Student Association Huskie Bus Line safety and internal matters were concerns at Sunday’s senate meeting.

SA Mass Transit Board Adviser Dave Pack said bus safety “is an important issue.” However, Pack did not address the four bus accidents that have occurred within the past month.

There are about 3.18 accidents per 100,000 miles, Pack said. Huskie buses travel 375,000 miles and average about 10 accidents per year, he said.

“You’re bound to have accidents,” said Sen. Todd Allen, who is also a mass transit board member. The Huskie Bus Line is recognized second for safety ridership in Illinois according to the Chicago Transit Authority, he said.

Pack told senators that Huskie bus drivers must pass a series of checks, exams and observations to be eligible to drive, according to Huskie Line Safety Policies.

A driver’s license background check, Illinois driver’s license exam, medical exam, two semester evaluations and a follow-up background check are some of the policies bus drivers must follow.

Sen. Mark Harkness said Huskie bus managers “beat it into the driver’s head to ignore the schedule” when safety is needed. “They really try to get the drivers to take care.”

In other business, the senate approved a new seating arrangement bylaw, so senators can see the executive board and staff members better.

With the plan, the president pro-tem is separated from the senate, president and treasurer, and sits near the secretary and vice president, who act as an adviser, said Sen. James Mertes, one of three proposal sponsors. The rest of the senate sits in a horseshoe formation facing the executives.

“I don’t know why they waste their time putting it in the bylaws, but they’re the body and they can do what they want,” said Pro-Tem Thomas Gary.

The plan passed 23-7, but not all were pleased. “I’m a little upset that we spent roughly 15 minutes on how we’re going to sit,” said Sen. Jody Jancaric.