A bus driver for Hays CISD submitted their resignation following a harrowing incident that occurred last Tuesday in Kyle, where a school bus narrowly avoided a collision with a train. As per a report by KVUE, the vehicle was captured on City of Kyle livestream footage, halting too far into an intersection at a downtown railroad crossing. Moments before a train passed by, the bus managed to reverse out of harm's way. The crossing arms had already descended, striking the hood of the bus as the situation unfolded.
There was a confirmation from district officials that no students were present on the bus during the near miss, and, fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to the bus. This latest occurrence is part of a troubling pattern of transportation incidents involving Hays CISD. The previous day, a district bus became trapped in a sinkhole, an event stemming from a burst water pipe. This series of events, including last year's tragic crash involving a cement truck that resulted in a student's death, has raised concerns about transportation safety within the community.
In a statement obtained by CBS Austin, it's noted that the bus encountered issues at a railroad crossing in downtown Kyle, where the crossing's barrier arm came down on the vehicle. While the driver chose to resign post-incident, the district reported no damage was sustained to the bus.
Community members, feeling the cumulative weight of these incidents, have voiced their concerns. Laura Ramirez-Mann, a Hays CISD parent, described the dangers posed by aggressive driving and the frequent train crossings in downtown Kyle. "I've seen cars go around buses. That's not legal, and it's not safe," Ramirez-Mann told KVUE. She emphasized that community members need to exercise patience, especially at fraught intersections where impatience can lead to such near calamities. She and others are calling for a greater emphasis on safety and composure behind the wheel to ensure the well-being of the children and school staff.
The district is now faced with the task of addressing these safety issues to restore confidence in its transportation system among parents and the wider community. These repetitive incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially in areas of heavy traffic and near railroads. The district has yet to announce any specific measures or changes in response to the latest events. As the community calls for action, the district's response will be closely watched by those who entrust their children's safety to the school transportation system daily.
