Transportation fleet scores 100 percent on annual inspection

Transportation fleet scores 100 percent on annual inspection
The district’s bus and van fleet recently received a 100 percent pass rate on the Washington State Patrol annual inspection. These buses are serviced through the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative which offers member school districts Walla Walla Public Schools, Prescott, and Dixie discounted school bus maintenance and repair service.

State patrol inspectors look at operating equipment, including lights, brakes, tires and all related components of the vehicles during the extensive inspection process.

“The guys are keeping the fleet in great shape,” said Transportation Director Steve Olson. “The cooperative saves taxpayers’ money, improves school bus safety and extends school bus life.”

The cooperative also provides school bus inspection support, bus driver professional development, school bus preventative maintenance and record keeping services.

The data shows how taxpayers are reaping the benefits of this cooperative. Shop rates for partner districts are $45 per hour. The average vendor shop rate is $90 to $105 per hour.

The Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative buys diesel fuel in bulk at nearly 20 cents less per gallon than retail. This saves taxpayers on average nearly $10,000 per year in fuel costs. A variety of oil filters are used and cooperative costs average 60 to 80 percent below retail prices. This same range of savings is also available for fuel and air filters. Coolant is purchased for 90 percent below retail costs.

The Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative is located at 1162 Entley Street near Koncrete Industries.