Date: Fri 22-Dec-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

bus-drivers-school-snow-

Full Text:

WITH PHOTO: For Newtown's Bus Drivers, Snow Is Not A Pretty Sight

B Y ST EVE B IGHAM

When the snow flies, the geography of Newtown can be dreamlike, but for the

town's hardy band of bus drivers, who must negotiate the terrain with precious

cargo, snow can be a nightmare.

Such was the case Tuesday when the bus drivers traversed Newtown's 600 miles

of roads just as the Northeast's first major snowstorm of the winter broke

out. Fortunately, the schools had an early dismissal, buying the drivers added

time.

School was canceled Wednesday, allowing the drivers a day to catch their

breath as they head into what is expected to be a nasty winter.

"We've got to be extra cautious. Buses are well prepared to handle this storm,

but we have to watch out for the cars," noted Transportation Director Mary

Kelly, who is on the phone with Superintendent of Schools John Reed at 5 am

some winter mornings determining a plan of action.

With snow flakes falling, a group of bus drivers gathered outside Newtown

Middle School to discuss driving their big yellow buses in the snow.

"You just have to go out there and take your time," noted Johnny Cash, who's

been transporting local youngsters to school and back for more than 20 years.

His wife, Bunny, is also an experienced bus driver, but admits she's not a fan

of getting behind the wheel in the snow.

"They call me `the fair weather bus driver,' because I hate driving in it,"

she explained.

The drivers say it's a dream come true for them when they manage to get behind

a snow plow while on their route, and they all agree the town is a big help in

making sure the buses all reach their destinations safely.

"If you get stuck, they'll come out and say, `follow me,'" Mr Cash explained.

Mrs Kelly was on the phone all morning and into the afternoon with parents.

Many were concerned about what time their children would arrive home, while

others were worried they may not be able to get home in time to meet their

youngsters.

"We never drop the younger kids off if no one is home. We bring them back to

the school if that is the case," she said.

What's the toughest road in Newtown to travel on in the snow? It depends on

who you ask. Some say its Scudder Road, others say Jeremiah and Osborne Hill

roads are the worst. Castle Hill Road is no cake walk, either, according to

another driver.

"Everyone has their own worst road," noted Andy Carroll, a longtime Newtown

bus driver.

"Each one thinks they've got the toughest road, but I think the toughest road

to drive on is Route 302," noted Charles Rudolph, who's been transporting kids

for the past 31 years. "All the trailer trucks and the traffic makes it tough

as hell. George Oberstadt drives it now. Anyone who drives that is really

earning his pay."

The drivers have several new techniques to aid their cause, including

on-the-spot chains, which can be released over the tires with the touch of a

button from inside the bus.

Mr Rudolph, a Newtown resident since the FDR administration and a former

Newtown police officer, said drivers are much more drained after a stressful

day of trudging their buses along the sometimes icy roads.

"You're a lot more tired because you've got to be on your toes because you

don't know what's coming around the corner at you," he explained.

Buses tend to run late when the snow hits, sometimes finishing their routes

more than an hour behind schedule.

"It takes patience and cautiousness. We have one of the most responsible jobs

there is, driving these kids home safely everyday," Mr Rudolph said. "Newtown

is fortunate to have a great group of drivers."