MERIDEN, Conn. — In the weeks after First Student took over the Meriden school bus routes, parents in the school district said there are ongoing issues, such as buses running late while some drivers are unsafe. The bus company has replaced New Britain Transportation (NBT) for most routes after diver strikes and new company deals shook up transportation routines this past fall.
This all started in September when the Meriden drivers under the New Britain Transportation bus company went on strike due to wanting higher wages and better benefits. A permanent deal between the union and NBT was never reached.
Instead, the district hired First Student to take over the contract starting with the post-Christmas routes on Jan. 2.
Some of the NBT drivers told FOX61 they stayed on with First Student in that transition.
Many of the parents FOX61 spoke with didn’t want to be identified for fear their child would get in trouble, but they said that after First Student took charge, kids are sometimes missing class and sporting events and dealing with drivers who aren’t always as safe as they should be.
Melissa Manjoney, a parent of two high school students, said her kids are often picked up almost an hour late, the driver on multiple incidents has gone over train tracks with the track warning lights flashing or is texting while driving, and drop off is often delayed.
Other parents said their child’s bus has broken down on the way to school or track meets on more than one occasion.
Manjoney said she has tried to get in touch with First Student to report the issues, but usually can’t get through to anyone. She said she was able to speak with a representative once but was told the “issues are being looked at.”
First Student addressed the issues in a statement to FOX61, which said in part, “As drivers learned new bus routes, and adjustments continue to be made, there have been some delays with buses picking up and dropping off students. We understand the frustration this causes parents, and we appreciate their patience as we establish our operations in Meriden.”
Leaders at First Student also mentioned they have a strict maintenance program each bus goes through. Manjoney told us all the issues combined are starting to be unacceptable.
“They were late three out of five days and yeah it’s excused tardy, but they are still late,” Manjoney said. “They’re missing breakfast, they’re late to homeroom, so they miss some stuff if they’re late to class.”
She and other parents said they are going to try to arrange other transportation to school if the issues continue much longer even though it will take a toll on their family’s morning routine.
FOX61 also reached out to Meriden city leaders for a response but was told to contact First Student as this is a matter of the bus company.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.