Cromwell Chronicle--September 2005--Driving Force

As the new school year begins, the bus drivers of the Cromwell school buses are getting ready for a job that they truly love. Some of the drivers have only been driving for a short time, others for many years. But all of the drivers have one thing in common. They all enjoy the job because of the children. In Cromwell, all of the school bus drivers are part-time employees of DATTCO, the family owned bus company that provides services for many of the districts in Connecticut. DATTCO operates 14 buses and has 14 drivers for Cromwell alone. It serves grades from kindergarten through grade 12.

The driver’s dedication and enthusiasm for the job is remarkable. Iris Arroyo, who hass been with DATTCO for 1 year, said, “I love this job. I enjoy driving and seeing the kids every day.” Rose Walton, who has driven school buses for 16 years agreed. “As drivers, we share a bond with the kids. They know we care about them and their safety and they care about us in return,” Walton said. “If we are out sick one day, the next day the children are asking if we are feeling better and tell us they missed us.”

Walton also likes that she can take her grandson with her in her route. “The schoolchildren love seeing him on their bus and it gives me a chance to be with him.”

The drivers also get to know the children they transport to the point they can tell what kind of meed a child is in. If someone is in a bad mood, sometimes just getting a cheerful greeting from the diver is enough to make them smile and start their school day on a happy note.

Bob Water, who has been driving school buses for nine years, said, “We see the children every morning and afternoon and they are glad to see their own driver. The kids really appreciate that we care about their safety too.”

Laura Liseo has been driving for Cromwell for seven years. She says the best part of the job is the children. “It’s a really great job because you see the children year after year and see them when they grow up. It’s really amazing. Sometimes you make their day just by giving them a high five, it cheers them up,” said Liseo.

As a company, DATTCO’s primary concern is that the children get to school safely each day. New drivers receive specialized training to help them prepare for DMV tests so they can qualify for their Commercial Driver’s License. Once the written exam is passed, drivers are trained off the road before heading on public streets. They also must pass background checks and drug tests. But the training does not stop there. The drivers receive training in safety, student discipline, and how to help students with special needs. They are also trained in emergency evacuation and anti-terror procedure.

Every August, there is a meeting for drivers, school superintendents and bus managers. It begins with an extensive presentation on safety and then drivers receive their bus routes for the school year. In addition, the drivers attend monthly safety meetings. During the meeting safety procedures are reviewed and problems are addressed.

When a driver receives a new route, he or she is given driving directions, house numbers, and student names. The driver must make three dry runs to familiarize themselves with the route before they begin driving the students to school. The drivers are encouraged to use the dry runs as an opportunity to write- down notes, such as landmarks and house colors, to help them identify stops.

Part of getting ready for the school year takes place on the administrative level. At the close of the school year in June, DATTCO must “grade-up” the routes. Changes in grade levels for each of the students are updated; the bus route is then redone. This is especially important when a student moves from elementary school to middle school to high school.

The students who change schools also change buses and often miss their previous drivers. DATTCO receives many letters from students every year telling the company how much they like the drivers. Also, there are many thank you notes for the faithful, responsible service. The children will write things such as, “I will miss my bus driver because she is nice to us even when we are noisy.”

The drivers are good role models for student. By showing up on time, being safety conscience and being kind, they are a positive presence in student’s lives.

Don DeVivo, Senior Vice President of DATTCO, wants everyone to know that safety is the company’s primary concern. He asked for the parent’s cooperation in explaining bus riding rules to their children, especially when riding the bus for the first time. Rules include staying on the sidewalk when waiting for the bus and always leaving dropped items when crossing in front of a bus. He also asked the public to observe the lights on a school bus.

DATTCO is one of leading school bus companies in New England due to its commitment to quality and safety. A big part of that success is due to the dedication of its drivers