FBN: Bus Safety An Issue

FBISD Bus Drivers Say They Are Told To Ignore ‘Minor’ Repair Needs
by John Pape, Fortbendnow

Minor repairs to Fort Bend ISD school buses are not being done, according to some district bus drivers who say they have been told not to “write up” such problems.

Several Fort Bend ISD bus drivers have confirmed that they have been told not to report minor repair needs because there are not enough mechanics to handle the work. The shortage of maintenance personnel is due to the fact that there are not enough bus drivers to drive daily routes and maintenance personnel are routinely being used to as replacement drivers. The remaining available mechanics are needed to concentrate on more critical bus repairs, the drivers say.

“We have been told not to write up minor repairs because of the manpower shortage,” one driver said.

He added that drivers were given the directive as far back as January and he fears that the backlog of needed repairs, although they may be minor, may eventually build up to a point where bus safety is compromised.

“Where will it stop? When will all these issues be addressed?” another driver asked. “When we break down on the side of the road with a bus load of kids?”

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