Spokane Public Schools to require seat belts on new bus fleet

SPOKANE — The 9,000 students who ride Spokane Public Schools buses will be required to wear seat belts starting next fall when the district begins using its new fleet of 149 buses.

The district purchased the buses instead of contracting with a bus company. Officials say this change will save money and improve safety. The new buses have three-point seat belts that students must wear while on board.

“We want to have buses that have the highest safety standard possible. And in school bus land, that means buses that are equipped with seat belts, which hasn’t historically been part of the model that, public schools across the country have utilized,” said Dr. Adam Swinyard, Spokane Public Schools superintendent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says school buses are the safest way for students to get to and from school. In 2015, the agency added that seat belts on board would make them safer.

The seat belts are one of many new safety features in Spokane’s new fleet.

“It comes with an updated camera system so we can get higher quality video, better sound, so that we can make sure that we’re supporting kids, maintaining the safest environment possible,” Swinyard said.

The buses also have exterior lighting around the doors. During snowy days, bus drivers can add chains to the tires on-demand.

The safety features are not the only reason the school district purchased the buses. The new fleet will also be cost effective.

“Spokane Public Schools has historically, for decades, had a contractor provide transportation services for students. Due to some statutory changes the most cost efficient model now is for the school district to have our own fleet and our own group of drivers,” Swinyard said.

The exact amount saved is still to be determined depending on routes and potential changes in start times.

Families can now sign their student up to ride the bus. There is no deadline to register, but parents are asked to sign up by July 15.