HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Emergency responders in Hagerstown plan to burn a bus as part of a mass-transit training program.

The fire is scheduled Friday as part of the Transportation Association of Maryland’s annual convention. The four-day conference opens Tuesday in the western Maryland city.

Conference planners say emergency preparedness is a highlight of this year’s gathering of more than 150 transportation professionals.

The agenda also includes a program on accident investigations.

Other sessions will teach transit managers to communicate quickly with customers using social media and mobile devices.

Howard County’s rideshare coordinator will run a panel discussion on attracting more customers to mass transit by adding bicycle racks and other services for bike riders.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)