For more information
on some of the tools we are using to keep our children safe and customers satisfied please visit the following websites:GPS: www.actsoft.com
Transfinder: www.transfinder.com
Child Check-Mate: www.childcheckmate.com
M.G.L.c.90, Sec 7D allows “school pupils” to be transported in vehicles other than school buses. The law restricts them to carrying a maximum of 8 passengers. www.mass.gov/rmv
Safety and Training
Our approach to safety is multi layered. We have made tremendous investments in training, technology and equipment to ensure that we exceed industry standards. We have a Safety and Training Department, staffed with dedicated professionals who manage the licensing and training of our drivers and monitors. This centralized function helps to ensure that all our employees remain current in compliance with all contractual and legal requirements. We were one of the first transportation contractors in New England to create and make mandatory monthly safety training meetings for 7D drivers and monitors. The program has been so successful that we frequently schedule guest speakers and Registry officials to speak on a wide range of topics, from safety issues to behavioral training.
Our technology and equipment investments include Global Positioning Services (GPS) technology that allows us to track our vehicles in real time giving parents and school districts accurate information on the vehicle. Actsoft ™ Inc., based in Tampa, FL, a leading developer of mobile management and wireless GPS location tracking software, provides GPS service for all our special needs vehicles. Real time information regarding the location, speed and stop time of our vehicles allows us to be proactive rather than reactive in solving transportation problems.
In addition to our GPS investment, Transfinder Transportation Management System has been selected for its routing, billing and reporting capabilities. All GPS functionality is integrated with the Transfinder software, allowing for a seamless combination of two powerful tools.
Child Check-Mate is a patented alarm system which acts as an electronic reminder to drivers. This reminder helps ensure that all children have safely disembarked the vehicle and no child is left behind on the vehicle at the end of a run.
All drivers are licensed within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the vehicle they are driving. Van drivers must have held a valid drivers license for 3 years before eligible to upgrade to a 7D license. A driver must have a CDL license and a DPU-issued school bus license to operate any size yellow school bus. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires annual physicals, driving record reviews and a criminal background check each year for license renewals. In addition, we require that all employees transporting children be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.