf springs shall be of

the progressive type(

( Air ride suspension may be used on the front and rear of Type ) and D buses in lieu ofleaf"type springs( Body and chassis parts must clear tires -ith air bags in fully deflated

condition or steering -heel turned fully to the left or right( 9f bra:e dust covers are

used, inspection holes of ade0uate siCe and location for easily vie-ing bra:e linings

shall be provided(

Steering &ear

2( The steering gear shall be approved by the chassis manufacturer and designed to assure

safe and accurate performance -hen the vehicle is operated -ith ma1imum load and at

ma1imum speed(

#( 9f e1ternal adustments are re0uired, the steering mechanism must be accessible to

accomplish the same(

( /o changes shall be made in the steering apparatus, -hich are not approved by the

chassis manufacturer(

!( There shall be a clearance of at least t-o inches bet-een the steering -heel and the

co-l, instrument panel, -indshield, or any other surface(

3( Po-er steering is re0uired and shall be of the integral type -ith integral valves(

?( The steering system shall be designed to provide a means for lubrication of all -ear"

points, if -ear"points are not permanently lubricated(

%( The steering -heel shall meet manufacturer7s specifications(

Tires an# (ims

2( 'adial tubeless tires, rims of proper siCe and tires -ith a load rating commensurate -ith

chassis manufacturer7s ;I=' shall be provided( >ubcaps are not permitted(

#( Dual rear tires shall be provided on all school buses(

( All tires on any given vehicle shall be of the same siCe and the load range of said tiresshall meet or e1ceed the gross a1le -eight rating as re0uired by FMISS 2#&(

2#



o- profile tires are acceptable( >o-ever, they must meet the load range and ply

re0uirements as sho-n on the chart on the last page of this boo:let( 9t is recommended

that dish"type rims be used -ith lo- profile tires(

!( 9f the vehicle is e0uipped -ith a spare tire and rim assembly, it shall be of the same siCe

as those mounted on the vehicle(

3( 9f a tire carrier is re0uired, it shall be suitably mounted in an accessible location outside

the passenger compartment(

Transmission

An automatic transmission shall be re0uired on all buses( Type A buses may be built to

manufacturer7s specifications( Types ), and D buses must have a PTS 2000 series( Allowable transmissions will inclu$e Allison 2000 series/ Allison "000 series/ an$ %or$

6&1'0 automatic transmissions The automatic transmission shall have at least four for-ard"

gear ratios, plus an integral tor0ue converter( The transmission shift 0uadrant shall provide at

least four for-ard drive ranges plus neutral and reverse ranges( =ithin the range selected,

ratio changes shall be effected automatically and at full engine po-er if desirable, and-ithout use of an engine disconnect clutch( A PTS&&& or prior approved e0ual is re0uired

for chassis over ,&&& pounds ;I='(Type )"2 school buses may use Allison PTS 2&&& or PTS ##&& automatic transmission or

prior approved e0ual(

Turning (a#ius

2( A chassis -ith a -heelbase of #?! inches or less shall have a right and left turning radius

of not more than !# 2.# feet, curb"to"curb measurement(

#( A chassis -ith a -heelbase of #?3 inches or more shall have a right and left turning

radius of not more than !! and 2.# feet, curb"to"curb measurement(

)n#ercoating

The chassis manufacturer, or agent thereof, shall coat the undersides of steel or metallic"

constructed front fenders -ith a rust"proofing compound for -hich compound manufacturershave issued notariCed certification of compliance to the chassis builder that the compound

meets or e1ceeds all performance and 0ualitative re0uirements of paragraph (! of Federal

Specification TT")3#&B using modified tests(

?eight Distribution

The -eight distribution of a fully loaded bus on a level surface shall be such as not to e1ceed

the manufacturer7s front gross a1le rating and rear gross a1le -eight rating(

2



SECT'ON ''' 4 SC.OO0 B)S BOD1 STANDA(DS

Air Con#itioning

All special needs buses shall be e0uipped -ith air conditioning( *ther buses ma% be

e0uipped -ith an air conditioning unit at the discretion of the local school system(

Type A school buses may be built to manufacturers standards to include dash mountedevaporator and air duct systems( All Type ) and D buses are re0uired to have bul:head

mounted rear air conditioner evaporator systems( Front mounted evaporator units on Type )

and D buses may include bul:head"mounted or dash"mounted evaporator units( All otherevaporator units shall be side"mounted so as not to interfere -ith the entrance or e1it or any

-heelchair position( Evaporator placement shall be agreed upon by the school system and the

school bus manufacturer( o- profile, roof"mount condenser units may be installed uponagreement bet-een the manufacturer and the local school system(

All buses ordered -ith air conditioning shall meet the follo-ing minimum specificationsK

2( All flooring shall be 3.5"inch e1terior"grade ply-ood over steel flooring(

#( All passenger -indo-s shall be tinted -ith #5 light transmission(

( All buses shall meet insulation standards as per Alabama bus specifications(

!( Mud flaps shall be installed behin$ both the front an$ rear a:les on all buses e!uippe$with s*irt3mounte$ air con$itionin

3( All buses.engines shall be e0uipped -ith an automatic high"idle feature(

?( All air conditioning components must be rated to meet minimum BTH specificationssho-n belo-(

Minimum BTH air conditioning system per passenger siCe 4per shell siCe6K

2&"&"passenger " ?&,&&& BTH includes a minimum of one, 2 cubic inch displacement compressor

2"!5"passenger " $?,&&& BTH includes a minimum of t-o, 2& cubic inch displacement compressors!$"5!"passenger " 2#&,&&& BTH includes a minimum of t-o, 2 cubic inch displacement compressors

%( S:irt"mounted condenser units shall be designed so as to dra- sufficient fresh air from

outside the s:irt area and shall have a shroud installed to protect the condenser unit from

road dirt and debris( )ondensers must have continuous ducting or shrouding from thecondenser to the grating at the body side to ensure that condensers do not recirculate the

hot air leaving the condenser(

AisleAll emergency doors shall be accessible by a 2#"inch minimum aisle( The aisle shall be

unobstructed at all times(

Bac/4)p ?arning Alarm

An automatic, audible alarm -ith a minimum of 5%dbA and ma1imum of 22#dbA shall beinstalled behind the rear a1le and shall comply -ith the Society of Automotive Engineers

2!



published Bac:"up Alarm Standards 4SAE $$!6( The alarm shall have a protective deflector

shield(

Batter%>Batteries

2( Batteries are to be furnished by the chassis manufacturer(

#( Batteries are to be mounted as described in the )hassis Standard, the body manufacturershall securely attach the battery on a slide"out or s-ing"out tray in a closed, vented

compartment in the body s:irt, so that the battery is accessible for convenient servicingfrom the outside( The battery compartment door or cover shall be hinged at the front

and secured by an ade0uate and conveniently"operated latch or other type fastener(

Bumper *ront+

*n a Type D school bus, if the chassis manufacturer does not provide a bumper, it shall be

provided by the body manufacturer( The bumper -ill conform to the standards in the chassis

section(

Bumper *(ear+2( Bumpers shall be of pressed steel channel or e0uivalent material, at least .2?"inch thic:,

and shall be a minimum of $"2.# inches -ide 4high6 on all Types ), and D buses( Type

A buses shall have a minimum of an 5"inch rear bumper(

#( Bumpers shall be -rapped around the bac: corners of the bus( 9t shall e1tend for-ard atleast 2# inches, measured from the rear"most point of the body at the floor line(

( Bumpers shall be attached to the chassis frame in such a manner that it may be easilyremoved( 9t shall be so braced as to -ithstand impact from a rear or side impact( 9t shall

be so attached as to discourage hitching of rides(

!( Bumpers shall e1tend at least one inch beyond the rear"most part of the body surface

measured at the floor line(

3( To- eyes or hoo:s may be furnished on the rear and attached so they do not proect beyond the rear bumper( The installation shall be in accordance -ith the chassis

manufacturer7s specifications(

?( The bottom of the rear bumper shall not be more than & inches above ground level(

Ceiling

See 9nsulation and 9nterior, Body Standard(

Certification

The body manufacturer shall certify to the SDE and the local education agency having pupil

transportation urisdiction that their product meets minimum standards on items not covered

by certification issued under re0uirements of the /ational Traffic and Motor Iehicle Safety

Act(

23



Chains *Tire+

See =heel >ousing Body Standard(

Color

2( The school bus body shall be painted /ational School Bus Nello-(

#( The body e1terior paint trim, bumper, lamp hoods and lettering shall be blac:(

( The roof of the bus must be painted -hite not to e1tend belo- the drip rails on the

sides of the body(

!( Multifunctional School Activity Buses 4MFSAB6 shall be e1empt from thisre0uirement( 4See MFSAB specifications on page 32(6

Communication S%stems

Each bus shall be e0uipped -ith a t-o"-ay, voice communication system capable of providing communication -ith the operational base( =here technologically feasible, the

communication system shall also communicate -ith $22 operators( )B radio systems -illnot meet this re0uirement( 't is the responsibilit% of the local school s%stem to compl%

8ith this specification9

Construction

2( )onstruction shall be of prime commercial 0uality steel or other material -ith strength

at least e0uivalent to all"steel as certified by the bus body manufacturer( All such

construction materials shall be fire resistant( /o e1terior structural, fiberglass roof orside panels are allo-ed( All Type ) and D school buses shall meet the re0uirements of

Section A belo-(

A. Side Intrusion Test: The bus body shall be constructed to withstand an intrusion

force equal to the curb weight of the vehicle or 20,000 pounds, whichever is less. Each

vehicle shall be capable of meeting this requirement when tested in accordance with the

procedures set forth below. The complete body structure, or a representative seven-body

section mock up with seats installed, shall be load-tested at a location 24±2 inches

above the floor line, with a maximum 10 inch diameter cylinder, 48 inches long,

mounted in a horizontal plane.

The cylinder shall be placed as close as practical to the mid-point of the tested structure,

spanning two internal vertical structural members. The cylinder shall be staticallyloaded to the required force of curb weight or 20,000 pounds, whichever is less, in a

horizontal plane with the load applied from the exterior toward the interior of the test

structure. When the minimum load has been applied, the penetration of the loading

cylinder into the passenger compartment shall not exceed 10 inches from its original

point of contact. There can be no separation of lapped panels or construction joints.

Punctures, tears or breaks in the external panels are acceptable but are not permitted on

any adjacent interior panel. Body companies shall certify compliance with this intrusion

2?



requirement to the Alabama State Department of Education and include test results, as

requested.

