Sep 3, 2002 2 min read

Fifty-eight of 379 school buses failed a pre-school inspection by state police at Belle Vernon, who issued 240 written warnings to 10 bus companies covering school districts in the Mon Valley. A report from trooper William E. Coddington, school bus safety coordinator, noted that in two cases, a bus’ brake line burst when the brakes were applied and the inspector was underneath the bus.

The report also noted that all bus exhaust pipes should be actually connected to the next pipe, preferably with exhaust clamps or bands, and that body panels should not “disintegrate” when touched.

Of the 10 bus companies subject to inspection at 12 locations, Elizabeth Forward/Laidlaw had the best showing, with 66 buses passing and only four failing, for a passing rate of 94.2 percent.

Belle Vernon Area School District had a 75 percent passing rate, with 24 buses passing and eight failing.

A sampling of the other results follows:

– Impiccini Bus Co. had a 90 percent passing rate, with 20 buses passing and two failing.

– Ringgold School District had an 89.7 percent passing rate, with 35 buses passing and four failing.

– PA Coach Lines Inc. had an 88.6 percent passing rate, with 70 buses passing and nine failing.

– Hilltop Bus Line had a 70 percent passing rate, with seven buses passing and three failing.

– Charleroi Area School District had a 50 percent passing rate, with 11 buses passing and 11 failing.

– Shimshock Bus Lines had a 50 percent passing rate, with one bus passing and one failing.

– Prior Bus Lines had a 42.8 percent passing rate, with three buses passing and four failing.