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Bus Profiles

A bus profile is the long-form vehicle record that does not fit in a maintenance system. It combines specifications, photographs, acquisition history, configuration, work performed, known issues, unusual features, operating impressions, and lessons learned.

Document the Vehicle While the Details Are Available

Fleet records answer when a part was replaced. A profile can explain why the bus was purchased, what made the configuration useful, which changes worked, what repeatedly failed, how the vehicle felt to operate, and what I would do differently when buying the next one.

Profiles are being prepared. The section structure and reusable template are installed. Add the first vehicle by copying the template described below.

Using the Bus Profile Template

  1. Copy the server-side file /hobbies/buses/templates/bus-profile-template.php into the /hobbies/buses/profiles/ directory. The installed template can be previewed here.
  2. Rename the copy to a descriptive lowercase filename, such as 2015-blue-bird-all-american.php.
  3. Edit only the $busProfile array at the beginning of the copied file.
  4. Upload photographs to a vehicle-specific image directory and add them to the profile array.
  5. Add the published profile to the $busProfiles array near the top of this index page.

Example copy command

cp /hobbies/buses/templates/bus-profile-template.php \
   /hobbies/buses/profiles/2015-blue-bird-all-american.php

What a Complete Profile Records

Identity and specifications

Year, manufacturer, body, chassis, engine, transmission, length, capacity, brakes, mileage, acquisition source, and service status.

Configuration

Seat type, restraints, air conditioning, doors, emergency exits, luggage, electrical equipment, cameras, radio, PA, and accessibility.

Vehicle story

Why it was purchased, work completed, recurring issues, trips or roles, operating impressions, disposition, and lessons learned.

Photograph Checklist

  • Front, rear, driver side, and passenger side.
  • Driver’s area and complete dashboard.
  • Passenger interior from front and rear.
  • Engine compartment and major identification labels.
  • Doors, emergency exits, luggage, battery, electrical, and specialty compartments.
  • Unusual features, modifications, repairs, damage, and before-and-after comparisons.