#( )onstruction shall be dust proof and -atertight, so the bus does not lea: under normal

operating conditions(

( Body oints present in that portion of a Type A school bus body furnished e1clusively by

the body manufacturer shall conform to the performance re0uirements of FMISS ##2,School Bus Body +oint Strength( This does not include the body oints created -hen

body components are attached to components furnished by the chassis manufacturer(

!( Type A school bus bodies shall be e0uipped -ith restraining barriers conforming to

FMISS ###, School Bus Passenger Seating"")rash Protection, Sections 3(# and 3((

Crossing Control Arm

2( Buses shall be e0uipped -ith a crossing control arm mounted on the right side of the

front bumper, -hich shall not open more than $& degrees(

#( All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be

-eatherproofed(

( The crossing control arm shall incorporate system connectors 4electrical or air6 at the

gate and shall be easily removable to allo- for to-ing of the bus(

!( The crossing control arm shall meet or e1ceed SAE Standard +22(

3( The crossing control arm shall be constructed of non"corrosive or nonferrous material

or treated in accordance -ith the body sheet metal standard 4see Metal Treatment6(

?( There shall be no sharp edges or proections that could cause haCard or inury to

students(

%( The crossing control arm shall e1tend at least %& from the front bumper -hen in the

e1tended position(

5( The crossing control arms shall e1tend simultaneously -ith the stop arm4s6 by means of

the stop arm controls( An automatic recycling interrupt s-itch shall be installed to

allo- the driver to deactivate the control arm -hen necessary(

$( An electromagnetic device or a sto-ed brac:et shall be installed to stabiliCe the arm

-hen in the stored position(

2 The crossing control arm shall be Specialty Manufacturing )ompany, Part O35?&&,

Transpec !&&& series, or prior approved e0ual(

2%



Defrosters

2( The -indshield defroster and defogging system shall provide defogging of the entire

-indshield, driver7s side -indo-, and entrance door glasses by utiliCing hot air ta:enfrom the heater core -ith vents across the entire -indshield(

#( The defrosting system shall conform to Society of Automotive Engineers7 Standards+52(

( The defroster and defogging system shall be capable of furnishing heated outside

ambient air(

!( Au1iliary fans are not considered defrosting or defogging systems(

3( Portable heaters shall not be used(

Doors

2( Service DoorK

A( The service door shall be in the driver7s control, designed to afford easy release and provide a positive latching device on manual operating doors to prevent accidental

opening( =hen a hand lever is used, no part shall come together that -ill shear or

crush fingers( Manual door controls shall not re0uire more than #3 pounds of force

to operate at any point throughout the range of operation(

B( The service door shall be located on the right side of the bus, opposite and -ithin

direct vie- of the driver(

)( The service door shall have a minimum horiContal opening of #! inches and a

minimum vertical opening of ?5 inches(

D( The service door shall be a split type, both sections opening out-ard(

E( o-er and upper door panels shall be of approved safety glass( The bottom of eachlo-er glass panel shall not be more than 2& inches from the top surface of the bottom

step( The top of each upper glass panel shall not be more than ? inches from the top

of the door(

F( Iertical closing edges on split type entrance doors shall be e0uipped -ith fle1ible

material to protect students7 fingers(

;( There shall be no door to the left in driver compartment on Types ) or D vehicles(

25



>( All doors shall be e0uipped -ith padding at the top edge of each door opening( The

pad shall be at least three inches -ide and one inch thic: and e1tend the full -idth of

the door opening(

9( 9f air or electric doors are used, the amber -arning lights shall be activated from a

momentary s-itch( A three"position s-itch shall activate the se0uence as follo-sKPosition *ne J door closedL lights off(

Position T-o J activate red lights, stop arm, and crossing control arm(

Position Three J red lights activated, door open, stop arm activated, andcrossing control arm activated(

Emergenc% E<its

2( Emergency DoorK

A( The emergency door shall be hinged on the right side if in the rear end of bus and on

the front side if on left or right side of the bus( 9t shall open out-ard and be labeled

inside to indicate ho- it is to be opened( 9f double emergency doors are used onType A vehicles, they shall be hinged on the outside edge and shall have a three"

point fastening device( A device shall be used that holds the door open to preventthe emergency door from closing during emergencies and school bus evacuation

drills( 9f emergency door loc:s are used, the vehicle ignition must be disabled until

the emergency door loc: is deactivated(

B( The upper portion of the emergency door shall be e0uipped -ith approved safety

glaCing, the e1posed area of -hich shall be at least !&& s0uare inches( The lo-er

portion of the rear emergency door on Types ) and D vehicles shall be e0uipped-ith a minimum of 3& s0uare inches of approved safety glaCing(

)( There shall be no steps leading to an emergency door(

D( The -ords EME(&ENC1 DOO( in letters at least t-o inches high shall be placed

at the top of or directly above the emergency door or on the door in the metal panelabove the top glass, both inside and outside of the bus( The -ords EME(&ENC1

E'T in letters at least # inches high shall be placed on the e1terior body directly

above each emergency -indo-(

E( The emergency door shall be e0uipped -ith padding at the top edge of each door

opening( Padding shall be at least three inches -ide and one inch thic:, and e1tend

the full -idth of the door opening(

F( The side emergency door, if installed, must meet the re0uirements as set forth in

FMISS #2% 4a6, regardless of its use -ith any other combination of emergencye1its(

426 A left side emergency door shall have a #& inch unobstructed passage-ay, and no

flip seat is to be used( A barrier shall be used ust before the door opening(

2$



;( There shall be no obstruction higher than 2.! inch across the bottom of any

emergency door opening(

#(Additional Emergency E1itsK

A( All school buses shall be e0uipped -ith emergency e1its in the follo-ing capacity

vehiclesK

• & to 3! passengerK one emergency -indo- e1it per side and one roof hatch

located midpoint(

• 33 passenger and aboveK t-o emergency -indo- e1its per side, and t-o roof

hatches(

B( Each emergency e1it shall comply -ith FMISS #2%( These emergency e1its are in

addition to the rear emergency door or e1it( 'oof hatches must be Transpec

Standard Ient, Model 2$%&, Specialty Manufacturing 5?&&, 5$&&, or $&&& series or prior approved e0ual(

426 Emergency e1it -indo-s shall be as evenly spaced as possible under FMISS#2% guidelines and shall not be obstructed by any devices(

)( 9n addition to the audible -arning re0uired on emergency doors by FMISS #2%,additional emergency e1its shall also be li:e protected( =arnings for these e1its

shall be clearly audible to the bus driver(

D( School bus emergency e1its shall be mar:ed -ith a minimum one inch -ide strip of

red, -hite, or yello- retroreflective tape, to be placed around the outside perimeterof the emergency e1it opening, not the emergency e1it itself( The -ords

EME(&ENC1 E'T- in letters at least t-o inches high, shall be placed on the body directly above each emergency -indo-(

Emergenc% Euipment

All emergency e0uipment shall be installed for-ard of the front barriers -ith the e1ception

of the -arning devices(

2( Fire E1tinguishersKA( The bus shall be e0uipped -ith at least one steel"cased, pressuriCed, dry chemical

fire e1tinguisher complete -ith hose to meet Hnder-riters aboratories, 9nc(,approval( A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the e1tinguisher and easily read-ithout moving the e1tinguisher from its mounted position( 'eplacement fire

e1tinguishers should also meet this specification(

The brac:et shall be a heavy"duty, snap"in, spring type( Band type holders are not

acceptable( Fire e1tinguisher brac:ets shall be Broo:s E0uipment )ompany O !S)

or 'idge-ay Bus Products O 32"&3 or prior approved e0ual(

#&



B( The fire e1tinguisher shall have a capacity of fi=e poun#s -ith an Hnder-riters

aboratories total rating of #A2&B) or greater( The operating mechanism shall besealed -ith a type of seal that -ill not interfere -ith the use of the fire e1tinguisher(

)( Fire e1tinguishers must comply -ith State Fire )odes(

#( First"Aid itK

A( Each bus shall have a removable, moisture"proof and dust"proof first"aid :it storedin a metal container and mounted -ith a separate brac:et in an accessible place in

the driver7s compartment( This place shall be mar:ed to indicate its location( Strap"

type mounting brac:ets are not acceptable(

B( )ontents shall includeK

# 2 1 # 2.# yards adhesive tape rolls#! sterile gauCe pads 1

2&& .! 1 adhesive bandages

5 # bandage compress2& bandage compress

# # 1 ? sterile gauCe roller bandages

# non"sterile triangular bandages appro1imately !& 1 ? 1 3! -ith

# safety pins sterile gauCe pads ? 1 ?

sterile eye pads

2 pair rounded"end scissors2 pair late1 gloves

2 mouth"to"mouth air-ay

( Body Fluid )lean"up itK

A( Each bus shall have a removable and moisture"proof body fluid clean"up :it stored

in a metal container( Strap"type mounting brac:ets are not acceptable( 9t shall be

properly mounted and identified as a body fluid clean"up :it and must meet *S>Aregulations(

!( =arning DevicesKA( Each bus shall contain at least three 46 reflectoriCed triangle road -arning devices

mounted in an accessible place in the driver7s compartment or the outside storage

compartment( The mounting location in Type A vehicles is optional( These devices

must meet re0uirements in FMISS 2#3(

ire Suppression 4*ptional6=hen a fire suppression system is used, noCCles for suppression systems shall be located in

the engine compartment, under the bus, in the electrical panel, or under the dash, but shall not

be located in the passenger compartment( The system must include a light or buCCer to alert

the driver that the system has been activated(

#2



loor an# loor Co=erings

2( The floor in the underseat area, including the tops of the -heel housing, driver7s

compartment and toe board, shall be covered -ith a rubber floor covering or e0uivalent,having a minimum overall thic:ness of 2.5 inch and a calculated burn rate of &(2 or less

using the test measures, procedure and formulas in FMISS &# Flammability of 9nterior

Materials(

#( The floor covering in the aisle shall be of aisle"type rubber or e0uivalent, -ear resistant,

and ribbed( The minimum overall thic:ness shall be .2? inch measured from the topsof the ribs(

( The floor covering must be permanently bonded to the floor and must not crac: -hen

subected to sudden changes in temperature( Bonding or adhesive material shall be-aterproof and shall be of a type recommended by the manufacturer of the floor"

covering material( All seams must be sealed -ith -aterproof sealer(

!( For Type ) and D school buses, the manufacturer shall provide a scre-"do-n plate toaccess the fuel tan: sending unit that is secured and insulated( The plate shall be

mounted so that access is readily available to repair personnel and so that the floorcovering is not disturbed during the repair process(

3( The floor shall be of metal or alloy at least e0ual in strength to 2!"gauge primecommercial 0uality steel and so constructed that e1haust gases cannot enter the

passenger compartment(

?( All closures bet-een the bus body and the engine compartment shall be fitted -ith gas"tight gas:ets and pedal openings shall be closed bello-s type, gas"tight boots(

%( There shall be a plate of ade0uate siCe provided to allo- for transmission accessor service(

.an#rail*s+

At least one handrail shall be installed( The handrail4s6 shall assist passengers during entry

or e1it, and shall be designed to prevent entanglement as evidenced by the passage of the

/>TSA string and nut test( A right"hand side assist rail may be provided at the discretion of

the local school system(

.eaters

2( The heating system shall be capable of maintaining the temperature throughout the bus of not less than 33 degrees Fahrenheit during average minimum +anuary

temperatures as established by the H( S( Department of )ommerce, =eather Bureau,

for the area in -hich the vehicle is to be operated( 9t shall be capable of defrostingthe total -indshield area and the service door glass -ithin thirty minutes after initial

start -ith the engine at idle speed( The system shall e1ceed SAE standards +"52 and

+"5# performance re0uirements( uel4fire# au<iliar% heaters 8ill not be allo8e#9

##



>eater performance shall be measured by the follo-ingK

A temperature measurement shall be ta:en at three locations -ithin the body in the center aisle, thirty"si1 inches above the floor( The first location is to be thirty"nine inches from

the -indshieldL the second location midpoint of the passenger compartment and the third

-ill be thirty"nine inches from the rear emergency door(

After soa:ing the bus at t-enty degrees F( for fifteen 4236 hours, the bus -ill be started

and after thirty 4&6 minutes, the temperature at each measuring point shall be fifty"five4336 degrees F(

#( 9f only one heater is used, it shall be a fresh"air or combination fresh"air and

recirculation type(

( 9f more than one heater is used, additional heaters shall be a recirculating"air type(

!( All heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a name plate affi1ed by the heater manufacturer that shall indicate the heater rating in accordance -ith SBM9 Standard

/o( &&2(The heater manufacturer shall constitute certification that the heater performance is as sho-n on the plate(

3( >eater hoses shall be ade0uately supported to guard against e1cessive -ear due tovibration( The hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall

not interfere -ith or restrict the operation of any engine function( >eater hoses shall

conform to the Society of Automotive Engineers7 Standard +#&c( >eater lines on the

interior of the bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers(

?( Each hot -ater system installed by a body manufacturer shall include one shut"off valve

in the pressure line and one shut"off valve in the return line -ith both valves at or nearthe engine in an accessible location(

%( There shall be a -ater flo-"regulating valve, or an electronic valve actuator, installed inthe pressure line for convenient operation by the driver -hile seated(

