The Regional Transportation and Safety Institute (RTSI) is a consortium of nine intermediate school districts in south and southwest Michigan. Through the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (Kalamazoo RESA), RTSI provides state-mandated pupil transportation training and management consulting services to 140 member public and private school districts employing 2,500 school bus drivers. Funds to support RTSI are provided by Section 74 through the Michigan Department of Education and the fee charged for training activities.
Beginning School Bus Driver Training is the basic introductory three-day or five-day safety course delivered to approximately 250 drivers annually. Classes are scheduled monthly throughout the school year to meet the growing needs of the consortium.
School Bus Driver Continuing Education includes six hours of safety training curriculum developed by the state to allow participants to review and improve their bus driving knowledge and skills. The materials for bus driver training programs were developed under a grant by the Michigan Department of Education.
Defensive Driving Certification Class at the Eaton Proving Grounds is a unique private/public sector training relationship. Since 1978, the relationship between Kalamazoo RESA and Eaton Corporation has been the longest-running active cooperative private/public sector driver safety education venture in the nation. Drivers receive hands-on defensive driving and precision driving instruction and practice.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Road Skills Tests are offered by appointment through Kalamazoo RESA by Michigan Department of State approved third-party examiners. All tests require applicants to meet state pre-requisites and provide the proper testing vehicle.
Consortium members also receive management consulting and information dissemination services. Telephone and on-site visitations are made by staff to assist district superintendents, business managers, and supervisors meet fleet management, operation, and planning needs.
The Regional Transportation and Safety Institute (RTSI) is a consortium of nine intermediate school districts in south and southwest Michigan. Through the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (Kalamazoo RESA), RTSI provides state-mandated pupil transportation training and management consulting services to 140 member public and private school districts employing 2,500 school bus drivers. Funds to support RTSI are provided by Section 74 through the Michigan Department of Education and the fee charged for training activities.
