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Posted on 10/07/2003 9:17:13 AM PDT by Flyer
School Bus Services Keep Rolling With Lawmakers' Help
State Regulation Put Privatized Transportation Companies In Jeopardy
HOUSTON -- Privatized buses were put in a bind Monday when it looked like they wouldn't be rolling. But, with the help of a few local lawmakers, the companies and state regulators hammered out a truce, allowing the operators to continue running until a firm decision is made regarding insurance coverage.
Small private bus companies transport thousands of students -- mostly low income -- to and from Houston schools everyday. The bus services carry students that Houston Independent school district buses will not carry -- anyone that lives within a 2-mile radius of the school they attend.
But, last week, the state suddenly began enforcing insurance regulations on the private bus services -- regulations that operators and owners said will put them out of business.
"We're gonna have to fold. If we don't run, we won't get paid and parents will be stuck out there, kids won't be able to get school and they will have to stay home," bus operator Mary Thomas said.
Over 100 private operators went to court Monday to ask for a restraining order to stop the state from enforcing the 7-year-old insurance law.
"We feel very strongly that this is selective enforcement. We believe that these people have been singled out. (The situation) could have been handled a lot better," League of United Latin American Citizens Johnny Mata said.
The regulations require the bus service to provide a $5 million bond per bus in order to transport students.
"They've never done that before. These folks have met all the city requirements and all the state requirements with regard to certification and inspections and licensing. So, all of a sudden to attempt to pigeon hole these folks into a different category is a problem," bus operators' attorney Al Flores said.
Operators said they would have to raise the rates they are currently offering parents from $8 - $12 per week, per child to $50 - $75 per week, per child -- prices parents say they can't afford.
"I'm going to be working just to pay the buses ... it's too much money and I won't be able to afford it," parent Esmeralda Herrera said.
The operators didn't get the temporary restraining order they were asking for so local lawmakers intervened.
State agencies agreed Monday not to enforce state regulations until an agreement could be worked out.
Legislators said the rules regarding privatized bus services must change. Currently, they are listed in the same vehicle class as hazardous waste haulers.
They had 7 years to comply.
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I could go for jitneys.
I'm no fan of excessive regulation, but what gets me about this story is the "Oppressed minorities" tack it has taken and the exemption they want.
Absolutely.. one simply cannot expect any of the parents to figure out
some way to negotiate the gruelling two-mile run to get the kids to school!
Whaddya think they are, logistics experts???
I think that each private school bus should have to carry liability insurance equal to the total judgements against Dr. Pepper when one of their trucks hit a bus several years ago. After all, if the bus had run off the road on its own who would they have been able to sue?
At an average of 25 mph, that's 4.8 minutes one way. If both parents are already at work - leaving their children to fend for themselves - maybe a neighbor could give them a ride, or an older sibling. Or - GASP! - maybe they could walk.
The school district (i.e. you and me) for not providing free buses.
I'm thinking $50.00 buys a used bicycle.
The parents save $382.00 dollars a year based on a 36 week school year,
at the $8.00 a week bus rate, after initial outlay.
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