From rural routes to desegregation runs, the yellow school bus faces a new reality
Summary
The American school bus became the standard yellow color in 1939 for safety reasons, chosen by transportation officials because it is easy to see. Originally designed in rural Georgia to transport workers, the school bus helped support larger, centralized schools and later played a role in desegregation efforts. Today, the yellow school bus faces challenges like driver shortages, affecting students' ability to get to school.Key Facts
- The yellow color of school buses was selected in 1939 for high visibility, not by law but by a conference of state transportation officials.
- At their peak in the 1980s, yellow school buses carried over 60% of U.S. students.
- The first metal-bodied school bus was created by Albert Luce, a Georgia car dealer, originally to transport workers.
- School buses helped with the shift from small neighborhood schools to larger, consolidated ones spread farther apart.
- Buses were used to transport Black and white students during desegregation, though many schools have since become more segregated.
- Safety features on buses have improved over time, including padded seats and stop signs that flip out.
- Driving a school bus is considered very safe and important for society.
- There is now a shortage of school bus drivers, which limits the availability of bus transportation for many students.
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