Published: August 17, 2008 01:34 am         

Yellow fever

Most Allegany County routes remain unchanged as classes begin Aug. 25

CUMBERLAND — From marker lights to exhaust systems, Allegany County school buses are being inspected from top to bottom in preparation for another year on the road.

All 121 buses will be inspected this week, according to Jay Walbert, supervisor of transportation for the Allegany County Board of Education. The inspections cover both mechanical and safety items. The before-school inspections are one of three scheduled inspections that take place throughout the year; the two other inspections are completed before and after the winter, and random inspections can occur at any time, said Walbert.

“These are very in-depth inspections,” said Larry Humbertson, assistant supervisor of pupil transportation for the board. “There are no unimportant parts on a bus — we need them to be 100 percent every day.”

Most of the bus routes are the same as they were last year, according to Walbert. “We didn’t have many changes,” he said.

Students should be at the bus stop five minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time, said Walbert. Students or parents unsure of a pickup time may call the transportation office at (301) 729-3773.

Walbert recommends that motorists allow for more time in their morning commute when the school year begins. He also advises them to be sure to obey the buses’ signals.

Sometimes people are confused about when they can pass and when they must stop. For example, people may not know that when a bus comes to a stop, all lanes of traffic must also stop unless the lanes of traffic are divided by a physical barrier, said Walbert.

“If a driver is unsure, it is always best to err on the cautious side,” said Walbert.

This year the school system has approximately 240 routes with 221 certified drivers, including substitutes.

“We are always looking for drivers,” said Walbert. Applicants do not need to be in possession of a special license prior to applying; the necessary training will be provided, said Walbert.

School begins Aug. 25 in Allegany County; students will have a three-hour early dismissal on the first day of school.

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.