5( Accessible bleeder valves shall be installed in an appropriate place in the return lines of

the body company"installed heaters to remove air from the heater lines(

$( Access panels shall be provided to ma:e heater motors, cores, and fans readily

accessible for service( An outside access panel may be provided for the driver7s heater(

.inges

All e1terior metal door hinges -hich do not have stainless steel, brass, or nonmetallic hinge pins or other designs that prevent corrosion shall be designed to allo- lubrication to be

channeled to the center %3 of each hinge loop -ithout disassembly(

#



'#entification

2( School bus bodies shall bear the -ords SC.OO0 B)S in eight"inch blac: letters on

/ational School Bus Nello-, on the front and bac: of the bus 4lettering bet-een flasherlights6( 4See page 32 for Multifunctional School Activity Bus identification

re0uirements(6 The name of the school system shall be on each side of the bus in at least

3"inch, blac: standard, unshaded letters( ettering shall conform to Series B ofStandard Alphabets for >igh-ay Signs( Each bus shall be numbered on both sides, front

left side and the rear, before being put into service( Bumper numbers may be -hite or

yello-( An agreement bet-een the manufacturer and the purchaser shall be reached atthe time the order is placed as to -ho -ill put the numbers on the buses( Any other

numbering shall be optional(

#( *nly signs and lettering approved by state la- or regulation, limited to the name of theo-ner or operator and any mar:ing necessary for identification, shall appear on the bus(

( School bus bodies shall display a high 0uality ? 1 $ -arning stic:er on permanent,

adhesive, vinyl, bumper"stic:er material( To increase visibility, this stic:er shall bemounted ust under the first or second rub rail at the left side of the passenger entrance

door( This stic:er shall be -orded as follo-sK

NO TRESPASSING ON THIS SCHOOL BUS

OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW

PUNISHMENT COULD RESULT IN A FINE OF UP TO $6000 AND UP TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL

Charle !Ch"#% P&la'() Jr* A#+ ,Ala-a.a A#+ /0121345

?( Driver Alert Transpec Model %3&& or prior approved e0ual electronic signage -arning

traffic -hen the school bus stops to load or unload students and at rail-ay gradecrossings is re0uired(

%( A high 0uality, ! 1 ?, permanent, adhesive, vinyl, -arning stic:er prompting driversthat driver seat belt use is mandatory on all school buses shall be affi1ed in the driver

compartment in a highly visible location( This stic:er shall be -orded as follo-sK

D('3E( SEAT BE0T )SE (E6)'(ED

Driver seat belt use is re0uired at all times -hen driving this vehicle( Failure to do so

could result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or revocation of your Alabama School Bus Driver )ertificate or termination(

Alabama )ode Section 2?"#%"?(

5( A /* T'ESPASS9/; decal shall be placed in the entrance doorstep -ell in a highlyvisible location( ettering shall be a minimum of # high and shall be a contrasting

color( These decals must be provided by the school bus dealer or manufacturer(

NO T(ESPASS'N&

*utside /o Trespassing decals and Driver Seat Belt Hse Decals are provided by theAlabama State Department of Education(

#!



'nsi#e .eight

The inside body height shall be %# inches or more, measured metal to metal, at any point onthe longitudinal center line from the front vertical bo- to the rear vertical bo-( The inside

body height of Type A buses shall be ?# inches or more(

'nsulation

2( )eilings and -alls shall be insulated -ith proper material to deaden sound and reduce

vibration to a minimum( 9f thermal insulation is specified, it shall be fire"resistant and

approved by Hnder-riters aboratories, 9nc( 9f buses are e0uipped -ith air conditioning, -alls and ceilings must be insulated to improve air conditioner efficiency(

#( 9f floor insulation is re0uired, it shall be either 3"ply nominal 2$.# inches thic:

ply-ood, or a material of e0ual or greater strength and insulation ' value, and it shalle0ual or e1ceed properties of e1terior"type soft-ood ply-ood, )"D ;rade as specified in

standards issued by H( S( Department of )ommerce( =hen ply-ood is used, alle1posed edges shall be sealed(

'nterior

2( The interior of the bus shall be free of all unnecessary proections, -hich includes

luggage rac:s and attendant handrails, li:ely to cause inury( This standard re0uires

inner lining on ceilings and -alls( 9f the ceiling is constructed to contain lapped oints,

the for-ard panel shall be lapped by the rear panel and e1posed edges shall be beaded,hemmed, flanged, or other-ise treated to minimiCe sharp edges(

#( The driver7s area for-ard of the foremost padded barriers -ill permit the mounting ofre0uired safety e0uipment and vehicle operation e0uipment(

( Every school bus shall be constructed so that the noise level ta:en at the ear of theoccupant nearest to the primary vehicle noise source shall not e1ceed 53 dbA -hen

tested(

!( Any added e0uipment shall be flush mounted -ith the e1ception of the video system(

0amps an# Signals

2( 9nterior lamps shall be provided -hich ade0uately illuminate the aisle and the step -ell(Step -ell lights shall be illuminated by a service door operated s-itch, to illuminate

only -hen headlights and clearance lights are on and the service door is opened( An

optional driver dome light -ith a separate s-itch may be installed at the discretion ofthe local school system(

#( )learance lamps shall automatically illuminate -hen the headlights are in the on

position(

#3



( (E(D( lighting shall be used in all e1terior body lamps and signals( Eight"-ay flashing

lights and the stop arm shall be strobe"type (E(D( Manufacturers7 front chassis lampsare e1empt from this re0uirement(

!( Definition""School bus alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps are lampsmounted at the same horiContal level, intended to identify the vehicle as a school bus

and to inform other users of the high-ay that such vehicle is preparing to stop, or is

stopped, on the road-ay to ta:e on or to discharge schoolchildren(

A( Master s-itches -ill not be allo-ed on the eight"-ay, alternately flashing signal

lamps(

B( Buses shall be e0uipped -ith t-o red lamps and t-o amber lamps at the rear of the

vehicle and t-o red lamps and t-o amber lamps at the front of the vehicle( *ne amber

lamp shall be located near each red signal lamp at the same level, but closer to the

vertical centerline of the bus(

)( The signaling system, including red and amber signal lamps and a stop arm -ithalternating flashing lamps, shall be so designed and -ired as to have the follo-ing

characteristicsK

426 =hen the entrance door is closed, a manual push button may be depressed and the

amber pilot light and amber -arning lights -ill flash(

4#6 =hen the entrance door is opened, the amber pilot and amber -arning lights -illgo off, and the red pilot and red -arning lights -ill flashL also, the stop arm -ill be

e1tended and lights on the stop arm -ill flash(

46 *n closing the entrance door, all lights -ill go out and the stop arm -ill retract

automatically(

4!6 9f the entrance door is opened -ithout depressing the manual push button, no

lights -ill flash, nor -ill the stop arm be e1tended(

D( The area around the lenses of alternately flashing signal lamps shall have a readilyvisible blac: border for contrast purposes( >oods.guards may be provided over front

and rear amber -arning lights and red -arning lights(

3( The bus body shall be e0uipped -ith amber rear turn signal lamps at least seven inches

in diameter, or if in a shape other than round, a minimum of 5 s0uare inches of

illuminated area( These signal lamps must be connected to the chassis haCard"-arnings-itch to cause simultaneous flashing of signal lamps -hen needed as a vehicular traffic

haCard -arning(

#?



?( 'ear directional lights shall be mounted not more than 23 inches from the plane of the

side of the body, and not more than 2! inches belo- the glass in the rear of the body( All

buses shall have side turn indicators on both sides located -ithin si1 inches of the floorline(

%( Buses shall be e0uipped -ith t-o red bra:e.tail combination lights at least seven inchesin diameter, or if in a shape other than round, a minimum of 5 s0uare inches of

illuminated area and shall be mounted on the rear of the bus ust inside the turn signal

lamps(

A( Type A conversion vehicle lamps must be #2 s0uare inches in the lens area( T-o

combination lamps -ith a minimum diameter of four inches, or if a shape other than

round, a minimum 2# s0uare inches of illuminated area, shall be placed on the rear ofthe body bet-een the beltline and the floor line( The rear license plate lamp may be

combined -ith one lo-er tail lamp( Stop lamps shall be activated by the service bra:es

and shall emit a steady light -hen illuminated(

B( 9n addition to these re0uirements, all lamps and signals shall comply -ith applicable

SAE specifications(

5( *n all buses e0uipped -ith a monitor for the front and rear lamps of the school bus, the

monitor shall be mounted in full vie- of the driver( 9f the full circuit current passesthrough the monitor, each circuit shall be protected by a fuse or circuit brea:ers or other

e0uivalent technology against any short circuit or intermittent shorts(

$( A -hite flashing strobe light shall be installed on the roof of a school bus not to e1ceed2. the body length for-ard from the rear of the roof edge( This light shall have a single

-hite lens emitting light ?& degrees around its vertical a1is and may not e1tend above

the roof more than the ma1imum legal height( A momentary, latching"type s-itch and a pilot light of lo- intensity must be included to indicate -hen the light is in operation(

The pilot light shall be incorporated into the s-itch(

2&( 9f alternating headlights are used 4i(e(, -ig"-ag6, they must operate in conunction -ith

the red overhead flashers and stop arm(

22( As an option, other lighting devices may be used -ith prior approval from the SDE(

Metal Treatment

2( All metal used in construction of a bus body shall be Cinc"coated or aluminum"coated ortreated by an e0uivalent process before the bus is constructed( 9ncluded are such items

as structural members, inside and outside panels, door panels and floor sills(

E1cluded are such items as door handles, grab handles, interior decorative parts andother interior plated parts(

#( 9n addition to the above re0uirements, all metal parts that -ill be painted shall be

chemically cleaned, etched, Cinc"phosphate"coated and Cinc"chrome or epo1y primed orconditioned by e0uivalent process(

#%



( 9n providing for these re0uirements, particular attention shall be given to lapped

surfaces, -elded connections of structural members, cut edges punched or drilled holeareas in sheet metal, closed or bo1 sections, unvented or undrained areas and surfaces

subected to abrasion during vehicle operation(

!( As evidence that the above re0uirements have been met, samples of materials andsections used in construction of the bus body, -hen subected to 2,&&&"hour salt spray

test as provided for in latest revision of ASTM Standard B"22% Standard Method of Salt

Spray 4Fog6 Testing shall not lose more than 2& percent of its material by -eight(

Mirrors

2( 9nterior mirrors shall be either clear laminated glass or clear vie- glass bonded to a

bac:ing -hich retains the glass in the event of brea:age( Mirrors shall have roundedcorners and protected edges( Type A buses shall have a minimum of a ? 1 2? mirror

and Type ) and D buses shall have a minimum of a ? 1 & mirror( 9t shall be securely

attached on the -indshield header and so located as to give the driver a clear vie- of theentire interior of the bus and the road behind(

#( Each school bus shall be e0uipped -ith a system of e1terior mirrors as defined in

FMISS 222(

A( 'ear vision mirrors shall be capable of providing a vie- along the left and right

sides of the vehicle -hich -ill provide the driver -ith a vie- of the rear tires at

ground level, a minimum distance of #&& feet to the rear of the bus and at least 2#feet perpendicular to the side of the bus at a distance of # feet bac: from the front

bumper(

B( The cross vie- mirror system shall provide the driver -ith indirect vision of an area

at ground level from the front bumper for-ard and the entire -idth of the bus to a

point -here the driver can see by direct vision( The cross vie- system shall also provide the driver -ith direct vision of the area at ground level around the left andright front corners of the bus to include the tires and service entrance on all types of

buses to a point -here it overlaps -ith the rear vision mirror system( A metal

reinforcement plate shall be installed under the hood area of fiberglass or otherreinforced resin composite hoods in order to reinforce cross vie- mirror mounting

base area(

)( This system of mirrors shall be easily adustable but be rigidly braced to reducevibration(

