Interpretation ID: joseph

Mrs. Margaret Joseph
297 Klinger Rd.
Canonsburg, PA 15317

Dear Mrs. Joseph:

This responds to your inquiry concerning the condition of the van that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses to transport your 11-year old daughter, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, to and from school. I regret the delay in responding. You explain that the van is operated by a taxi service, presumably under contract with the State.

Our agency is authorized to improve traffic safety by issuing Federal motor vehicle safety standards that apply to the manufacture and sale of new motor vehicles, including new school buses. A "school bus" is a vehicle designed for carrying more than ten (10) persons, which is likely to be used significantly to transport school students to or from school or related events. We believe that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation in this country. We therefore strongly recommend that all buses that are used to transport school children be certified as meeting our school bus safety standards.

Because our standards apply only to the manufacture and sale of new motor vehicles, we do not have the authority to require Pennsylvania to provide school bus transportation for your daughter. Moreover, it is the States, and not our agency, that apply and enforce regulations concerning vehicles in use. Thus, we suggest that you contact your local school district or the Pennsylvania Director of Pupil Transportation about your concerns. The Director is:

Mr. Stephen Madrak
Manager, Special Driver Programs
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
P. O. Box 68684
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Telephone: (717) 783-4755.

I hope this information is helpful. Regrettably, we have been unable to reach you by telephone to discuss your concerns. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Dorothy Nakama at this address or by telephone at (202) 366-2992.

Sincerely,
Frank Seales, Jr.
Chief Counsel
ref:VSA#571.3
d.11/23/99