I agree that regulations need to be updated on a regular basis. My comment has to do with specifications on new school buses. The item I want to talk about is cruise control. I see that cruise is an option for activity buses, but not for school buses. I believe this should be added as an option on school buses also. Most school divisions in Virginia transport students to activities on school buses that are yellow in color (not the any color but yellow activity bus.) the only difference between the buses is the color.

I believe that it is just as safe for me to transport students to the same location, on the same highways with a yellow bus that has cruise control as it is with an activity bus. We have professional drivers driving school buses all over the state of Virginia, and they use good judgment practices everyday. I feel sure knowing when and how to properly use the cruise control would not be different.

This needs to be an option on a yellow school bus that is only allowed to be used for activity trips, not regular routes. Also the last word in any school division about being able to have this item on a bus could be left up to the school board and or transportation director. I ask you to please consider this.

                                                              Thank You.