A separate investigation has been commissioned by the city to focus on Transdev, the French company responsible for operating the city’s school buses. This inquiry, led by former federal prosecutor Natashia Tidwell, is currently in its early stages.
As reported by the Globe recently, the heartbroken family of Lens continues to await answers and justice, grappling with unfathomable pain. Lens, they believe, would still be alive if the adults tasked with his care had fulfilled their responsibilities properly.
Even in the absence of completed investigations, it is evident that this tragedy has unmasked significant flaws in the school bus system. The driver involved, Jean Charles, was operating without the necessary state certification—a violation of regulations that Transdev had been notified about, yet seemingly left unaddressed.
More alarmingly, before dropping off Lens, Jean Charles had struck two parked vehicles just moments prior but continued to drive without reporting the incidents. This raises critical questions about how such actions were permitted.
Attorney Matthew Fogelman, who represents the Joseph family, has been reflecting on the troubling issues this case has presented. The family plans to file a lawsuit against both the city and Transdev, but beyond the financial aspects, they are motivated by a desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar suffering.
Proposed solutions to improve safety seem straightforward. Increased oversight of drivers in real-time can be a priority, possibly through the installation of monitors on each bus. These monitors could be empowered to enforce compliance with safety protocols, ensuring that drivers do not proceed after a collision has occurred.
In addition to enforcing safety guidelines, the monitors could also assist children with crossing streets safely. Lens was dropped off at the wrong location alongside an 11-year-old cousin when the tragic incident transpired.
Further suggestions include the implementation of motion detectors to prevent bus accidents and improved scrutiny of existing GPS systems to keep the company informed of any deviations from scheduled routes.
While certain changes may necessitate legislative approval, Fogelman is actively engaged in discussions with legislators regarding the necessary oversight improvements.
The pressing matter at hand is the apparent safety deficiencies and oversight challenges associated with Transdev. The company was involved in another incident, thankfully nonfatal, involving a child being struck, underscoring its ongoing issues in this critical area.
“The family is dedicated to pushing for legislative changes that will enhance safety in the school bus industry, utilizing technology, policies, and procedures to prevent future senseless tragedies, and to spare other families from similarheartaches,” Fogelman stated in a telephone interview.
While there may be understandable reasons for the delays in investigations, the lack of progress is disheartening for the thousands of families who rely on the city’s school buses daily. In just 10 weeks, these families will return to these buses, depending on their safe operation.
Each passing day reduces the time available to implement improvements before the upcoming school year begins, and before another potential disaster unfolds.
The Joseph family’s pursuit of justice is a fundamental requirement, but so too is the city’s duty to protect public welfare. The delay in action is becoming increasingly concerning.
image source from：bostonglobe
