Wayland Union Schools’ entire fleet of 24 buses recently achieved 100% green tags during the bus safety inspection.

Michigan State Police send an inspector to conduct an annual analysis of more than 20 areas on every school bus. Buses are graded on a three-color system. Green means the bus is safe to operate. Yellow means there’s a problem, but it’s still safe to carry students.

Yellow buses must be repaired within 60 days.

Red means the bus has a serious safety issue and must be pulled until it is repaired and re-inspected.

“Our school buses travel approximately 350,000 miles each school year,” said Tim Washburn, Transportation Supervisor, “we’re very proud of the hard work and dedication from our head mechanic, John Syers, and the drivers who alert him of any potential repairs all year long.”

State inspections include an evaluation of the following parts of each bus: body and sheet metal, brake system, chassis and frame, emergency exits and aisles, engine and drive train, fuel systems, glass, lighting and electrical, mirrors, miscellaneous equipment, paint and markings, seats and barriers, service door, special needs equipment, steering, suspension, tire, wheel and hub.