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
Q6111-1 (573) 526-6115

June 1, 2011
EMPHASIS: 2011 Statewide School Bus Inspection Program Results

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces results of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division's 2011 school bus inspection program.
A total of 12,023 buses were inspected by Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel across the state of Missouri between the dates of February 2 and April 30, 2011. Missouri's 2011 statewide approval rating was 87.7% compared to 84.3% in 2010.

The results are as follows:

10,543 buses received approval upon initial inspection. During the annual school bus inspection program, buses found to be free of defective items are "approved".
1,246 buses were rejected. Buses with one or more minor defects, yet deemed safe for the transport of students, are identified as "defective".
234 buses were placed out-of-service. Buses containing one or more major defects, deemed to be unsafe for the transport of students, are identified as "out-of-service" by inspection personnel.

Defective buses may continue to be used for pupil transportation until repair is made. School districts are allowed 10 days following initial inspection in which to repair identified defective item(s) before being re-inspected by inspection personnel. Out-of-service buses must be repaired, re-inspected by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel, and placed back into service prior to being used for student transport.

“We appreciate the good working relationship between the Patrol and Missouri’s school bus companies and school districts,” said Col. Ron Replogle. “The Patrol is pleased to report an 87.7% approval rating statewide in 2011. Our children deserve safe transportation to and from school every day. Our inspection program helps ensure Missouri has the safest school buses in the nation.”

A total of 268 Missouri school districts were awarded the distinction of Total Fleet Excellence for approval ratings of 90% or higher with no buses placed out-of-service. During the 2011-2012 school year, each bus within an award-winning fleet may display the Missouri State Highway Patrol Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the right side of the bus. In addition, each district earning the designation will be presented with an award from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Results of the annual school bus inspection program are a matter of public record. Requests for information pertaining to the 2011 school bus inspection program may be directed to Motor Vehicle Inspection Analyst Brenda Davis, GHQ, via e-mail at: brenda.davis@mshp.dps.mo.gov.

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