Drivers, parents happy as school bus services return to Providence
By: Scott Cook
Email: SCook@ABC6.com
Twitter: @SCookABC6
PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) — The wheels on Providence school buses are once again moving round and round, after the drivers union and First Student bus company reached a new contract agreement over the weekend.
Union drivers were back behind the wheel Monday morning, after being on strike for 11 full school days.
“It feels great,” said bus driver, Talia Rivera. “It feels great to be with our students again and see smiling parents.”
“I had kids running across the street saying, ‘Miss Joyce you’re back, we missed you!’” said Joyce Brazenor, who has been driving with First Student for 28 years.
In a deal made Friday, First Student bus company agreed to contribute on behalf of drivers to the union’s defined contribution plan.
The drivers union then voted in favor of the agreement Saturday, and returned to the job Monday morning.
“Students were very excited, we got some applause, and parents thanking us,” said Rivera.
But returning to their usual routes was challenging for drivers, after 6 buses were torched last week, and another half a dozen missed inspection while drivers were on strike.
“We’re probably down 12–13 buses, but we managed,” explained Brazenor. “When I came in early, someone took my bus and did their run, then I did mine. So we manage.”
Providence Police are still investigating into the cause of last week’s bus yard fire.
Students, parents and driver’s alike tell ABC6, they are happy the strike is over.
‘I’m very happy to be here and be back on the bus,” said Brazenor.
“The kids were happy to see me this morning, they were all crying and hugging me, the principal came out this morning to welcome me back. It was great. We shouldn’t have been out that long.”
The strikes end makes things easier for the 9.000 students in Providence who rely on the school bus every day.
While full contract details aren’t out yet, drivers tell ABC6, their new contract is for 4 years.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018
