GREAT BAY (GIS)—The bus inspection for public transport of school children is complete. All buses were inspected in the parking lot of the Jose Lake, Jr. Sports Park; many have passed the inspection, while others have failed for several reasons, but mainly due to students cutting seats or marking chairs. Those busses that failed will have an opportunity to rectify the situation.
One of the most important aspects of the inspection, besides the mechanical and safety part, was the comfort of students. Therefore, some buses were advised to fix or adjust certain aspects in order for them to get an approval or passing grade from the inspectors.
Section Head for school bussing and taxi dispatching, Martha Thewet, said that “for the most part, the buses are in good condition, but this year, there seems to be the issue of the cutting and marking of the seats by students. “Once this happens, the seating becomes uncomfortable for the students.” Thewet said. Students traveling on the Public School Bus Transportation System are asked to refrain from such destructive behaviour in the future.
We also made sure that there was a First Aide Kit on board, a fire extinguisher, and the emergency/rear exist were in proper working order, Thewet pointed out.
Other items that were checked were Insurance, drivers/bus license, license plate, details of the bus, i.e. chassis number, the front and rear lights, foot and hand brakes, indicators, seating capacity, windshield, wipers, steering, muffler, tires, and spare, among other details.
Thewet said that 29 busses were inspected, and approximately 11 busses failed the inspection.
Recommendations were made on the spot to the school bus owners/drivers about the failing points. Additionally, bus owners will be getting official notices as well, early next week.
The entire school bussing section is experiencing a total upgrade in terms of screening all bus drivers, and the entire administration.
Thewet pointed out that all busses have to be inspected. “I would like to encourage all school bus owners to please contact the department to make an appointment as soon as possible. Failure to show up for the annual school bus inspection is an automatic failure. And failing the inspection also means that the bus or busses that were not inspected will not be allowed to operate and transport school children for the island government.”