Bus Study Blames Problems on Disorganization, Low Pay

Poor management and low wages were the root of sloppy, inefficient school bus service by Laidlaw Transit in two Santa Clarita Valley school districts, according to a report that they commissioned.

The report, released Friday, also chided the districts, saying they did not monitor Laidlaw’s operations closely until the problems became acute. The report made 42 recommendations for improving driver training, monitoring of bus service and upgrading the hiring procedures.

The report was commissioned by the William S. Hart Union High School District and Newhall School District last year after parents and school officials complained that buses habitually ran late and drivers were often unfamiliar with their routes. Parents also charged that drivers improperly disciplined unruly students.

Peat Marwick Main & Co., a certified public accounting firm, was paid $30,000 to conduct the audit. School officials said a third-party review of Laidlaw, the largest school bus company in the state, was the only way to restore public confidence in the districts’ bus service.

Many of the problems stemmed from low wages that contributed to high turnover among drivers, the report said. “Laidlaw’s hourly wages are between $2.27 and $3.95 per hour less than those of neighboring school districts,” the report said. Laidlaw drivers earn from $6.50 to $7.75 an hour.

Poor organization produced other problems. The company had to rely on substitutes because it was unable to recruit and train enough drivers.

The recommendations will be reviewed by Hart trustees Tuesday. The trustees will probably include many of the recommendations when they request bids for a new transportation contract starting July 1.

The report recommends higher wages and more stringent background checks on prospective bus drivers. Drivers should be trained in student discipline, the report suggested.

It also recommended that the districts monitor their bus contractors more closely, suggesting, for example, that credentials of all drivers be verified every September and January.

The report recommended equipping the districts’ transportation coordinator with a computer to handle the extra administrative responsibilities.

The districts pay Laidlaw about $1 million a year to transport 3,600 Santa Clarita Valley schoolchildren. Laidlaw’s contract with both districts expires in June. Laidlaw officials have said they intend to bid on a new contract.

Laidlaw officials could not be reached for comment Friday. The company has acknowledged many of the problems addressed in the report and has taken the unusual step of housing drivers in Santa Clarita motels so that morning runs would start on time.