Chicago Schoolchildren to Ride Greener, Safer Buses

With the help of a $1 million federal EPA program to upgrade bus fleets, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system seeks to update its buses to make them more tech-savvy and green. CPS intends to have its 1,600-bus fleet upgraded with clean technology and GPS capabilities.

The ability to monitor the location of buses will add to the safety of students as well as make operations more efficient. Mobile Data Terminals will be able to track special needs students to ensure they are picked up and dropped off to the proper locations. Dispatchers will also be able to communicate with the buses instantly.

The retrofitting will also bring old buses to emissions compliance with new emissions and fuel efficiency standards. CPS anticipates that 90-percent of its buses will be in compliance by December 2009.