Sending a child to school on a bus requires a lot of trust. This is true for every parent. It is even more true for parents of children with special needs. You worry about who is driving the vehicle. You wonder if they understand how to help your child. You also want to know that the vehicle is safe for the busy streets of New York City.

Leesel Transportation understands these worries completely. We have spent over forty years helping students travel safely across the five boroughs. We follow strict rules to ensure every ride is a safe one. Here is what you need to know about how we keep students safe every day.

The Driver and Attendant Team

Safety starts with the people on the bus. Specialized transportation in New York City requires more than just a driver. It requires a dedicated team. Every specialized route includes both a certified driver and a trained attendant. They work together to make sure the trip goes smoothly.

The driver focuses on the road and traffic. The attendant focuses entirely on the students. This means your child always has someone watching over them. You can read more about what to look for in a provider in our guide on how to choose a school bus company in NYC.

Strict Background Checks and 19-A Certification

We do not let just anyone drive our buses. Every driver and attendant must pass the 19-A certification process. This is a very strict standard in New York State. It involves a detailed review of their driving history. It also includes a medical exam to ensure they are fit to drive.

The process goes even further than driving skills. Every team member undergoes fingerprinting and a criminal background check. We want you to feel confident about the adults interacting with your child. This creates a secure environment from the moment your child steps onto the bus.

Technology That Keeps Students Safe

Modern school buses use advanced technology to protect passengers. We believe in total transparency. Every bus in our fleet has

mandatory GPS tracking.This allows our dispatch team to see exactly where a bus is located at all times. We know if a bus is stopped or moving. This real-time oversight ensures that no bus ever goes off the grid.

We also use high definition internal cameras. These cameras record what happens inside the vehicle. This adds a layer of accountability for everyone on board. It protects the students and the staff. You can learn more about the importance of these features in our article on special needs school transportation in NYC.

Preparing for Emergencies and Traffic

New York City traffic is famous for being difficult. Drivers must navigate narrow one way streets in Brooklyn and busy avenues in Manhattan. They also deal with sudden construction delays in Queens or the Bronx. Our drivers know the local roads well. They plan routes that avoid danger and reduce time on the bus.

We also prepare for unexpected situations. Our drivers and attendants perform mandatory recurring safety drills. These drills are not just about flat tires or engine trouble. They are specifically tailored for students with IEPs.

The training covers:

• Crisis de-escalation techniques to help students stay calm. to help students stay calm.
• Medical emergency protocols for rapid response. for rapid response.
• Evacuation procedures for students with mobility equipment. for students with mobility equipment.
• Proper use of wheelchair lifts and safety harnesses. and safety harnesses.

This training ensures the team is ready for anything. It is similar to the planning required for large group travel, which you can read about in our post concerning family reunion transportation in NYC.

Verifying Your Child’s Needs

Every child has different needs for travel. Some students require a climate controlled vehicle. Others need a wheelchair lift or a specific type of harness. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) usually lists these needs.

We encourage parents to double check their child’s IEP. Make sure the transportation section is up to date. If your child needs specific equipment, it must be listed there. Once you have this information, you can speak with a transportation provider who understands these requirements.

Why Choose Leesel Transportation

We take NYC DOE bus safety standards seriously. We aim to exceed them whenever possible. Our team cares about the families we serve in the Tri state area.

Here is why schools and parents trust us:

• Over 40 years of experience in New York City transportation. in New York City transportation.
• Part of the Beacon Mobility family, giving us access to national safety resources., giving us access to national safety resources.
• Rigorous 19-A certification for every single driver. for every single driver.
• Real time GPS monitoring on every vehicle for total peace of mind. on every vehicle for total peace of mind.

Contact Us for Safe Student Travel

You deserve to know your child is in good hands. We are ready to answer your questions about safety, equipment, and routes. We can discuss specific accommodations for your student.

Do not leave your child’s safety to chance.

Call us today to speak with our local team. Request a free quote via our website to start planning safe travel for your student.