No show bus causes problems

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Waiting for the bus - sometimes the uncertainty of service can throw off the whole day.

We have one such story from a 10 On Your Side viewer about his daughter's school bus, which he says is consistently late.

Jeff Pesich said Hailey used to love going to school, but problems with her bus put a stop to that.

"She is literally complaining and crying in the morning, saying that she doesn't want to go to school," said Pesich.

Jeff told us the bus shows up late, sometimes an hour and a half late in the evenings and on Monday morning, it didn't show up at all.

He and Hailey waited until 9:20 a.m. when school starts at 9:10 a.m.

Then three times in the past two weeks he claims the bus driver has called him at work to say she couldn't get to school on time for pick-up.

"So the teachers, of course, don't want to stay late, they have lives, so they semi-pressure you to come get your child," said Jeff.

So, he ends up getting to work late, and leaving early.

Meantime Hailey's schedule is all out of whack which can cause a child with autism to become extremely agitated and disruptive.

"They have a legitimate concern and a legitimate reason to be angry with the school bus transportation system," said Virginia Beach School Transportation Director David Pace.

Pace told 10 On Your Side he didn't know about the problem until we got involved.

"I have ordered the supervisor to find a driver and a bus that can get this child to school on time and at home on time even if he has to drive the bus himself," said Pace.

He added, they shortened the route and are working to find a permanent driver for the route that has had several subs lately.

Jeff Pesich is hopeful and so far so good, Hailey didn't have to wait at all this morning, her bus was right on time.

This isn't just one family's problem.

We spoke with another father who told WAVY.com his wife's job is being threatened because she's been late or left early so many times to get their son.

Pace said if you have a problem with a bus, don't wait until it gets to that point. Call the school system right away and if you don't get results, go to a higher authority.