Picture a school bus riding on the rugged terrain of Arizona, where unpaved roads and weather-carved washes create a driving experience that’s more off-road adventure than daily commute. Now imagine the toll this school bus suspension takes on the vehicle, its passengers, and especially the special needs students who rely on this transportation every day.
For one charter school system, these challenges were all too familiar: rattling equipment, loosening fixtures, and a bumpy ride that made every trip an exercise in endurance rather than education.
This was the reality facing Nancy Geesey and her transportation team in 2019. As the transportation director for Kingman Academy, a charter school system that’s been operating for over 30 years, Nancy needed a solution that would alter their entire transportation experience. Their existing fleet, equipped with traditional air ride suspension, wasn’t quite hitting the mark, especially on routes that included dirt roads and mountain passes.
“On our old CE buses, it was kind of like driving a cattle truck when you hit a bump,” Nancy recalls. “The kids in the back seat would really feel it.” The impact went beyond comfort, as they were seeing real maintenance issues, too. Heaters would disconnect from walls, air conditioning ductwork would come loose, and various components would regularly need re-securing. For a charter school system responsible for providing reliable transportation, these challenges were particularly pressing.
Enter LiquidSpring’s smart suspension technology, which is exactly what their fleet needed to tackle Arizona’s demanding terrain.
A Journey to Smoother Rides
Nancy’s introduction to LiquidSpring’s smart suspension technology came through a chance meeting with Travis Ward, National Product Manager for Mobility, at an industry seminar, where she had the chance to drive a bus equipped with LiquidSpring herself. “It’s like going from a go-cart to a Cadillac,” Nancy recalls of her first test drive. “It’s just amazing.”
Convinced the Liquid Spring offered a superior ride, Nancy put in her request. Her charter school district acquired four Navistar CE Series School Buses equipped with LiquidSpring suspension systems, marking a significant upgrade from their previous air ride suspension buses. The decision to invest in this advanced technology centered on creating a better experience for everyone aboard.
Making a Difference for Special Needs Students
One of the most notable improvements has been for students with special needs. “It makes a huge difference for our wheelchair kids,” Nancy explains. “Many aren’t verbal, but we can tell the difference in their experience.” The smoother ride means less jarring movement, which is particularly important for students who may have physical sensitivities or mobility challenges.
The impact extends beyond just comfort. Nancy notes that equipment stability has improved significantly: “The heater hasn’t fallen off the back wall,” she mentions with a laugh, referencing past issues with their older buses. This improved stability means less maintenance and more reliable transportation for students who depend on these specialized services.
Improving the Driver Experience
For drivers, particularly those who spend hours handling challenging routes, the difference has been remarkable. Nancy’s team includes many experienced drivers initially skeptical about switching from their familiar air ride suspension. However, their concerns quickly disappeared once they experienced the LiquidSpring system in action.
“There’s less back pain,” Nancy points out, addressing a common concern for professional drivers. The system’s ability to automatically adjust to road conditions means drivers can focus more on safety and less on bracing for bumps and turns.
Technical Advantages in Real-World Conditions
The LiquidSpring suspension system shows its worth in several key areas:
- Corner Handling: The system includes an automatic feature that prevents fishtailing around corners, improving safety without compromising maneuverability.
- Rough Road Performance: On unmaintained roads and challenging terrain, the system significantly reduces rattling and vibration. Nancy describes a particular route that includes “a mile and a half on a dirt, not maintained road” with water-carved ruts and washes, where the difference is particularly noticeable.
- Equipment Longevity: Nancy reports fewer maintenance issues related to vibration damage. “Nothing has rattled loose,” she notes, comparing the new buses to their older fleet. Air purifiers, windshield components, and AC units all stay firmly in place.
Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Benefits
The improvements extend to areas that might not immediately come to mind:
- Sleeping Students: High school students on longer trips find it easier to rest, thanks to the smoother ride.
- Equipment Transport: When used for robotics team transportation, the stable ride helps protect sensitive equipment.
- Reduced Noise: The quieter operation helps drivers better monitor their passengers and maintain a calmer environment.
- Storage Stability: Items stored on overhead shelves stay in place during turns and over bumps.
The Investment Perspective
While the upfront cost of LiquidSpring suspension systems represents an investment, Nancy’s experience suggests the benefits far outweigh the initial expense. Reduced maintenance needs, improved vehicle longevity, and enhanced passenger comfort create long-term value for school districts.
“We’ll definitely choose LiquidSpring again,” Nancy confirms, looking ahead to future fleet updates. This commitment speaks volumes about the system’s performance and reliability in real-world conditions.
Experience Fluid Motion in Your Fleet
For schools and districts looking to upgrade their transportation experience, LiquidSpring’s smart suspension technology offers a proven solution. It’s time for a smarter suspension that can take you farther with less maintenance and greater comfort.
Contact LiquidSpring to connect with local bus dealers who can demonstrate the advantages of LiquidSpring suspension systems for your fleet. Let’s make effortlessly adventurous transportation a reality for your students and drivers.
