Van.Bus Operations Program (RMS-10, Rev. 1)CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
EMPLOYEE SAFETY MANUAL
DEPARTMENT:Risk Management POLICY NUMBER:RMS-10
SUBJECT:Van/Bus Operations Program SUPERSEDES:
REVISION:1 EFFECTIVE DATE:05/24/2023
APPROVED BY:errence R.Moore,ICMA-CM,City Manager
PURPOSE
The following Van/Bus Operations Program has been established and is in addition to the policy and procedure
defined in RMS-9,_Vehicle Use and Safety Program.All Departments,and especially Parks &Recreation,whose
employees are charged with the operation of such vehicles with passengers,especially children,will participate
in this Program.A copy of this written Program is available online on the City's website.
POLICY
A.Each Department Head is responsible for the administration of this Program as it applies to the
Department's various Division.
B.Each Department Head will designate a Program Coordinator for the Department.The Coordinator will be
responsible to ensure that the requirements of this Program are met as directed by the Department Head.
PROCEDURE
A.DRIVER QUALIFICATON
1.Drivers must be City employees and must be trained regarding safe vehicle operation,defensive driving
techniques,vehicle safety inspection activities,and the procedures described herein,and in RMS-9.
2.Van drivers must possess a valid Class "E"Florida non-commercial driver's license,and bus drivers must
possess a valid Class "C"Florida commercial drivers'license with the "P"endorsement.
3.Van/Bus drivers must also meet all the requirements of driver qualification as defined in RMS-9,Driver
Qualification.
B.VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
1.A driver will obtain vehicle keys from the Program Coordinator and must return such keys to the Program
Coordinator after the trip.
2.The driver must conduct a safety inspection of the vehicle prior to each trip.A Vehicle Pre-Trip Safety
Inspection Checklist (see attached)should be used to record inspection activities before the vehicle is
taken on a trip and should be returned with the vehicle keys to the Program Coordinator after the trip.If
any deficiencies are observed as part of this inspection,they must be recorded on the inspection checklist
and reported to the Program Coordinator before operating the vehicle.
3.A driver must also comply with all the requirements of a vehicle inspection as defined in RMS-9,Vehicle
Inspection and Maintenance.
C.VEHICLE OPERATION RULES
1.To decrease the rollover potential associated with the operation of 15 passenger vans,the vans will only
be routinely driven on roadways which allow van speeds no greater than 45 mph.
2.If such roadways as 1-95 or the Turnpike must be used,only a 2010 or later van should be used,and the
Department will be responsible to be more diligent in their driver selection and vehicle operations.
3.The maximum seating capacity in the bus is 22 passengers including the driver.No standees are
permitted.
4.The maximum seating capacity in the vans is 15 passengers including the driver.No standees are
permitted.If there are less than 15 passengers in a van,the passengers should sit as far forward in the
van as possible since distributing passenger weight above or in front of the rear axle will enable the van
to handle better.In no case should passengers under 15 years of age be allowed to sit in the front
passenger-side seat of the vans.
5.In no case should passengers under 18 years of age be left unattended in,or in the immediate vicinity of
the bus or van.
6.Seat belts (and shoulder harnesses in the vans)must be worn at all times by all vehicle occupants.
7.No eating or drinking (except water)is allowed in the vehicles.If this rule is violated,the violating persons
will lose future bus and van privileges.
8.No "horseplay"will be tolerated in the aisles.
9.In the event a bus or van breaks down,call the City Garage at 561-243-7332 for assistance during normal
business hours (Monday thru Friday from 7am to 3:30pm excluding holidays).The Program Coordinator
will provide the driver with emergency telephone number(s)to call for tire related problems and/or other
mechanical problems.Most likely any towing would be to the City Garage.If the vehicle is non-operable,
the driver will need to contact the Department,preferably the Program Coordinator,to advise of this
situation and to arrange for transportation of the stranded passengers.
10.After each trip,the driver will make sure all personal belongings are removed and the interior of the
vehicle is clean.
D.VEHICLE USE AND SAFETY TRAINING
The "Operating Rules"as defined in RMS-9,Vehicle Use and Safety Program,must be adhered to as part of
this policy.
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Vehicle Pre-trip Safety Inspection Checklist
The driver must conduct a safety inspection of the vehicle to e used prior to each trip.This checklist should be
used to record the inspection activities and should be returned with the vehicle keys to the Program Coordinator
after each trip.If any deficiencies are observed as part of the inspection,they must be recorded below and
reported to the Program Coordinator before operating the vehicle.
Driver's Name (please print):Vehicle:
Driver's Signature:Date:
Mileage Out:Time Out:
Mileage In:Time In:
Destination:
Check (X)SAT for Satisfactory or UNS for Unsatisfactory
Description SAT UNS
1.Vehicle Exterior (body damage)/windows and doors
2.Tire inflation
3.Vehicle interior
4.Seats/seat belts/harnesses
5.Lights (head,tail,back-up,flashers and turn signals
6.Mirrors (rearview and)
7.Brakes/steering wheel/horn/back-up alarm
8.Air conditioning
9.First aid and emergency equipment/recording forms
10.Other
Remarks (if deficiencies are observed,explain below):