VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Service trucks were dispatched to repair numerous Virginia Beach City Public School buses experiencing mechanical problems on Tuesday.
VBCPS told News 3 that 71 buses faced various mechanical issues, including frozen doors, air leaks, and failure to start. The buses reporting problems were spread across the city.
Four service trucks were sent out to address the issues with the buses.
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Additionally, VBCPS noted that the high number of callouts on Tuesday exacerbated the situation. Thirty-five drivers called out on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of absent drivers to 75.
This figure is double that of a typical day, according to VBCPS.
News 3 is also taking a look at how school divisions decide whether or not to cancel school for winter weather.
School leaders engage with meteorologists and first responders to receive updates on the conditions affecting transportation. Additionally, they consult with other school divisions to gauge the broader impact of weather on operations.
Last year, News 3 got a firsthand look into the decision-making process of Chesapeake school leaders emphasized their commitment to safety.
“We’d rather have a safe student or a safe staff member on a day like this than to go the other way and have something go wrong,” said Paul Wilson, Chesapeake Public Schools Director of Student Support Services, during an interview in 2024.
Their preparations often begin in the wee hours of the morning.
“We’re checking bridges, we’re checking overpasses just to try and make a determination on if there is any frozen precipitation if it’s starting to accumulate on the roads,” said Dr. David Benson, the Director of Transportation in 2024.
A collaborative efforts goes into whether or not school will be canceled.
“We can use all the data that we’ve collected and make the best decision or best recommendation possible to our superintendent, who ultimately makes the final decision as to whether or not we’re going to close, we’re going to be delayed, or we’re going to open as usual,” said Dr. Benson.
As winter weather sweeps across Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) buses are facing widespread mechanical issues. The frigid temperatures and icy conditions are putting a strain on the fleet of buses, leading to delays and cancellations for students.
Many buses have been experiencing issues such as engine malfunctions, frozen fuel lines, and battery failures. This has resulted in numerous breakdowns and delays in picking up and dropping off students at their designated stops.
Parents and students have voiced their frustrations over the unreliable bus service, with some students even missing important exams and classes due to the delays. VBCPS officials have acknowledged the problems and are working to address the issues as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, parents are advised to stay informed about any updates or changes to the bus schedule and to make alternative transportation arrangements if necessary. The safety and well-being of students remain a top priority for VBCPS, and efforts are being made to ensure that all students are transported safely to and from school despite the challenging winter conditions.
Tags:
- VBCPS buses
- mechanical issues
- winter weather
- Virginia Beach schools
- school buses
- transportation problems
- maintenance issues
- weather-related challenges
- school district news
- emergency repairs.
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