Krise representatives say bus service improving

Two company officials spoke at Thursday’s West Mifflin Area school board meeting.

After a no-show at last week’s meeting and a bus driver cited for hitting a parked car this week, representatives of Krise Transportation addressed West Mifflin Area’s school board Thursday evening.

Regional Operations Manager Hoby Howard and Terminal Manager Joseph Tamburo were on hand to discuss ongoing problems with the bus service.

Issues such as delays, route changes, skipping stops and more were brought up online since the first day of school Aug. 20 — resulting in three town hall meetings for parents to voice their concerns.

“During the first several days of service, we experienced challenges that come with any large-scale transportation transition,” Howard said. “The story of the first 19 days is not where we started, but where we improved. Today, the operation is performing at the strongest level since the start of the school year. While there is still work ahead, (we are) still moving in the right direction.”

Howard added that the bus company has a commitment to provide safe, reliable transportation for every student, every day, and to build a transportation system that the West Mifflin Area community can depend on.

According to Howard, some of the issues included driver familiarization with new routes even after dry runs, student assignment confusion, traffic congestion caused by major construction projects and a significant CDL driver shortage.

They are trying to fix the bus routing issues by using 31 CDL vans approved by the district, Howard said.

He added that Krise is working with the district to fix other problems such as trying to get a bus terminal in the district to eliminate some transportation delays.

The bus company also qualified three CDL drivers last week, and two additional CDL drivers are starting next week, and the company is offering bonuses for fully credentialed CDL drivers.

The school board approved a contract with Krise Transportation in March. Representatives were scheduled to speak at the Sept. 10 workshop meeting, but were unable to attend because they were doing additional bus driver training.

Neither Howard nor Tamburo addressed the issue of the driver being cited for hitting a parked car and leaving the scene during her first day driving students.

Police chief Gregory Mc-Culloch told the Mon Valley Independent this week that leaving the scene is illegal, even though Krise’s “standard procedure” is to make sure the students are secure and take them to school rather than stopping.

Howard added that they have reduced parent concerns and the call volume through improved communication — with some families saying their bus is on time or early — along with consistency and efficiency with routes.

During public comment, which the Krise representatives did not stay at the meeting to listen to, resident Diane Kacsuta said accidents should not be happening and alleged that buses are speeding down streets and running stop signs. She added that she has had a hard time getting in communication with Howard.

“I have spoken numerous times about the bus, and we are still having the same issues, and they are not all corrected,” Kacsuta said. “Things are not being corrected as they should. They can hire as many buses as they want, but these buses aren’t doing the routes they should be. This needs to stop. They’re endangering our children.”

Kacsuta encouraged the school board to follow or ride along on one of the buses, and said her granddaughter refuses to get on the bus. She has reached out to the Pennsylvania Board of Education as well.

Resident Todd Harris said he has more questions than answers, adding that he has been “very troubled” by the stories he has heard from parents and something else needs to be done.

“While I’m grateful that they are making improvements, those improvements shouldn’t come at the cost of my kids, at the cost of our family’s schedule, at the cost of our family’s resources,” Harris said. “That’s not how a company should be improving. That needed to be done long before our kids got on the bus. It’s not their job to test these routes and be the guinea pigs for this company.”

School Board President Kevin Squires said there is a gap in communication, and that issues are resolved with clear communication.

“I know it’s been a frustrating time for families, for (Krise), for administration, and it’s something that (Krise) wants to get resolved, and are working toward,” Squires said. “We are certainly putting forth any effort we can to help (Krise) accomplish those goals.”

Krise Transportation is under contract to provide transportation services for the district until June 30, 2031.

Parents with concerns can contact the district’s representative from Krise Transportation at 412-346-4108 or send an email to jtamburo@krisetran. com. In other business:

• The district approved a quote from Tyler Technologies to modify 19 buses so an advanced vehicle location system can be utilized by Krise drivers. It also enables families to track their children on an app. It will cost $1,140, and installation is scheduled for mid-October.

• A $3,600 quote for the installation of two new fourinch shut-off valves at the high school stadium was also approved. They are needed to stop water leakage in the concession area.

• No issues were found as lead testing throughout the district and air quality testing at the high school were conducted in August.