West Mifflin Area School District

Dr. Daniel Castagna

West Mifflin Area School District

1020 Lebanon Rd Ste 250

West Mifflin PA 15122

Dear Dr. Castagna,

I am writing in regard to the West Mifflin school bus that services Irwin Run Rd. Twice in the past two weeks, this driver has “gotten stuck” driving downhill in moderately snowy conditions, blocking the passage of vehicles and creating an unsafe situation for everyone involved.

First of all, it makes no sense that the bus “got stuck” going downhill.  Put it in neutral, coast the rest of the way down and get onto Rt 885 which is clear.  Secondly, if you are going to “get stuck” going downhill, at least clear out of the way and allow traffic to pass.  The first time the bus was on a slight diagonal, but enough to make both lanes impassable.  Per an officer of the West Mifflin PD, I had to pass on the opposite side of the bus.

In the second incident the bus was in both lanes, but to a lesser degree.  It had its flashers on, fooling drivers into thinking they could not pass because children were boarding.  This caused vehicular traffic coming up the hill to stop and, in the somewhat snowy conditions, it was difficult to start back up again.  Not to mention the fact that this bus left barely enough room to pass.

Twice in two weeks -- this is nuts.  It is time for this amateur driver to learn the ropes and stop creating hazards for all else involved.

Sincerely,

CC: Pennsylvania Coach Lines

415 Rebecca St

McKeesport PA  15132