Eastern Railroad Discussion > Railfan pics of school bus crossing against flashers goes viral

And, the photographer also a professional rail. Since he posted his photos of school bus in apparent violation of crossing protection, it has not only lit up social media it has become the story on local news in SW Michigan TV markets, like here:

http://woodtv.com/2018/01/12/plainwell-bus-driver-crosses-in-front-of-train-on-leave/

...Where the Railfan is interviewed by the TV station and the local newsfeed

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2018/01/bus_driver_on_leave_after_vira.html

The school district has suspended the driver with pay pending investigation.

I'll not name the photographer but you may know him. He's also a great fisherman,

For the Railfans, this section of track, known as the Otsego Industry Lead, is the last remaining mileage of the LSMS/NYC/PC/CR/NS/ now GDLK branch from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids MI., two miles total. Only sees about 6-8 moves per week.

Chico.



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/18 20:56 by chico.

Not sure about this and I am sure that all states have the same rule but if a school bus is empty, out of service does the stop at all RR crossings become moot? Then too, is the rule a Federal rule or State rule?

Jim
Hatboro, PA

Chooch Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not sure about this and I am sure that all states
> have the same rule but if a school bus is empty,
> out of service does the stop at all RR crossings
> become moot? Then too, is the rule a Federal rule
> or State rule?
>
> Jim
> Hatboro, PA


I know that in my state (New Jersey) and in Pennsylvania the States rule dictates that school buses whether with or without passengers MUST stop at all RR crossings.

Chooch Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not sure about this and I am sure that all states
> have the same rule but if a school bus is empty,
> out of service...

The bus in this story WAS carrying kids.

Ray

It is Federal law to stop at all times at a RR crossing.
Wes

Wes Chiles
Topeka, KS

When I drove school busses I was required to stop at all crossings empty or not. Door was a to be opened each time, also.

Paid administrative leave, really?

Marty Harrison
Knob Noster, MO

livesteamer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Paid administrative leave, really?

Often in the contract. Until a disposition of the charges has been made.

Yeah, and as for his head on a platter, I know this was a long serving driver. Depending on how past record, I'd say a bit of continuing education would be the proper punishment, along with a safety review of all the bus drivers..

Chico

I suppose this is an interesting perspective on rail fans and railroaders. Usually we go crazy when a railfan takes pictures of us at work that lands us in trouble but this one is a railroader taking a picture of a bus driver that ends up getting the driver in hot water.

Posted from iPhone