The department now uses a simulator that emulates different driving conditions and terrain. Operators don’t need to go out driving in a vehicle to learn how to drive in dangerous circumstances. Drivers learn a certain type of driving system that stresses space, visibility and time to promote the safe operation of vehicles.
The BT maintenance department regularly carries out preventative maintenance procedures and check-ups on all of their vehicles.When it is preparing for a snowstorm, it carries out the same procedures as usual.
“All buses come in at night,” Tucker said. “They’re washed, fueled and ready to go in the morning. Our maintenance department is here early in the morning when there are snow events as well, too, or bad weather.”
On rare occasions, the BT will run on snow routes, which are a subset of the system that it runs on regular. For example, the BT would run on the same roads it normally would on Main Street during a snowstorm, but it may not run on certain parts of Main Street.
The Blacksburg Alert system helps keep the community informed about BT cancellations. Lisa Sedlak, communications specialist for the town of Blacksburg, is in charge of communications through social media.
Blacksburg Alert was launched in September 2003 and is powered by Tele-Works, Inc., a Blacksburg-based company.
“It is an e-mail alert system where people can receive alerts according to various categories, whether they want alerts on recreation activities, community events, development notifications, (or) traffic,” Sedlak said. “Just general e-news which is something we send out every Friday just summing up all of the news, or if they just want public safety or emergency notifications.
“So basically we send these emails out to the lists based on what these people have signed up for.”
The notifications of delays or closings are based on the department. Sedlak said the BT contacts the community relations department to have their services sent over the Blacksburg Alert system through e-mail. Other departments such as parks and recreation or the police department also contact the Blacksburg Alert as well.
During a snowstorm, Blacksburg utilizes its departments to address problems before they affect a majority of the town.
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A version of this article appeared in the Feb 24 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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Blacksburg has done a great job with the roads in recent years. Much faster at getting to small roads too.
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