Another transit agency ordered to halt school bus routes

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) directs a Michigan agency to halt several routes that were introduced in 2010 to transport about 300 students. The ruling comes a month after the FTA issued a similar order to a South Dakota transit agency.

Bus driver loses her legs following accident

Police in Flat Rock, Mich., say that the victim, who was not named, was helping another driver plug a bus into a battery charging system when the bus accelerated uncontrolled, hitting the victim. She sustains severe trauma to her lower extremities and has to have both legs amputated above the knee.

Driver credited with saving boy from illegal bus passer

Michigan school bus driver Jayce Dempsey spots an SUV approaching his bus on the right as 9-year-old Casey is preparing to disembark, so he grabs him and pulls him up the stairs as the motorist passes the bus. Casey’s mom, Robin Dunn, tells news outlet mlive.com, “I just want as many people as possible to know this man saved my son’s life.”

How hazard lights can be used for Mich. bus stops

Some Michigan districts are making use of hazard-light school bus stops, which can keep traffic flowing in cases where children don’t cross the street. State law allows the hazard-light stops when certain conditions are met.

Overturned bus training an ‘eye-opener’ for staff

More than 80 people in Van Buren County, Mich., participate in an emergency training event that shows them what it feels like to be in an overturned school bus as well as one filled with smoke. Transportation Supervisor Mark Niewoonder shares details on the hands-on event and how it changed staff members’ perceptions.

Emergency Training in an Overturned Bus

Man steals bus to go to Detroit, record music

Josiah Daniel Curtis tells police this after they receive a call about erratic driving. Curtis reportedly stole the bus from a locked lot and was able to make his way across most of Michigan before authorities apprehended him.

Update: Fired bus supervisor won't face charges

Heidi Mullin was fired after being captured by a cell phone video pushing a 7-year-old student off of her. The county prosecutor finds that while Mullin's actions "were not the best," charges would not be filed against her for pushing the boy away "when he had his coat over her head and she said she had difficulty breathing.”

Mich. districts experience driver shortage

Fruitport, Muskegon, Orchard View and Whitehall districts are all in need of drivers. Officials say that the requirements for the job — including extensive training, split shifts and drug screenings — often deter potential candidates.

First Student names Mich., Ga. location managers

John Kiraly manages all aspects of daily transportation operations for the location serving Saginaw (Mich.) Public Schools, including maintenance, safety and training. Jim Daniel oversees the facility in Savannah, Ga., including all aspects of safety, maintenance and training for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.