Framingham Late Bus Problem Better, But Durham Under Scrutiny

FRAMINGHAM, MA — It appears that Framingham school bus provider Durham School Services has fixed its late bus problem — but the school district will retain the right to levy fines or cancel the contract if problems reappear.

The Framingham School Committee at Wednesday's meeting heard a report on bus lateness since school reopened after winter break. On Dec. 18, the district warned Durham that it could either cancel the contract or fine the company because of chronic lateness problems in the fall.

The district said in December that up to 150 students on average were arriving late to school in the fall. And, Durham was short one driver 48 times.

To avoid penalties, the district told Durham that all drivers must show up for work between Jan. 2 and Jan. 20. In its own letter to the committee, Durham said that it had met that requirement.

"It is important to note, however, that given the issues that have already occurred, the city will have very little flexibility and patience for any further breaches of the agreement by Durham going forward, and reserves the right to declare Durham in default and take the steps outlined in my prior correspondence," the committee wrote in a letter to the bus provider.