SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School Bus Driver Found Not at Fault in Crash With Transit Bus

After initially suggesting that the school bus driver was to blame, transit police in Boston issue a correction saying that the transit bus driver failed to stop at a flashing red light.

Thomas McMahon
Thomas McMahonExecutive Editor
March 27, 2018
2 min to read


BOSTON — The driver of a school bus was not at fault in a collision with a transit bus here on Monday, transit police said — correcting an earlier statement on the crash.

The incident, which involved a Boston Public Schools school bus and a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) transit bus, occurred at about 5:43 a.m. on Monday.

Ad Loading...

The MBTA Transit Police issued a statement that morning in response to media requests about the crash. In that statement, the police department said that a preliminary investigation suggested that the school bus driver was at fault.

Later in the day, MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan made a follow-up statement after “a more thorough review of the incident,” providing a clearer picture of what happened.

The MBTA transit bus was being driven by a 57-year-old man who has worked for the agency for 20 years. According to Sullivan’s updated statement, the transit bus driver failed to stop for a flashing red light at an intersection, and his bus collided with the Boston Public Schools bus, which had already entered the intersection.

There were no students on the school bus at the time. Five passengers on the transit bus reported minor injuries and were treated at the scene or at local hospitals.

Sullivan said that although the incident was still under investigation as of Monday afternoon, “we know enough, with confidence, the MBTA bus operator will be issued a Massachusetts citation for failure to stop.”

Ad Loading...

Sullivan added that the MBTA Transit Police tries to be as transparent as possible with the media for these types of incidents, but he regrets the earlier error of suggesting that the school bus driver was to blame.

“I accept full responsibility for the unintended misinformation released earlier,” Sullivan said. “We are grateful no one was seriously injured and particularly grateful school children were not on board at the time of the incident."

More Safety

A blue and white graphic with text reading "2026 Safety & Operations Report" with an image of the cover of the report.
Safetyby StaffMay 4, 2026

Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes

The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026

Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
A close-up view of the top of a yellow school bus with “School Bus” signage and red lights, overlaid with a cracked-glass effect. Text on the image reads, “Multi-Vehicle Crash in TN Takes 2 Lives” and “March 27, 2026,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 17, 2026

2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck

A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.

Read More →
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of Wisconsin political figures by a table and text reading "Legislative Roundup April 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades

From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 9, 2026

Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.

Read More →
Children cross in front of a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended while a nearby vehicle waits, illustrating school zone safety and risks of illegal passing.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 9, 2026

Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders

Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.

Read More →
Graphic featuring a headshot of Michael Graham, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wearing a dark suit and red tie against an orange gradient background, with “Leadership Update” and School Bus Fleet branding on the left.
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety

A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic with bold yellow background and red headline reading “A Split Second from Disaster,” alongside a photo of a freight train traveling down railroad tracks. Subtext reads, “What one incident reminds us about railroad crossing safety,” with School Bus Fleet branding at the bottom.
Safetyby Amanda HuggettApril 7, 2026

'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders

Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.

Read More →