( >eated and.or remote controlled e1ternal, rearvie- mirrors may be used(

Mounting

2( The chassis frames shall support the rear body cross member( The bus body shall beattached to the chassis frame at each main floor sill, e1cept -here chassis components

interfere, in such a manner as to prevent shifting or separation of the body from the

chassis under severe operating conditions(

#5



#( 9nsulation material shall be placed at all contact points bet-een the body and chassis

frame on Types A, ) and D buses, and shall be so attached to the chassis frame or body

that it -ill not move under severe operating conditions(

Noise Suppression S8itch

There shall be a manual noise suppression s-itch installed in the control panel( This s-itch

or s-itch bac:ground shall be red or yello- and labeled( This s-itch shall be an on.off"type

4not momentary6 that deactivates all body e0uipment that produces noise including at leastthe AM.FM radio, heaters, air conditioners, fans and defrosters( This s-itch shall not

deactivate safety systems such as -indshield -ipers, lighting or -arning systems( For Type

A buses, all radios or communication devices shall be ordered as a body accessory and must be -ired thru the noise suppression s-itch(

O=erall 0ength

The overall length of the bus shall not e1ceed !3 feet e1cluding accessories(

O=erall ?i#th

The overall -idth of the bus shall not e1ceed 2&# inches e1cluding accessories(

Public A##ress S%stem

Buses may be e0uipped -ith a public address system having interior and e1terior spea:ers(

9nterior spea:ers shall be flush mounted -ith the bul:head( /o internal spea:ers other thanthe driver7s communication systems may be installed -ithin four feet of the driver7s seat

bac: in its rearmost, upright position(

(etroreflecti=e Material

2( The front and.or rear bumper may be mar:ed diagonally !3 degrees do-n to the

centerline of the pavement -ith # 1 2.! -ide strips of non"contrasting retroreflectivematerial(

#( The rear of the bus body shall be mar:ed -ith strips of retroreflective /ational School

Bus Nello- 4/SBN6 material to outline the perimeter of the bac: of the bus usingmaterial -hich conforms to the re0uirements of FMISS 3%2(22 4Table 96( The

perimeter mar:ing of rear emergency e1its per FMISS #2% and.or the use of

retroreflective S)>** BHS signs partially accomplish the obective of thisre0uirement( To complete the perimeter mar:ing of the bac: of the bus, strips of at least

one"inch retroreflective /SBN material shall be applied horiContally above the rear

-indo-s and above the rear bumper, e1tending from the rear emergency e1it perimeter

mar:ing out-ard to the left and rear corners of the bus( Iertical strips shall be applied atthe corners connecting these horiContal strips(

( SC.OO0 B)S signs, if not of a lighted design, shall be mar:ed -ith retroreflective /SBN material comprising a bac:ground for lettering of the front and.or rear SC.OO0

B)S signs(

#$



!( The sides of the bus body shall be mar:ed -ith retroreflective /SBN material at least

one inch in -idth, e1tending the length of the bus body and located 4vertically6 bet-een

the floor line and the belt line(

(ub (ails

2( There shall be one rub rail located on each side of the bus appro1imately at seat level-hich shall e1tend from the rear side of the entrance door completely around the bus

body 4e1cept the emergency door or any maintenance access door6 to a point of

curvature near the outside co-l on the left side(

#( There shall be one additional rub rail located appro1imately at the floor line -hich shall

cover the same longitudinal area as the upper rub rail, e1cept at the -heel housing, and

shall e1tend only to the radii of the right and left rear corners(

( 'ub rails above the floor line shall be attached at each body post and all other upright

structural members(

!( Each rub rail shall be ! inches or more in -idth in their finished form, shall be of 2?"

gauge metal or other suitable material of e0uivalent strength, suitable to protect the bodyside panels from damage( 'ub rails shall be constructed in a corrugated or ribbed

fashion(

3( 'ub rails shall be applied to the outside of the body or outside body posts( Pressed"in or

snap"on rub rails do not satisfy this re0uirement( For Type A2 vehicles using a chassis

manufacturer7s body, or for Types A#, ), and D buses using rear luggage or rear engine

compartments, rub rails need not e1tend around rear corners(

?( The bottom edge of the body side s:irts shall be stiffened by application of a rub rail, or

the edge may be stiffened by providing a flange or other stiffeners(

Seat Belt for Dri=er

2( The driver7s seat shall be e0uipped -ith the seat belt anchored to the floor, housed ina scabbard and e0uipped -ith an emergency loc:ing retractor 4one side only6( The

driver7s seat shall be e0uipped -ith a Type 99 occupant protection 4lap and shoulder belt6(

Adustability of the mounting point for the driver7s seat belt pillar loop shall be provided

to accommodate all heights and -eights of bus drivers -ithout interference -ith thedriver7s face or nec:( The re0uirements of FMISS #&$ and #2& shall be met( 9ntegrated

seat belts in the driver7s seat may be used at the discretion of the local school system(

#( All buses must be e0uipped -ith at least one belt cutter( Buses e0uipped -ith

lap.shoulder seat belts for student seating shall contain at least t-o belt cutters( *ne belt

cutter must be properly secured in a location -ithin reach of the driver -hile belted intothe driver7s seat( Belts cutters shall be durable, designed to eliminate the possibility of

the operator or others being cut during use, and must have a full handgrip(

&



9 The #ri=erFs seat belt shall be high =isibilit% orange or lime green in color on all

buses e<cept T%pe A9 All T%pe C an# D buses must be euippe# 8ith a continuous

au#ible an# =isual 8arning signal acti=ate# 8hen the #ri=erFs seat belt is not

fastene# an# the ignition is in the on position9 The 8arning signal shall be #ifferent

from lo8 air or emergenc% e<it buer9 T%pe A buses must be euippe# 8ith

8arning buers as per manufacturerFs stan#ar#9

Seats an# Crash Barriers

All Type A2 buses, 2!,3&& pounds ;I=' and under shall be e0uipped -ith lap.shoulder

belts and must meet FMISS #&$ re0uirements(

2(Seats shall be spaced to obtain a minimum of #!"inch hip"to":nee room measuredhoriContally at the seat cushion level at the transverse centerline of the seat( 9n ma:ing

this measurement from the bac: of the seat cushion to the bac: of the seat or barrier in

front, upholstery may be placed against padding both for-ard and rear but padding may

not be compressed( ;reater seat spacing may be specified on local bids not to e1ceedthe ma1imum allo-able per FMISS ###(

#( 9n determining seating capacity of standard school buses, the allo-able average rump

-idth shall be 2 inches -here a " seating plan is used, and 2 or 23 inches -here "#

seating plan is used on specially"e0uipped buses(

( All seats shall be bench style, for-ard facing, have a minimum depth of 23 inches and

conform to the seatbac: height re0uirements of FMISS ###( /o transit or activity seat

shall be used( There shall be no armrest on student seats( /o bus shall be e0uipped -ith ump seats or portable seats(

!( All seat frames attached to the seat rail shall be fastened -ith t-o 4#6 bolts, -ashers andnuts or flange"headed nuts( Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of

t-o 4#6 bolts, -ashers and nuts( Flange"head nuts may be used in lieu of nuts and

-ashers, or seats may be trac:"mounted in conformance -ith FMISS ###( 9f trac:seating is installed, the manufacturer shall supply minimum and ma1imum seat spacing

dimensions applicable to the bus, -hich comply -ith FMISS ###( This information

shall be on a label permanently affi1ed to the bus(

3( The for-ard most pupil seat on the right side of the bus shall be located so as not to

interfere -ith the driver7s vision, not farther for-ard than the barrier behind the driver or

the rear of the driver7s seat -hen adusted to its rear"most position(

?( All seats and bac:s shall be a standard color unless changed by purchaser( Seat and bac:

cushions of all seats shall be designed to safely support the designated number of passengers under normal road conditions encountered in school"bus service(

All seat coverings shall meet FMISS regulations and School Bus Manufacturer

Technical )ouncil ;uidelines(

2



%( The driver seat shall be of the high bac:, air or mechanical suspension, bo1 pedestal"

type -ith a minimum seat bac: adustment of 23 degrees and -ith a head restraint to

accommodate a $3 percentile adult male 4$3 percentile adult male as defined in FMISS#&56( The driver7s seat shall be secured -ith nuts, bolts, and -ashers or flanged"headed

nuts( The driver7s seat shall have a minimum distance bet-een the steering -heel and

seatbac: of not less than eleven inches, -ith a minimum aft adustment of si1 inches(The seat shall be contoured -ith ade0uate padding and support on the sides and shall

have a cloth cover( 9t shall be designed to provide lumbar support and shall be

positioned on the centerline of the steering -heel(

5( All restraining barriers and passenger seats shall be constructed -ith materials that, at

a minimum, meet the criteria contained in the School Bus Seat Hpholstery Fire 'esistant

Test(

$( A driver storage pouch shall be provided on the front of the barrier behind the driver7s

seat( This pouch shall be fire resistant and the same color as the bus seats(

2&( )rash barriers shall be placed behind the driver7s seat and step -ell( An aluminiCed

courtesy panel on the right side of the bus shall e1tend to the floor and to the -all(Stanchions are not acceptable(

22( Passenger seats designed to accommodate a child or infant carrier seat shall comply -ithFMISS ##3( These seats shall be in compliance -ith />TSA7s ;uidelines for the

Safe Transportation of Pre"School"age Students in School Buses (onertible passener

seatin meetin %M7SS 225 re!uirements may be use$ in ype ( an$ 9 buses

Steering ?heel

See )hassis Standard(

Steps

2( The first step at the service door shall be no less than 2& inches and no more than 2!

inches from the ground measured from the top of the first step( ;round clearance shall

be no less than 2& inches(

A( Type D vehicles shall have the first step at the service door 2# to 2? inches from the

ground measured from the top of the first step(

#( The service door entrance shall use a three"step step -ell( 'isers shall be of e0ual height

and depth( =hen a ply-ood floor is used on steel, the differential may be increased by

the thic:ness of ply-ood(

( Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and sno-(

!( Steps shall not protrude beyond the side bodyline(

#



Step Trea#s

2( All steps, e1cluding the floor line platform area, shall be covered -ith a .2?"inch

pebble"tread"type, rubber floor covering or other materials e0ual in -ear and abrasionresistance to top grade rubber(

#( The bac:ing of the step tread may be a minimum #!"gauge cold roll steel or polymerand shall be permanently bonded to the rubber surface(

( The step tread shall have a 2 and 2.# inch -hite nosing as an integral piece -ithout any

oint(

!( The rubber portion of step treads shall have the follo-ing characteristicsK

A( Special compounding for good abrasion resistance and high coefficient of friction(B( Fle1ibility so that it can be bent around a 2.# inch mandrel both at 2& degrees

Fahrenheit and #& degrees Fahrenheit -ithout brea:ing, crac:ing, or craCing(

)( Sho- a durometer hardness of 53 to $3(

Stirrup StepThere shall be one stirrup step on all Types ) and D buses on each side of the front of the

body for use in cleaning the -indshield and lamps( There shall be one handle on each side,at least eight inches in length, suitably located for the driver to use -hile cleaning the

-indshield and lamps( The stirrup steps and the handles shall be of rust"resistant material(

Transit buses shall have provisions for cleaning the -indshield( Toe eyes in the bumper -itha handle4s6 above the -indshield are acceptable(

Stop Arm Signal

All stop arm signals shall be of the 8E9/ strobe"type, and have high"intensity, retroreflective

coating( The stop signal arm4s6 shall comply -ith the re0uirements of FMISS 229

Stop Arm Signal 4 (ear *Optional+

A rear stop arm is permissible -hen used in conunction -ith the original stop arm( The rear

stop arm location on dual stop arm"e0uipped buses shall be on the left side of the bus, as

close as is practical to the left rear corner of the body( Airlines, if used, must not be readilyaccessible to students inside or outside of the bus(

Storage Compartment

A loc:able, -aterproof, e1terior storage compartment may be located on the bus body at thediscretion of the local school system( The minimum siCe of the storage compartment shall be

2# inches high, 23 inches deep, and #3 inches -ide and shall be mar:ed storage( Alternate

storage compartment locations should be specified in local school system bid specifications(

