Dear VAPT Members

As the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) continues to rapidly evolve our transportation family becomes even more important to us at VAPT. Because the daily news channels are providing updates which are specific to the virus, VAPT will try to keep you updated on changes that directly affect pupil transportation in Virginia via our VAPT Website.

I believe that all or almost all localities in Virginia are now providing some type of food assistance to students. This is wonderful and so typical of our amazing transportation family. Please remember to use all precautions and keep the buses sanitized and wiped clean for the safety of students, volunteers and yourself.

The FMCSA issued a waiver today of several time-sensitive regulations and requirements applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit holders, as well as other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles. This waiver is effective from March 20, through June 30, 2020.

According to FMCSA, “This waiver is in the public interest because it would allow drivers covered under this waiver to deliver essential supplies and persons across State lines to address the national emergency. This waiver will also reduce the administrative burden on State Driver Licensing Agencies and CDL, CLP, and interstate non-CDL drivers during this national emergency.”

This document also waives the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.

Click here to view the full notice: Notice

Virginia school bus drivers are mandated to use the VDOE physical along with requirements governed by the Code of Virginia 22.1-178. Requirements for persons employed to drive school buses. The Virginia Legislature will need to extend the expiration date of the annual school bus driver physical requirement. VDOE is working on a budget amendment to present in April.
Finally, we continue to work and plan for the 2020 SESPTC/VAPT Joint Conference in July. We will see where this takes us. Registration is now open for members and vendors. Please check the VAPT website frequently.

As always, we thank you for your support. Please take care of your loved ones during this stressful time. Contact us if there is anything we can do for you. My email is cfisher@fcps1.org.
Thank you

Cheryl Fisher
CDPT VAPT President

 

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and evolving ramifications for student transporters statewide, VAPT is canceling the School Bus Road-e-o and Technician's Competition scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd. We appreciate everyone who has been working behind the scenes to prepare for this event, and look forward to your partnership again in the future.

Many of you have inquired about the status of the SESPTC/VAPT joint conference this summer, scheduled for July 19-22, 2020 in Hampton, Virginia. At this point, a decision has not been made. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines set to keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe.