Inwood Mom: Driver, Matron Didn't See My Autistic Son Get Off Bus

In September 2011, my son Alec, who is autistic, was on his bus on the way home from school. The bus driver, Tina Longo, made a routine stop on Grand Central Place, Inwood, and the bus matron escorted another child of the bus. At this time, my son Alec exited the bus without being noticed by either the bus driver or the bus matron. My son exited the bus six blocks away from his home.

This location is approximately 300 yards from a highly traveled intersection. Alec is not only unable to communicate his address and phone number but is often unaware and confused in unfamiliar surroundings. Both the bus driver and bus matron have been with Alec for over three years and are aware of his special needs and are also aware of his communication abilities. 

At some point after Alec had already wrongly exited the bus, Tina Longo called my house and asked me if Alec was home. At that point, my heart stopped; my son was not home and the bus driver that was accountable for his safety was unaware his whereabouts. Within the next few minutes, every possible worst case scenario, and every one of my worst nightmares ran through my head. I am aware of my son’s abilities and disabilities and his safety is always my first and main concern. I cannot put into words the feelings and emotions that I felt that day.   

I was assured by Ms. Longo that my son was at Number Five School and never boarded the bus that afternoon. I immediately called the school and spoke directly to Alec’s teacher and was told that he personally escorted Alec onto the bus that afternoon. I went into a frantic panic and called anyone and everyone I knew to find out any information about a location for my son. Thankfully, a police officer called my house and informed that my son was located. My unattended, autistic 10-year-old son was miraculously safe and unharmed in stranger’s home. The homeowner recognized my son’s disability and immediately contacted the local authorities and through this kind and thoughtful act, my son was kept safe that day. 

After being reunited with my son, I contacted Independent Coach Bus to question the accountability of their employees. I spoke directly to the person in charge, Nancy Quaas, of Independent Coach Bus, and explained the heartache of that day’s occurrences. At that time, I was assured that Independent Coach Bus was handling the situation by terminating both the bus driver, Tina Longo, and the bus matron. 

Unfortunately, I was deceived, as Tina Longo was merely transferred to another local bus yard. Recently, I discovered Tina Longo was not only still an employee of Independent Coach Bus but was reassigned to an Inwood bus route. I fear not only for the safety for my child but for the safety of all children using Independent Coach Bus.