All loc:able interior storage compartments containing emergency e0uipment shall be

e0uipped -ith a -arning buCCer installed so as to activate -hen the ignition s-itch is on and

the compartment is loc:ed( All such compartments shall be clearly labeled as to containingemergency e0uipment(

Sun Shiel#



Each Type ) and D school bus shall have an interior adustable sun visor -ith minimum

measurements of ? inches by & inches( 9t shall be installed in a position convenient for use

by the driver, anchored on both ends, and shall be tinted transparent plastic or phle1"o"glass(*n all Type A buses, the sun shield shall be the manufacturer7s standard( An additional sun

shield may be added over the left side driver -indo- at the option of the local school system(

Tailpipe

See )hassis Standard(

Traction4Assisting De=ices

2( =here re0uired or used, sanders shallK

A( Be of the hopper cartridge"valve type(

B( >ave a metal hopper -ith all interior surfaces treated to prevent condensation of

moisture(

)( Be of at least 2&&"pound 4grit6 capacity(

D( >ave a cover on the filler opening of the hopper, -hich scre-s into place, sealing the

unit airtight(

E( >ave discharge tubes e1tending to the front of each rear -heel under the fender(

F( >ave no"clogging discharge tubes -ith slush"proof, non"freeCing rubber noCCles(

;( Be operated by an electric s-itch -ith a telltale pilot light mounted on the

instrument panel(

>( Be e1clusively driver controlled(

9( >ave a gauge to indicate the hopper needs refilling -hen it is do-n to one 0uarterfull(

#( Automatic traction chains may be installed(

Trash Container an# .ol#ing De=ice

2( =here re0uired or used, the trash container shallK

A( Be of fire resistant polyethylene or e0uivalent material(

B( Be no greater than 2!"0uart capacity(

)( Be secured by a holding device that is designed to prevent movement and allo- easyremoval and replacement(

D( Be installed in an accessible location in the driver7s compartment, not obstructing

passenger use of the service door or access to emergency e0uipment(

!



)n#ercoating

2( The entire underside of the bus body, including floor sections, the cross member and

belo- floor line side panels, shall be coated -ith rust"proofing the compound for -hichthe compound manufacturer has issued notariCed certification of compliance to the bus

body builder that the compound meets or e1ceeds all performance and 0ualitative

re0uirements of paragraph (! of Federal Specification TT")"#3&b using modified test procedures for the follo-ing re0uirementsK

A( Salt spray resistance"pass modified to 3 salt and 2&&& hours(

B( Abrasion resistance"pass(

)( Fire resistance"pass(

Test panels are to be prepared in accordance -ith paragraph !(?(2# of TT")"3#&b -ith the

modified procedure re0uiring that the test be made on a !5"hour air"cured film at a thic:ness

recommended by the compound manufacturer(

#( The undercoating compound shall be applied -ith suitable airless or conventional spraye0uipment to recommend film thic:ness and shall sho- no evidence of voids in cured

film(

3entilation

2( Au1iliary fans, if installed, shall meet the follo-ing re0uirementsK

A( Fans for left and right sides shall be placed in a location -here they can be adustedfor ma1imum effectiveness and do not obstruct vision to any mirror( NOTE: All

Type A buses may be e0uipped -ith one fan(

B( Fans shall be a nominal ? diameter()( Fan blades shall be covered -ith a protective cage( Each fan shall be controlled by a

separate s-itch(

#( The body shall be e0uipped -ith a suitably controlled ventilating system of sufficient

capacity to maintain the proper 0uantity of air under operating conditions, -ithout

having to open -indo-s e1cept in e1tremely -arm -eather(

( A static"type, non"closeable e1haust ventilator shall be installed in the roof(

3i#eo Sur=eillance Euipment

2( Iideo e0uipment shall be installed on all school buses an$ must meet the most current

minimum specifications in effect at the time of installation All video e0uipment shall be

digital -ith a minimum of four camera positions on ype ( an$ 9 school buses an$ aminimum of three camera positions on ype A school buses( *ne camera position must

sho- the driver compartment, to include the entrance door area( All camera systems

must be installe$ by the school bus $ealer/ the school bus $ealer;s authori<e$

representatie or the camera en$or

3



#( =hile video e0uipment does not have to be flush mounted, positioning of video

surveillance e0uipment shall not interfere -ith the safe operation of the bus or studentsafety( 9t is recommended that the SDE be contacted prior to the installation of ne-

video e0uipment(

?heel .ousing

2( The -heel housing opening shall allo- for easy tire removal and service(

#(The -heel housing shall be attached to the floor sheets in such a manner as to prevent anydust, -ater or fumes from entering the body( The -heel housing shall be constructed of

at least 2?"gauge steel or other material of e0ual tensile strength(

(The inside height of the -heel housing above the floor line shall not e1ceed 2# inches(

!(The -heel housing shall provide clearance for installation and use of tire chains on single

and dual 4if so e0uipped6 po-er"driving -heels(

3(/o part of a raised -heel housing shall e1tend into the emergency door opening(

?in#shiel# an# ?in#o8s

2( All glass in the -indshield, the -indo-s, and doors shall be of approved safety glass so

mounted that a permanent mar: is visible and of sufficient 0uality as to prevent distortion

of vie- in any direction(

#( The -indshield shall be heat absorbent, laminated plate glass( The -indshield shall be

large enough to permit the driver to see the road-ay clearly, shall be slanted to reduceglare, and shall be installed bet-een the front corner posts that are so designed and placed

as to afford minimum obstruction to the driver7s vie- of the road-ay(

( All full side -indo-s shall open vertically so as to provide an unobstructed opening of

not less than $ inches high and ## inches -ide, obtained by lo-ering the -indo-(

=indo-s shall be a split"sash type and so installed as to provide an emergency e1it(

There shall be no horiContal, transit or activity"style -indo-s in the studentcompartment(

!( All e1posed edges of glass shall meet FMISS re0uirements(

3( A tinted and shaded -indshield -ith % light transmitted and a si1"inch shaded band

across the top shall be installed at the factory( Type A"9 and A"99 buses utiliCing the

chassis manufacturer7s one"piece -indshield may be e0uipped -ith an *(E(M( shade band -indshield -ith a band of appro1imately ! inches in height(

?(All -indo-s in the passenger compartment shall be tinted -ith #5 light transmitted( Thedriver7s compartment side -indo- and entrance door -indo-s shall be tinted -ith %&"

%3 light transmitted(

?



?in#shiel# ?ashers

A -indshield -asher system shall be provided that -ill service the entire -iped surface area(

?in#shiel# ?ipers

2( A -indshield -iping system, t-o speed or variable speed, -ith an intermittent feature

shall be provided( The -ipers shall meet the re0uirements of FMISS 2&!(

#( The -ipers shall be operated by one or more air or electric motors of sufficient po-er to

operate the -ipers( Type A"9 and A"99 buses utiliCing the chassis manufacturer<s one"piece-indshield may be e0uipped -ith t-o -ipers driven by either one or t-o electric motors(

?iring

2( All -iring shall conform to current standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers(

#( )ircuits

A( =iring shall be arranged in circuits as re0uired -ith each circuit protected by acircuit brea:er or electronic protection device( A system of color and number coding

shall be used and an appropriate identifying diagram shall be provided to the enduser along -ith the -iring diagram provided by the chassis manufacturer( A s%stem

of color an# number co#ing shall be use# on buses9 The follo8ing bo#%

interconnecting circuits shall be color4co#e# as note#:

unction Color

eft 'ear Directional ight Nello-'ight 'ear Directional ight Dar: ;reen

Stoplights 'ed

Bac:"up ights BlueTaillights Bro-n

;round =hite

9gnition Feed, Primary Feed Blac:

The color of cables shall correspond to SAE +22#5(

B( =iring shall be arranged in at least si1 regular circuits as follo-sK

426 >ead, tail, stop 4bra:e6 and instrument panel lamps(

4#6 )learance and step -ell lamps( The step -ell lamp shall be actuated -hen theservice door is opened(

46 Dome lamp(

4!6 9gnition and emergency e1its signal(

436 Turn signal lamps(

%



4?6 Alternately flashing signal lamps(

)( Any of the above combination circuits may be subdivided into additionalindependent circuits(

D( Each heater and defroster shall have its o-n circuit brea:ers or other e0uivalenttechnology(

E( =henever possible, all other electrical functions 4such as sanders and electric"type-indshield -ipers6 shall be provided -ith independent and properly protected

circuits(

F( Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter on a diagram of circuits andshall be attached to the body in a readily accessible location(

;( There shall be a manual noise suppression s-itch installed in the control panel( The

s-itch shall be labeled and alternately colored( This s-itch shall be an on.off"typethat deactivates all body e0uipment that produces noise including at least the

AM.FM radio, heaters, air conditioners, fans and defrosters( This s-itch shall notdeactivate safety systems such as -indshield -ipers, lighting or -arning systems(

The noise suppression s-itch on Type A9 buses shall be limited to bus body

accessories(

( The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same voltage as the

chassis on -hich the body is mounted(

!( All -iring shall have an amperage capacity e0ual to or e1ceeding the designed load( All

-iring splices are to be done at an accessible location and noted as splices on the -iring

diagram(

3( A body"-iring diagram of easily readable siCe shall be furnished -ith each bus body or

affi1ed in an area convenient to the electrical accessory control panel(

?( The body po-er -ire shall be attached to a special terminal on the chassis(

%( All -ires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet(

5( =ires and tubing shall be enclosed -ithin body panels(

5



SECT'ON '3 5SPEC'A0 NEEDS SC.OO0 B)S STANDA(DS

'ntro#uction

E0uipping buses to accommodate students -ith special needs is discretionary depending

upon the needs of the passengers( =hile one bus may be fitted -ith a lift, another may have

seat belts installed to secure child seats( Buses so e0uipped are not to be considered aseparate class of school bus, but simply a regular school bus, -hich is e0uipped for special

accommodations(

The specifications in this section are intended to be supplementary to specifications in the

chassis and body sections( 9n general, specially e0uipped buses shall meet all the

re0uirements of the preceding sections plus those listed in this section( 9t is recogniCed by

the entire industry that the field of special transportation is characteriCed by varied needs for

individual cases and by a rapidly emerging technology for meeting those needs( A fle1ible,

common sense approach to the adoption and enforcement of specifications for these

vehicles, therefore, is prudent(

By federal regulation, buses, including school buses, are defined as vehicles designed to

carry eleven or more passengers, including the driver( Iehicles designed -ith 2& or fe-er

passenger positions 4including the driver6 cannot be certified as buses( For this reason, the

federal vehicle classification Multipurpose Passenger Iehicle, or MPI, must be used bymanufacturers for these vehicles in lieu of the School Bus( 9n determining passenger

capacity, -heelchair positions are counted as passenger positions( This classification system,

-hile re0uiring compliance -ith a less stringent set of Federal Standards for MPI7s, does not preclude state or local agencies or these specifications from re0uiring compliance of school

bus"type MPI7s -ith the more stringent Federal Standards for school buses(

The follo-ing standards address modifications as they pertain to school buses that, -ith astandard seating arrangement prior to modification, -ould accommodate more than 2&

persons( 9f by addition of a po-er lift, mobile seating device positions or other

modifications, the capacity is reduced such that vehicles become MPI7s, the intent of thesestandards is to have these vehicles be re0uired to meet the same standards they -ould have

had to meet prior to such modifications, and such MPI7s are included in all references to

school buses and re0uirements for school buses -hich follo-(

Definition 5 Speciall%4Euippe# School Bus

A specially"e0uipped school bus is any school bus that is primarily designed, e0uipped, or

modified to accommodate students -ith special needs(

&eneral (euirements

2( School buses designed for transporting students -ith special transportation needs shallcomply -ith these specifications and -ith FMISS applicable to their ;I=' category(

#( Any school bus to be used for the transportation of students -ho utiliCe a -heelchair orother mobile positioning device, or -ho re0uire life support e0uipment -hich prohibits

