Looking for a Bus in Trumbull

Srinivasa R. Kandala's and Sarada Kandala's son carries a backpack to that can weigh as much as 22 pounds.

But a bigger concern for her and other residents of the Bridal Trail complex with THS students is how their children will get to school in winter weather.

"I think it's really worth putting a bus stop here," said Srinivasa Kandala.

Complicating the situation is that Bridle Trail is less than 1.5 miles from the high school, so it is officially within walking distance. That means no bus stop under district policy, said Dawn Perkins, the district's Transportation director.

Buses are already crowded, she added.

"I am sympathetic," she said, noting that she is still awaiting the final count for students riding the buses to THS and is asking for more buses in her budget request for next year.

Bus stops are not allowed for high school students living within 1.5 miles of the school. The nearest bus stop is at Firehouse Road, and there is no sidewalk on part of that route, the Kandalas said.

The parents estimate that about 25 children live in their complex and the problem will come up when those children start attending THS.

Another parent, Jean Zhang, wrote a letter to Schools Supt. Ralph Iassogna explaining a situation involving her son.

"[He] attended his first day at Trumbull High School with great enthusiasm and excitement yesterday. After class was over, [he] decided to take the school bus home because of heavy rain. The school bus drove right pass Bridle Trail road and didn’t stop until they reached the Fire House.  [He] had to walk back along side of Daniels farm road for over a ½ mile to get back home.  [He] and all of his schools supplies were completely soaked.... It is unsafe to have children walking along a very busy road without side walks such as Daniels Farm and with winter approaching, walking to/from school would be very difficult and dangerous in the snow and ice. There are seven children attending THS Bridle Trail and it only makes logical sense to have a bus stop there," she wrote.

Several of the parents recently presented their concerns to the Board of Education. The panel is studying their request.

Meanwhile, Perkins said no child will be forced to walk to school in the case of treacherous conditions such as snow blocking the sidewalk.

"I would not make them walk on Daniels Farm Road with high snow mounds," she said. 

She noted that there about 300 walkers attending Trumbull High School. On any given day, about 50 to 60 students ride each of the 18 buses serving the school.

The students sit two to a seat, and having students stand or sit on the floor creates liability issues, she added.

She also noted that there are sidewalks on Daniels Farm Road between Bridle Trail and the high school.