Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

This message is to inform you that Mars Area School District is continuing to work with A.J. Myers & Sons, the District’s transportation provider, to address ongoing challenges that the company is facing in regards to school bus transportation.

While the District has organized routes and schedules that accommodate all District students, a significant bus driver shortage is affecting multiple areas of transportation operations. Consequently, parents/guardians are asked to be aware of the following:

What Can Families Expect?

A.J. Myers & Sons is actively pursuing long-term solutions in response to the current bus driver shortage. Available resources are being stretched to ensure that students continue to get to and from school as safely and efficiently as possible as well as to minimize disruptions and maintain transportation services. While these conditions continue, transportation disruptions should be expected.

What Time Should My Child Be at the Bus Stop?

The Skyward Family Access Portal is the most reliable source for your child’s school bus transportation information. All students are asked to be at their designated bus stop at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled pick-up time.

What Should I Do If the Bus Does Not Arrive?

If a school bus is running more than 10-15 minutes late, parents/guardians are asked to contact A.J Myers & Sons Bus Garage at (724) 625-2032, so that they may contact the bus driver directly and often obtain information more quickly. A.J. Myers & Sons is actively working to have more personnel available to answer incoming phone calls.

Why Do Delays Affect Some Buses and Not Others?

Our District recognizes that some bus routes may experience delays more frequently than others; however, please note that multiple factors (availability of coverage buses, location of routes, expediency, etc.) are considered when decisions are made as to which buses may be affected. Maintaining consistent routes and driver assignments is currently the most effective way to minimize overall disruptions. This may mean that some routes experience delays more frequently than others.

Stopfinder GPS Information

At this time, Stopfinder GPS information may be inaccurate on routes that are being serviced by a substitute or coverage bus. Some buses may be called upon to transport students on one or more routes, as needed. In these cases, consistent, accurate GPS information may not be available.

A.J. Myers & Sons Transitioning to Krise Transportation Inc.

Krise Transportation Inc. has acquired A.J. Myers & Sons and will be assuming all of the duties and responsibilities related to school bus transportation within Mars Area School District. Krise Transportation promises a smooth transition with no impacts on school bus transportation.

We understand that changes and delays in transportation can be frustrating for families and we are committed to doing everything that we can with all available resources. We appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation as we are working through this challenging situation.

Our priority remains getting students to and from school safely, efficiently, and as reliably as possible. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Christina Smith
Director of Transportation
Mars Area School District