School Superintendent addresses bus safety concerns after near-miss at railroad crossing

The Canton School Committee convened on December 19, 2024, to address critical safety concerns following a recent incident involving a school bus and a railroad crossing. The meeting focused on the steps being taken to enhance safety protocols and prevent future occurrences.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of a troubling incident where a substitute bus driver failed to stop at a designated area during inclement weather. The superintendent reported that the bus company, 1st Student, has taken full accountability and is actively working on corrective measures. This includes retraining all drivers and collaborating with a federal agency specializing in transportation safety.

In response to the incident, the school district has already rerouted several buses to avoid crossing the problematic area, which has been described as having a challenging angle for visibility. The superintendent emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that three out of four buses that previously crossed the area have been redirected.

Committee members raised questions about the specifics of the incident, including whether the bus could have reversed to avoid the situation. The superintendent indicated that the investigation suggested a lack of decisive action from the driver, which could have mitigated the risk.

Further discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of all railroad crossings in the area. The superintendent expressed a desire to work with the MBTA and town officials to ensure that safety markings and notifications are clear and up to date. The goal is to have all crossings meet the standards of the most recently improved locations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing safety evaluations and improvements. The superintendent reassured the community that the district is dedicated to addressing these issues thoroughly and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The next steps include further collaboration with local authorities and a follow-up meeting scheduled for January to assess progress and additional measures.