A management & maintenance magazine for school transportation fleets
Issue link: https://sbf.epubxp.com/i/334511
14 S C H O O L B U S F L E E T • J U L Y 2 0 1 4 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2014 Contractor Survey Operations reduce costs in several ways Perform most maintenance in house Reorganize routes to increase effciency Standardize the feet Other Operate buses powered by alternative fuels 73% 60% 34% 11% 15% Percentage of Respondents Measure to Reduce Costs Bus driver shortage jumps Severe Desperate Moderate Mild None 4% 11% 33% 37% 15% Eighty-fve percent of respondents reported some degree of driver shortage, a 12-percentage point increase compared to 2013. Technician shortage not an issue for some 48% 24% 15% 11% 2% Severe Desperate Moderate Mild None Many contractors are faring well with techni- cians. Nearly half (48%) of respondents reported no shortage of this group of employees. Advertising aids in driver recruitment Advertising (print, radio/TV, online) Word of mouth/referrals from existing drivers Excellent employment benefts Competitive wage Other Percentage of Respondents Recruitment Method or Incentive More than one-third (37%) of respondents said advertising has been the most effective means to recruit new drivers. Others said that the quality of the work- place and bonuses can be attractive incentives to join the operation. Contractors are taking multiple steps to reduce costs. Almost three-fourths (73%) of respondents said they perform bus maintenance in house, and (60%) have reorganized their routes to make them more effcient. Other measures cited include running buses longer and purchasing used buses. 37% 33% 12% 12% 6%