MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q6102013-2 (573) 526-6115

June 10, 2013
EMPHASIS: Patrol Announces Results Of 2013 Annual School Bus Inspection Program

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces results of the Motor Vehicle Inspection's 2013 school bus inspection program. A total of 11,890 school buses were inspected between the dates of February 4 and April 30, 2013. Inspectors approved 88.3% of all buses during their initial inspection.

Statewide results for 2013 are as follows:
** 10,493 buses received approval upon initial inspection. During the annual school bus program, buses found to be free of defective items are rated as "approved".
** 1,153 buses were deemed defective upon initial inspection. Buses with one or more minor defective items, but deemed to be safe for the transport of students, are rated as "defective."
** 244 buses were placed out-of-service upon initial inspection. Buses with one or more major defective items deemed to be unsafe for the transport of students are rated as "out-of-service."

Buses rated as "defective" may continue to be operated for the purpose of pupil transportation until repair is made. School districts are allowed 10 days following initial inspection to repair identified defects before being re-inspected by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel. Buses placed out-of-service by inspectors must be repaired, then re-inspected and placed back into service by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel prior to being used for the transportation of students.

"I appreciate the positive relationship between the employees of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division and Missouri's school districts and contracting companies," said Colonel Replogle. "The Patrol is pleased with the results of the 2013 annual school bus inspection program. Missouri's schoolchildren deserve the safest transportation possible when traveling to and from school each day, and Missouri's pupil transportation professionals continue to make student safety a top priority. The annual school bus inspection program continues to ensure that Missouri's school buses are among the safest in the nation."

A total of 292 Missouri school districts earned the distinction of Total Fleet Excellence, which is awarded to districts earning an approval rating of 90% or higher with no buses placed out-of-service. During the 2013-2014 school year, buses in award-winning fleets may display the Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger-entry side of the bus. In addition, each district earning Total Fleet Excellence designation receives a certificate from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Results of the annual school bus inspection program are a matter of public record. Requests for information regarding the performance of specific school districts during the 2013 annual school bus inspection program may be directed to MVI Analyst Brenda Davis via e-mail at: brenda.davis@mshp.dps.mo.gov.

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