An independent investigation is on the horizon for Transdev, the French company in charge of school transportation for the city of Boston. The move comes after a tragic incident in Hyde Park where a 5-year-old boy named Lens Joseph was fatally struck by a BPS bus almost a month ago.
Who’s in Charge Here?
Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper have taken the reins to ensure safety protocols are scrutinized following the heartbreaking loss of Joseph. Natashia Tidwell, a former federal prosecutor and police officer, has been enlisted to lead the investigation and evaluate Transdev’s safety policies and performance while working with the city.
What Went Wrong?
The driver involved in the fatal accident, Jean Charles, had an expired school bus certificate at the time of the crash. This raised concerns about Transdev’s oversight of its drivers, as the company is responsible for ensuring all necessary licensing and certifications are up to date. Charles had a history of minor incidents leading up to the tragedy, including a recent collision that prompted retraining.
How Did It Happen?
Charles was on an alternate route the day of the accident, covering an early release from Up Academy in Dorchester. He missed a turn and ended up at the intersection where the collision occurred, instead of dropping Joseph off at his intended stop on Glenwood Avenue. The community mourns the loss of Joseph, a hard-working student known for his love of math and willingness to help others.
What’s Being Done?
In response to the incident, BPS officials have been meeting daily with Transdev safety personnel. An audit of all drivers in Boston revealed seven individuals with credential issues were taken off the road. Additional safety staff are being brought in for refresher training to address any shortcomings. The Boston City Council has also approved a hearing to delve into the hiring, training, and certification processes of BPS bus drivers.
Is This Enough?
Critics, including mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, feel the independent investigation is long overdue and question the city’s handling of the situation. Concerns linger about the renewal of Transdev’s contract despite past performance issues. Kraft calls for more transparency and accountability from the Mayor’s office to prevent future tragedies.
In conclusion, the city of Boston faces a critical examination of its school transportation system in the wake of Lens Joseph’s untimely death. The quest for answers and accountability is underway, with hopes of implementing changes to prevent such a devastating loss from happening again.