$



use of the regular service entrance, shall be e0uipped -ith a po-er lift, unless a ramp is

needed for unusual circumstances related to passenger needs(

( School buses used to transport students -ho utiliCe -heelchairs or other mobile

positioning devices shall meet either item A or B belo8(

A( Type ) and D buses -ith -heelchair positions mounted for-ard of the rear a1le shall have

a &"inch aisle to both front entrance and rear emergency e1it door(

B( Type ) and D buses e0uipped -ith a rear"mounted -heelchair lift, and -heelchair

seating positions in the rear shall have air"ride suspension on the rear( School buses using

this configuration must employ "# 4$"&6 seating to allo- access to the front door e1it

in case of emergency(

Type A school buses 2!,3&& lbs( ;I=' and belo- are e1empt from these re0uirements(

)( A loc:ing storage compartment shall be provided in the driver area suitable to store an5(3 1 22, "ring binder(

Air Con#itioning

Special needs buses shall be e0uipped -ith air conditioning9 (efer to page !"- School Bus

Bo#% Stan#ar#s- for minimum air con#itioning stan#ar#s9

Aisles

All buses e0uipped -ith a po-er lift shall provide sufficient aisle space to enable emergency

evacuation through front and rear e1its( For specific re0uirements refer to A and B in the;eneral 'e0uirements above(

Communication S%stem

Each special needs bus shall be e0uipped -ith a t-o"-ay, voice communication system

capable of providing communication -ith the operational base( =here technologically

feasible, the communication system shall also communicate -ith $22 operators( )B radiosystems -ill not meet this re0uirement( 't is the responsibilit% of the local school s%stem

to compl% 8ith this specification9

Crash Barriers

2( A crash barrier shall be place$ between the lift an$ any seat position on a front3

mounte$ lift bench seat or wheelchair position4 Stanchions are not acceptable(

#( There shall be a padded crash barrier appro1imately 5 inches in front of the for-ard

edge of the seat cushion of all passenger seats that do not have another seat

appro1imately #% inches in front of them( There shall be a padded crash barrier or seatin front of any -heelchair position unless it is contiguous -ith and behind another

-heelchair position( The for-ard"most barrier on both sides of the bus shall have a full"

-idth, aluminiCed courtesy panel e1tending to the floor(

!&



E=acuation Blan/et

A minimum of t-o fire"retardant, evacuation blan:ets, Tie Tech Evacuation Transporter PartO 2&2, or prior approved e0ual, and storage pouches shall be provided( The location to

secure the e=acuation blan/et shall be easil% accessible an# #etermine# b% the

purchaser at the time of the bi#9

&laing

Tinted glaCing may be installed in all doors, -indo-s and -indshield consistent -ith federal,state, and local regulations(

'#entification

Buses -ith po-er lifts used for transporting physically handicapped students shall displaythree universal handicapped symbols located belo- the -indo-pane( Such emblems shall be

-hite on blue bac:ground, shall not e1ceed 2# inches in siCe, and shall be of a high"intensity

retroreflectoriCed material meeting H( S( Department of Transportation F>=A FP"53

Standards( Symbols shall be located on the lift door, the rear of the bus, and the front leftside of the bus(

Passenger Capacit% (ating

9n determining the passenger capacity of a school bus for purposes other than actual

passenger load 4i(e(, vehicle classification, or various billing.reimbursement models6, anylocation in a school bus intended for securing an occupied -heelchair.mobility aid during

vehicle operations may be regarded as four designated seating positions( Similarly, each lift

area may be regarded as four designated seating positions(

Po8er 0ift

2( The option shall be provided to the local purchaser to have the lift located either in front

of or behind the rear -heels, on the right side of the bus, but confined -ithin the bus body -hen not e1tended( A device shall be installed to prevent the lift from deploying if

hydraulic pressure lea:s do-n( +f a lift is installe$ in the front of the bus/ the lift

platform shall not impe$e or hin$er the ision out the riht si$e of the bus

#( All lifts shall be fully automatic -ith sufficient clearances to permit a -heelchair or

other mobility device user to reach a securement location(

( The design load of the lift shall be at least ?&& pounds( =or:ing parts, such as cables,

pulleys, and shafts, -hich can be e1pected to -ear, and upon -hich the lift depends for

support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least ? 4si16, based on the ultimatestrength of the material( /on"-or:ing parts, such as the platform, frame, and

attachment hard-are, -hich -ould not be e1pected to -ear, shall have a safety factor of

at least 4three6, based on the ultimate strength of the material(

!( The lifting mechanism and platform shall be able to lift a minimum of 5&& pounds(

!2



3( )ontrols shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from

either inside or outside the bus( The controls shall be interloc:ed -ith the vehicle

bra:es, transmission, or door, as re0uired by FMISS !& and !&!( The lift shall deployto all levels 4i(e(, ground, curb, and intermediate positions6 normally encountered in the

operating environment( =here provided, each control for deploying, lo-ering, raising,

and sto-ing the lift and lo-ering the roll"off barrier shall be of a momentary contacttype re0uiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not allo- improper

lift se0uencing -hen the lift platform is occupied( The controls shall allo- reversal of

the lift operation se0uence, such as raising or lo-ering a platform that is part -ay do-n,-ithout allo-ing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the sto-ed position(

?( The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lo-ering to ground level

-ith a lift occupant, and raising and sto-ing the empty lift if the po-er to the lift fails( /o emergency method, manual or other-ise, shall be capable of being operated in a

manner that could be haCardous to the lift occupant or to the operator -hen operated

according to manufacturer7s instructions and shall not permit the platform to be sto-edor folded -hen occupied( /o manual emergency operation shall re0uire more than #

4t-o6 minutes to lo-er an occupied -heelchair to ground level(

%( Platforms sto-ed in a vertical position, and deployed platforms -hen occupied, shallhave provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 2# inches

per second or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load

carrying component(

5( The lift platform shall be e0uipped -ith barriers to prevent any of the -heels of a

-heelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the platform during its operation( A movable barrier or inherent design feature shall prevent a -heelchair or mobility aid from rolling

off the edge closest to the vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position( Each

side of the lift platform, -hich e1tends beyond the vehicle in its raised position, shallhave a barrier a minimum 2 and 2.# inches high( Such barriers shall not interfere -ith

maneuvering into or out of the aisle( The loading"edge barrier 4outer barrier6, -hich

functions as a loading ramp -hen the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient -hen

raised or closed, or a supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a po-er-heelchair or mobility aid from riding over or defeating it( The outer barrier of the lift

shall automatically raise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage,

and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the platform is more than inchesabove the road-ay or side-al: and the platform is occupied( Alternatively, a barrier or

system may be raised, lo-ered, opened, closed, engaged, or disengaged by the lift

operator, provided an interloc: or inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising

unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary system is engaged(

$( The platform surface shall be free of any protrusions over 2.! inch high and shall be slip

resistant( The platform shall have a minimum -idth of ! inches at the platform, aminimum clear -idth of & inches measured from # inches above the platform surface to

& inches above the surface of the platform, and a minimum clear length of !5 inches

measured from # inches above the surface of the platform to & inches above the surfaceof the platform(

!#



2&( Any openings bet-een the platform surface and the raised barriers shall not e1ceed 3.5

inches in -idth( =hen the platform is at vehicle floor height -ith the inner barrier 4ifapplicable6 do-n or retracted, gaps bet-een the for-ard lift platform edge and the

vehicle floor shall not e1ceed 2.# inches horiContally and 3.5 inches vertically(

22( The outboard entrance ramp or loading"edge barrier used as a ramp and the transition

plate from the inboard edge of the platform to the vehicle floor shall not e1ceed a slope

of 2K5, measured on level ground, for a ma1imum rise of three inches, and the transitionfrom road-ay or side-al: to ramp may be vertical -ithout edge treatment up to 2.!

inches(

Thresholds bet-een 2.! inch and 2.# inch high shall be beveled -ith a slope no greaterthan 2K#(

2#( The lift platform 4not including the entrance ramp6 shall not deflect more than three

degrees 4e1clusive of vehicle roll or pitch6 in any direction bet-een its unloaded position and its position -hen loaded -ith ?& pounds applied through a #? by #? test

pallet at the centroid of the platform(

2( /o part of the platform shall move at a rate e1ceeding ? inches per second during

lo-ering and lifting an occupant, and shall not e1ceed 2# inches per second duringdeploying or sto-ing( This re0uirement does not apply to the deployment or sto-age

cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or sto-ed( The ma1imum platform horiContal

and vertical acceleration -hen occupied shall be &( g(

2!( The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of -heelchair and mobility aid

users(

23( ifts shall accommodate persons using -al:ers, crutches, canes or braces, or -ho

other-ise have difficulty using steps( The platform may be mar:ed to indicate a

preferred standing position(

2?( Platforms on lifts shall be e0uipped -ith handrails on t-o sides, -hich move in tandem

-ith the lift, and -hich shall be graspable and provide support to standees throughout

the entire lift operation( >andrails shall have a usable component at least 5 inches long-ith the lo-est portion a minimum & inches above the platform and the highest portion

a ma1imum 5 inches above the platform( The handrails shall be capable of

-ithstanding a force of 2&& pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail -ithout permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure( The handrails shall have a

cross"sectional diameter bet-een 2 and 2.! inches and 2 and 2.# inches or shall provide

an e0uivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges -ith corner radii of not less than2.5 inch( >andrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 2 and 2.# :nuc:le clearance

from the nearest adacent surface( >andrails shall not interfere -ith -heelchair or

mobility aid maneuverability -hen entering or leaving the vehicle( Any -heelchair

!



frame utiliCing a horiContal overhead support shall have padding at least 2 in thic:ness

e1tending the full -idth of support(

2%( 'e"settable circuit brea:ers or other e0uivalent technology shall be installed bet-een the

po-er source and the lift motor if electrical po-er is used( 9t shall be located as close to

the po-er source as possible, but not -ithin the passenger.driver compartment(

25( ift design shall prevent e1cessive pressure that could damage the lift system -hen the

platform is fully lo-ered or raised, or that could ac: the vehicle(

2$( The follo-ing information shall be provided -ith each vehicle e0uipped -ith a liftK

A( A phone number -here information can be obtained about installation, repair, and parts( 4Detailed -ritten instructions and a parts list shall be available upon re0uest(6

B( Detailed instructions regarding use of the lift, readily visible -hen the lift door is

open, including a diagram sho-ing the proper placement and positioning of-heelchair.mobility aids on lift(

#&( The lift manufacturer shall ma:e available training materials to ensure the proper use

and maintenance of the lift( These may include instructional videos, classroom

curriculum, system test results, or other related materials(

#2( Each lift shall be permanently and legibly mar:ed or incorporate a non"removable label

or tag -hich states that it conforms to all applicable re0uirements of the current /ational

Standards for School Buses( 9n addition, the lift manufacturer, or an authoriCedrepresentative, upon re0uest of the original titled purchaser, shall provide a Notarie#

Certificate of Conformance, either original or photocopied, -hich states that the lift

system meets all the applicable re0uirements of the current /ational Standards forSchool Buses(

(amp

Emergency ramps may be used -ith prior approval from the SDE(

(egular Ser=ice Entrance

2( Steps

A( The first step at the service door shall be not less than 2& inches and not more than

2! inches from the ground -hen measured from the top of the step based on standard

chassis specifications(

B( Type D vehicles shall have the first step at the service door 2# to 2? inches from theground(

#( The service door entrance shall use a three"step step -ell( 'isers shall be of e0ual height

and depth( =hen a ply-ood floor is used on steel, the differential may be increased bythic:ness of ply-ood(

!!



( Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and sno-(

!( Steps shall not protrude beyond the side bodyline(

3( At least one handrail shall be installed( The handrail4s6 shall assist passengers duringentry or e1it, and shall be designed to prevent entanglement as evidenced by the passage

of the />TSA string and nut test(

?( An assist rail shall be provided on the right"hand side(

(estraining De=ices

2( *n po-er"lift e0uipped vehicles, seat frames may be e0uipped -ith attachments ordevices to -hich belts, restraining harnesses or other devices may be attached(

Attachment frame-or: or anchorage devices, if installed, shall conform to FMISS #2&(

#( Seat belt assemblies are optional( Seat belt assemblies may be installed on special needs buses( 9f seat belt assemblies are installed on special needs buses, they shall be of the

lap.shoulder belt configuration( Seat belt assemblies shall be installed by themanufacturer, and must conform to FMISS #&$( Type A school buses -ith a ;I=' of

2!,3&& pounds or belo- are re0uired to have lap.shoulder belt assemblies(

( )hild restraint systems, -hich are used to facilitate the transportation ofstudents -ho in

other modes of transportation -ould be re0uired to use a child, infant, or booster seat,

shall conform to FMISS #2 and ###(

!( Passenger seats designed to accommodate a child or infant carrier seat shall comply -ith

FMISS ##3( These seats shall be in compliance -ith />TSA7s G&ui#elines for the

Safe Transportation of Pre4School4Age Chil#ren in School Buses9

Seating Arrangements

Fle1ibility in seat spacing to accommodate special circumstances shall be permitted to meet passenger re0uirements( All seating shall be for-ard facing( loor plans for special nee#s

buses shall be #esigne# 8ith emphasis on placing 8heelchair positions for8ar# of the

rear a<le9

Securement an# (estraint S%stem for ?heelchair>Mobilit% Ai# an# Occupant

For purposes of better understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the

term securement or phrase securement system is used e1clusively in reference to thedevice4s6, -hich secure the -heelchair.mobility aid( The term restraint or phrase restraint

system is used e1clusively in reference to the device4s6 used to restrain the occupant of the

-heelchair.mobility aid( The phrase securement and restraint system is used to refer to thetotal system, -hich secures and restrains both the -heelchair.mobility aid and the occupant(

2( Securement and restraint system""general

!3



A( The =heelchair.Mobility Aid Securement and *ccupant 'estraint System shall be

designed, installed, and operated to accommodate passengers in a for-ard"facing

orientation -ithin the bus and shall comply -ith all applicable re0uirements ofFMISS ###( ;urney"type devices shall be secured parallel to the side of each bus(

B( The securement and restraint system, including the system trac:, floor plates, poc:ets, or other anchorages shall be provided by the same manufacturer, or be

certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all e0uipment.systems used(

)( =hen a -heelchair.mobility aid securement device and an occupant restraint share a

common anchorage, including occupant restraint designs that attach the occupant

restraint to the securement device or the -heelchair.mobility aid, the anchorage shall

be capable of -ithstanding the loads of both the securement device and occupantrestraint applied simultaneously, in accordance -ith FMISS ### 4see Sections # and

of this section6(

D( =hen a -heelchair.mobility aid securement device 4-ebbing or strap assembly6 isshared -ith an occupant restraint, the -heelchair.mobility aid securement device

4-ebbing or strap assembly6 shall be capable of -ithstanding a force t-ice theamount as specified in Section !(!4a6 of FMISS #&$ 4see Sections # and of this

section6(

E( The bus body floor and side-all structures -here the securement and restraint

system anchorages are attached shall have e0ual or greater strength than the load

re0uirements of the system4s6 being installed(

F( The occupant restraint system shall be designed to be attached to the bus body either

directly or in combination -ith the -heelchair.mobility aid securement system, by a

method, -hich prohibits the transfer of -eight or force from the -heelchair.mobilityaid to the occupant in the event of an impact(

;( =hen an occupied -heelchair.mobility aid is secured in accordance -ith themanufacturer7s instructions, the securement and restraint system shall limit the

movement of the occupied -heelchair.mobility aid to no more than # inches in any

direction under normal driving conditions(

>( The securement and restraint system shall incorporate an identification scheme,

-hich -ill allo- for the easy identification of the various components and their

functions( 9t shall consist of one of the follo-ing, or combination thereofK

426 The -heelchair.mobility aid securement 4-ebbing or strap assemblies6 and the

occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be of contrasting color or color shade(

4#6 The -heelchair.mobility aid securement device 4-ebbing or strap assemblies6

and occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be clearly mar:ed to indicate the

!?



proper -heelchair orientation in the vehicle, and the name and location for each

device or belt assemblyL i(e(, front, rear, lap belt, shoulder belt(

9( All attachment or coupling devices designed to be connected or disconnected

fre0uently shall be accessible and operable -ithout the use of tools or other

mechanical assistance(

+( The securement and restraint system hard-are and components shall be free of sharp

or agged areas and shall be of a non"corrosive material or treated to resist corrosionin accordance -ith Section !(4a6 of FMISS #&$(

( The securement and restraint system shall be located and installed such that -hen an

occupied -heelchair.mobility aid is secured, it does not bloc: access to the lift dooror emergency door(

( A device for storage of the securement and restraint system shall be provided( =hen

the system is not in use, the storage device shall allo- for clean storage of thesystem, shall :eep the system securely contained -ithin the passenger compartment,

shall provide reasonable protection from vandalism, and shall enable the system to be readily accessed for use(

M( The entire securement and restraint system, including the storage device, shall meetthe flammability standards established in FMISS &#(

/( Each securement device 4-ebbing or strap assembly6 and restraint belt assembly

shall be permanently and legibly mar:ed or incorporate a non"removable label or tag-hich states that it conforms to all applicable FMISS re0uirements( 9n addition, the

system manufacturer, or an authoriCed representative, upon re0uest by the original

titled purchaser, shall provide a notariCed )ertificate of )onformance, either originalor photocopied, -hich states that the -heelchair.mobility aid securement and

occupant restraint system meets all of the re0uirements as specified in FMISS ###(

*( The follo-ing information shall be provided -ith each vehicle e0uipped -ith a

securement and restraint systemK

426 A phone number -here information can be obtained about installation, repair,and parts( 4Detailed -ritten instructions and a parts list shall be available upon

re0uest(6

4#6 Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram sho-ing the proper

placement of the -heelchair.mobility aids and positioning of securement devices

and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles(

P( The system manufacturer shall ma:e available training materials to ensure the proper

use and maintenance of the -heelchair.mobility aid securement and occupant

!%



restraint system( These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum,

system test results, or other related materials(

#( =heelchair.mobility aid securement system

A( Each securement system location shall consist of a minimum of four anchorage points( A minimum of t-o anchorage points shall be located in front of the

-heelchair.mobility aid and a minimum of t-o anchorage points shall be located in

the rear( The securement anchorages shall be attached to the floor of the vehicle andshall not interfere -ith passenger movement or present any haCardous condition(

B( Each securement system location shall have a minimum clear floor area of

& 1 !5( Additional floor area may be re0uired for some applications()onsultation bet-een the user and the manufacturer is recommended to ensure

ade0uate area is provided(

)( The securement system shall secure common -heelchair.mobility aids and shall beable to be attached easily by a person having average de1terity and -ho is familiar

-ith the system and -heelchair.mobility aid(

D( As installed, each securement anchorage shall be capable of -ithstanding a

minimum force of ,&&& pounds 42,!! /e-tons6 -hen applied as specified inFMISS ###( =hen multiple securement devices share a common anchorage, the

anchorage shall be capable of -ithstanding the force indicated above, multiplied by

the number of securement devices sharing that anchorage(

E( Each securement device, if incorporating -ebbing or a strap assembly, shall comply

-ith the re0uirements for Type 2 safety belt systems, in accordance -ith Sections

!(#, !(, and !(!4a6 of FMISS #&$(

F( The securement system shall secure the -heelchair.mobility aid in such a manner

that the attachments or coupling hard-are -ill not become detached -hen any-heelchair.mobility aid component deforms, -hen one or more tires deflate, and

-ithout intentional operation of a release mechanism 4e(g(, a spring clip on a

securement hoo:6(

;( Each securement device 4-ebbing or strap assembly6 shall be capable of

-ithstanding a minimum force of #,3&& pounds -hen tested in accordance -ith

FMISS #&$(

>( Each securement device 4-ebbing or strap assembly6 shall provide a means of

adustment of manufacturer7s design, to remove slac: from the device or assembly(

9( Each securement device, -ebbing, or strap assembly shall be of the automatic,

retractable type(

!5



( *ccupant restraint system

A( A Type 99"A occupant restraint system, -hich meets all applicable re0uirements ofFMISS #&$ and #2&, shall provide for restraint of the occupant (For buses e0uipped

-ith trac: seating, the occupant restraint shoulder trac: for the lap shoulder belt

assembly shall be installed the full length of all floor trac:(

B( The occupant restraint system shall be made of materials -hich do not stain, soil, or

tear an occupant7s clothing, and -hich are resistant to -ater damage and fraying(

)( Each restraint system location shall have not less than one anchorage, of

manufacturer7s design, for the upper end of the upper torso restraint(

426 The anchorage for each occupant7s upper torso restraint shall be capable of

-ithstanding a minimum force of 2,3&& pounds 4?,?%# /e-tons6 -hen applied

as specified in FMISS ###(

D( Each -heelchair.mobility aid location shall have not less than t-o floor anchorages

for the occupant pelvic and the connected upper torso restraint(

426 Each floor anchorage shall be capable of -ithstanding a minimum force of ,&&&

pounds 42,!! /e-tons6 -hen applied as specified in FMISS ###(

4#6 =hen multiple occupant restraints share a common anchorage, the anchorage

shall be capable of -ithstanding a minimum force of ,&&& pounds 42,!!

/e-tons6 multiplied by the number of occupant restraints sharing the commonanchorage in accordance -ith FMISS ###(

E( Each floor and -all anchorage -hich secures the occupant restraint to the vehicleand -hich is not permanently attached, shall be of a positive latch design, and

shall not allo- for any accidental disconnection(

Special 0ight

Door-ays, in -hich lifts are installed, shall have lighting as re0uired by FMISS !& and

!&!(

Special Ser=ice Entrance

2( Po-er lift e0uipped bodies shall have a special service entrance to accommodate the

po-er lift( Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be e0uivalent to theconventional service and emergency doors( )olor, rub rail e1tensions, lettering and

other e1terior features shall match adacent sections of the body(

#( The special service entrance and door shall be located on the right side of the bus and

shall be designed so as not to obstruct the regular service entrance( All doors shall have

positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position(

!$



( Each door shall have -indo-s, set in a -aterproof manner, -hich are visually similar in

siCe and location to adacent non"door -indo-s( ;laCing shall be of the same type and

tinting 4if applicable6 as standard fi1ed glass in other body locations(

!( A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert -ater from the

entrance(

3( Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide

support and strength e0uivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for specialservice entrance(

?( The special service entrance door shall be e0uipped -ith a device that -ill actuate a

visible signal located in the driver7s compartment -hen the door is open and ignition isin on position(

%( A s-itch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism -ill not operate -hen the lift

platform door is closed(

5( The special service entrance door shall be e0uipped -ith padding at the top edge of thedoor opening( The pad shall be at least three inches -ide and one inch thic: and e1tend

the full -idth of the door opening(

Support Euipment an# Accessories

2( Each bus shall contain at least t-o belt cutters, one properly secured in a location -ithin

reach of the driver -hile belted into his.her driver7s seat( The second belt cutter shall be

stored in a location in the passenger compartment that is accessible to the bus aide ordriver, but not accessible to students( The belt cutter shall be durable, designed to

eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut during use and must have a

full handgrip(

#( Special e0uipment or supplies -hich are used on the bus for mobility assistance, health

support, or safety purposes shall meet any local, federal, or engineering standards -hich

may apply, including proper identification(

E0uipment -hich may be used for these purposes includes, but is not limited toK

A( =heelchairs and other mobile seating devices 4see section on Securement System for

