AJC.com > Talk of the town > Archives > 2006 > March > 10
Friday, March 10, 2006
Split decision on Campbell charges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Do you agree with the verdict in the Bill Campbell trial — guilty of tax fraud; not guilty of racketeering? If you’d been on the jury, what would you have said?
Newer school buses just plain ‘cool’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She’s a real head turner.
Sleek. Tinted windows. Minimum 190 horsepower, in-line six cylinder configuration. Heavy duty 4-wheel air brakes.
She’s a school bus.
OK, it’s tough to get excited about school buses. But a couple of Clarke County buses parked near a track meet Thursday afternoon at South Gwinnett High School drew some oohs, ahs and the “cool” label from other drivers.
Metro Atlantans are accustomed to the thousands of traditional “long nosed” models that make their way through miles of highway.
Now, manufacturers such as Thomas Built Buses, Bluebird and International are rolling out models that feature — get this — air conditioning.
The newer cheeseboxes have tinted windows and wider front windows that give drivers better visibility. Onboard video cameras ensure kids behave. Drivers like their handling. And they have 2 inches more of headroom than most models.
Clarke drivers Sandra Calhoun and William Wingfield sang the praises of the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2. The buses are a quieter ride and the children appreciate the comfort, the pair said.
Two Gwinnett drivers came up and marveled at the sleek machines. “They make a lot of people look,” said Sabrina Hembree. The AC is a big feature. In Gwinnett, only a few buses have them.
Bob Millians, director of transportation for Clarke County Schools, said the system has 10 of the Safe-T-Liners and is adding more. They will be particularly helpful on field trips when the weather turns warmer.
The newer models cost about $70,000, Millians said. Most of the big buses on Georgia’s roadways go for about $50,000 to $55,000 he said.
One more thing. Saf-T-Liner C2 has cruise control. You know, for when you just want to open things up.
Just kidding.
What do you think of the newer buses? Do you think kids will be more likely to want to ride in them? What are your memories of riding a school bus?
