Busing in Cold Temperatures a Factor in Deciding School Closures

On cold days in the metro, Jason Halvorson at First Student in Brooklyn Park knows just who to call: the team of bus starters, who usually arrive at 4:30 a.m. First Student drivers don’t always need bus starters, but on colder days, the buses are less likely to start.

“We’ll put together our bus starters. We have a group of them that sign up, and they’re awesome at getting here on a real early morning basis,” Halvorson said. “They get the buses started for us.”

Many of the buses leave for their routes at 6 a.m., so this extra hand makes a big difference. Some days, getting all the buses ready for the 118 routes are more of a challenge. Halvorson said most of the buses run on propane, which have fewer complications. The diesel buses, however, can face more challenges in an extreme cold warning.

“I think the biggest challenge we will run into is if we don’t properly shut them down, they can get moisture in the exhaust,” Halvorson said.

After District 279 called the day off for cold temperatures, Halvorson’s drivers also got the day off.

“At the end of the day, we want to be as mindful of the weather as possible,” he said.

Osseo Area Schools representatives weren’t able to talk on camera Tuesday, but a spokesperson for the district said in an email that a number of things help the district decide to close school for the day. That includes conference calls with the National Weather Service and districts throughout the metro. The transportation director also drives throughout the district to check out road and parking lot conditions in the early morning. The spokesperson said a two-hour-late start is not possible for 279 due to its complex transportation plan.

First Student also has a hand in the decision, though it is ultimately up to the district.

“Overall, student safety is obviously our number one concern as well. So, working together to make sure that decision is made the right way is a lot easier when everyone is involved,” Halvorson said.

Those in Robbinsdale School District also had the day off. Wayzata and Hopkins school districts started two hours late.

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