Mobile Seating Devices.*ccupant6(

B( )rutches, -al:ers, canes, and other ambulating devices(

)( Medical support e0uipment( This may include respiratory devices such as o1ygen

bottles 4-hich should be no larger than ## cubic feet for li0uid o1ygen and 5 cubic

feet for compressed gas6, or ventilators( Tan:s and valves should be located and positioned to protect them from direct sunlight, bus heater vents, or other heat

sources( *ther e0uipment may include intravenous and fluid drainage apparatus(

Appropriate medical placarding, if needed, shall be added by the EA(

3&



( All portable e0uipment and special accessory items, including the e0uipment listed

above, shall be secured at the mounting location to -ithstand a pulling force of five

times the -eight of the item, or shall be retained in an enclosed, latched compartment(The compartment shall be capable of -ithstanding forces applied to its interior e0ual to

five times the -eight of its contents -ithout failure to the bo17s integrity and securement

to the bus( E1ceptionK 9f these standards provide specific re0uirements for securementof a particular type of e0uipment, the specific standard shall prevail 4i(e(, -heelchairs6(

Technolog% an# Euipment- Ne8

9t is the intent of these specifications to accommodate ne- technologies and e0uipment that-ill better facilitate the transportation of students in the schools of Alabama( =hen a ne-

technology, piece of e0uipment, or component is desired to be applied to the school bus it

must meet the follo-ing criteriaK

A( The technology, e0uipment, or component shall not compromise the effectiveness orintegrity of any maor safety system( 4E1amples of safety systems include, but are

not limited to, compartmentaliCation, the eight"lamp -arning system, emergency e1itsand the approved color scheme(6

B( The technology, piece of e0uipment or component shall not diminish the safety of theinterior of the bus(

)( The technology, piece of e0uipment or component shall not create additional ris: tostudents -ho are boarding or e1iting the bus or are in or near the school bus loading

Cone(

D( The technology, piece of e0uipment or component shall not re0uire undue additionalactivity and.or responsibility for the driver(

E( The technology, piece of e0uipment or component shall generally increaseefficiency and.or safety of the bus, generally provide for a safer or more pleasant

e1perience for the occupants and pedestrians in the vicinity of the bus or shall

generally assist the driver and ma:e his.her many tas:s easier to perform(

F( The technology, piece of e0uipment or component shall have prior -ritten

approval from the SDE School Bus Specifications )ommittee(

32



SECT'ON 3 5 A0TE(NAT'3E )E0 STANDA(DS

!9 School s%stems consi#ering the use of alternati=e fuels such as bio4#iesel-

liuefie# petroleum gas *0P&+- compresse# natural gas *CN&+- electric or the

purchase of alternati=e4fuel buses shall contact the Alabama State Department

of E#ucation- Pupil Transportation Section- Montgomer%- Alabama- ! forinformation an# 8ritten appro=al prior to initiating the bi# process9 ?ritten

reuests must- at a minimum- pro=i#e the SDE 8ith #etaile# specifications

inclu#ing the specific #esign- performance criteria- alternati=e4fuel t%pe an#

safet% specifications for the alternati=e fuel or buses9

#( The guidelines contained herein shall pertain to school buses approved by the AlabamaState Department of Education to operate on alternative"fuel sources(

A( Any company or individual providing alternative"fuel school buses to school

systems shall provide appropriate certifications as -ell as maintenance, repair and

trouble"shooting information and safety training for each system( All maintenanceon alternative"fuel buses shall be performed by personnel -ho are certified by the

appropriate regulatory agency for the alternative fuel(

)( These companies or individuals shall submit to the Alabama State Department of

Education, Pupil Transportation Section, Montgomery, Alabama, ?2&,documentation certifying that the re0uirements of this section have been met(

( The retro"fitting of e1isting school bus engines for alternative fuel use is prohibited(

!( Fuel blends containing used coo:ing oil -ill not be allo-ed(

SECT'ON 3' 4 OPT'ONS

School systems should contact the their state school bus inspector or the Alabama StateDepartment of Education, Pupil Transportation Section prior to the purchase and.or

installation of any optional or after"mar:et e0uipment( This is to ensure that the e0uipment

and.or its installation is in compliance -ith the current Alabama Minimum Specifications forSchool Buses(

0oc/ing uel Compartment Door

Provide at the option of the purchaser a loc: and :ey to secure the fuel compartment door(

Storage Compartment for (euire# Emergenc% Euipment

Provide at the option of the purchaser a storage compartment located in the driver7scompartment to house the emergency e0uipment( 9t shall be a loc:ed compartment -ith a

-arning buCCer attached so as to activate -hen the ignition s-itch is on and the compartment

is loc:ed(

3#



SECT'ON 3'' 4 M)0T')NCT'ONA0 SC.OO0 ACT'3'T1 B)S *MSAB+

DE'N'T'ON:

A Multifunctional School Activity Bus 4MFSAB6 is a school bus constructed to Federal

Motor Iehicle Safety Standards 4FMISS6 and Alabama Minimum School BusSpecifications( 9t must be purchased or leased as a ne- bus and may only be used for

e1tracurricular activities( These buses ma% not be use# to transport stu#ents to an# from

schools or bet8een schools for the purpose of atten#ance9

The follo-ing e1ceptions to the Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses for

regular route buses shall be allo-ed for these vehicles(

'#entification:

2 The bus body shall bear the -ords ACT'3'T1 B)S in a contrasting color atleast 5 inches high in the area -here school bus is normally positioned(

ettering and numbering shall conform to FMISS and Alabama MinimumSpecifications and shall meet reflectivity standards(Bus numbering on this bus may be of a contrasting color(

# The name of the school system shall be displayed in at least five"inch letters on both sides of the bus in the beltline area( NO S'&NS O( 0O&OS shall be

applied to any area of the bus including the bumpers( The name of the school

may be displayed in the beltline area( /o signs, logos, or other items shall be

displayed on the -indo-s of the bus(

Color:

The local school -ith school system approval may determine the color of the activity bus( The color scheme may utiliCe any combination of up to T.(EE colors( This

combination may be in addition to an optional -hite roof( The color /ational School

Bus Nello- 4SBMT)"&&5 Publication6 shall not be used as a part of the color scheme(

School systems and.or vendors shall submit preliminary color schemes to the

Alabama State Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Section for approval

prior to the purchase or manufacture of a Multifunctional School Activity Bus4MFSAB6(

Seating:

Transit style seats, -hich meet all aspects of FMISS ### and &#, may be used inlieu of regular school bus seats(

0ighting an# ?arning De=ices:

All activity buses shall meet state and federal standards for normal school bus

lighting and -arning device re0uirements -ith the follo-ing e1ceptionsK

3



Multifunctional School Activity Buses 4MFSAB6 may not be e0uipped -ith

alternately flashing amber or red signal lamps used for loading and unloading

students(

Multifunctional School Activity Buses 4MFSAB6 may not be e0uipped -ith stop arm

signals or crossing control arms(

'NSPECT'ONS:

Annual inspection by Alabama State Department of Education 4SDE6 state school businspectors and monthly inspections by local school bus inspectors shall be performed on all

Multifunctional School Activity Buses 4MFSAB6 as re0uired by Alabama la- and the 'ules

of the Alabama State Board of Education(

(E&)0AT'ONS:

These buses shall be o-ned by the local school system or leased from private school bus

transportation contractors( All Alabama la-s, 'ules of the State Board of Education, and

other applicable regulations pertaining to the operation of school buses and certification ofschool bus drivers shall apply to Multifunctional School Activity Buses(

3!



Disposal of Hsed School Buses

The procedures outlined in this document should be used in order to assure the proper

disposal of school buses that are sold or other-ise removed from your school system7s school

bus fleet(

9f the bus is sold to another school system, private school, or other agency that -ill continue

to use the vehicle as a school bus, only the name of your system, the state inspection stic:er,

and the tag should be removed( 'f the bus is sol# or tra#e# to a #ealer onl% stateinspection stic/er an# the tag shoul# be remo=e#9 The school bus dealer -ill remove the

name of the school system, -hich could increase the value of the bus(

Alabama la- re0uires that school buses be e0uipped -ith signal lamps and other visual

signals and mar:ings that clearly identify the vehicle as a school bus( School buses are also

e0uipped -ith specialiCed e0uipment in order to help protect students, school bus drivers,and motorists( These visual mar:ings, signals, and other specialiCed e0uipment, -hich

include amber and red flashing lights, stop signs, -arning signs on the rear of the bus, school

bus lettering, and crossing control arms, are peculiar to school buses and may not be used onother vehicles, e1cept as provided under Alabama la-( Accordingly, the disposal of school

buses re0uires measures above and beyond those necessary for the disposal of other schoolsystem vehicles(

To avoid possible liability, improve security, and also ensure compliance -ith the la-, the

follo-ing procedures should be follo-ed -hen disposing of buses that -ill no longer be used

as school busesK

2( Disable the overhead amber and red flashing lamps and stop arm used -hen loading

and unloading students(

#( Disable the crossing control arm(

( 'emove all references to the entire name of the system on the sides of the bus, not

ust the name of the county or city(

!( 'emove the -ords S)>** BHS on the front an# rear of the bus(

3( 'emove the Alabama State 9nspection Stic:er from the -indshield(

?( 'emove the county or municipal tag from the vehicle before the sale(

33



Questions regarding the proper disposal of used school buses should be addressed to the

Alabama State Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Section, Montgomery,

Alabama at !"#!#"$%&(

A0ABAMA M'N'M)M SPEC''CAT'ONS

6)'C7 (EE(ENCE C.A(T

HHT1PE A4' SC.OO0 B)SHHT%pe A4' an# A4'' buses un#er !"-$ poun#s &3?( shall be built to manufacturerFs specifications9

All t%pe A buses un#er !"-$ poun#s &3?( shall ha=e four48heel #isc bra/es9

HHT1PE A4'' SC.OO0 B)SHH*O=er !"-$ poun#s+

CAPAC'T1

B(A7E

0'N'N& S'IE

&A?(

(ONT

&A?(

(EA(

&3?(

TOTA0 T'(E S'IE

2&"!% ! Front ? 'ear $,&&& 2!,#&& #,#&& 2&' 1 ##(3 2& ply

T%pe A4'' school buses e<cee#ing !"-$ poun#s &3?( shall ha=e air bra/es9

HHT1PE C SC.OO0 B)SHH

2&"!%

!5"3!

33"%#

! Front ? 'ear

! Front ? 'ear

! Front % 'ear

$,&&&

$,&&&

$,&&&

23,&&&

2%,&&&

2$,&&&

#!,&&&

#?,&&&

#$,&&&

2&' 1 ##(3 2#ply

2&' 1 ##(3 2# ply

2&' 1 ##(3 2! ply

T%pe C school buses e<cee#ing @2 capacit% shall ha=e prior- 8ritten SDE appro=al9

HHT1PE C4! SC.OO0 B)SHH

HHT1PE D (ONT EN&'NEHH

2&"3

3!"??

?%"%5

%$"5!

! Front ? 'ear

3 Front % 'ear

3 Front % 'ear

? Front 5 'ear

2&,&&&

22,&&&

2,&&&

2,&&&

2%,&&&

2%,&&&

2$,&&&

#&,&&&

#%,&&&

#5,&&&

#,&&&

,&&&

2&' 1 ##(3 2# ply

2&' 1 ##(3 2# ply

22' 1 ##(3 2! ply

22' 1 ##(3 2? ply

HHT1PE D (EA( EN&'NEHH

!#"??

?%"%5

%$"5!

3 Front % 'ear

? Front % 'ear

? Front 5 'ear

2#,&&&

2#,&&&

2,&&&

2$,&&&

2$,&&&

#2,&&&

2,&&&

2,&&&

!,&&&

22' 1 ##(3 2! ply

22' 1 ##(3 2! ply

22' 1 ##(3 2? ply

3?

2&"? Four"-heel disc ?,&&& 2,&&& 2$,&&& ##3 1 %&' 2$(3 " 2# Ply



T%pe D school buses e<cee#ing "4capacit% shall ha=e prior- 8ritten SDE appro=al9

Documents

Alabama Minimum Specifications for School Buses 2015