Fuel shortage
Finally, fuel became a critical issue. All of NYC struggled with a serious gasoline shortage following the storm.
Although many bus yards have underground fuel storage tanks, most in the inundation areas were destroyed by salt water. For these companies, this meant that even yards able to regain electrical power and clear away debris were still unable to fuel their fleets.
To deal with the citywide fuel shortage, NYC used a decommissioned airport (Floyd Bennett Field), managed by the National Guard, as an emergency fueling station for critical service vehicles, including school buses.
Quick response In a remarkably short time, NYC’s yellow school bus service was up and running.
“We’re proud of the work done by OPT in response to Hurricane Sandy,” said Eric Goldstein, chief executive of the Department of Education’s Office of School Support Services, which oversees OPT. “Both staff and management worked diligently to re-route closed schools, find alternate assets to replace damaged and destroyed fleets, and even served as volunteers at shelters, all while assisting parents and school administrators in adjusting to a radically altered school bus environment.”
Other articles that might interest you:
- Photos of School Buses and Yards Damaged by Hurricane Sandy
- Department of Ed. Awards $3 Million to States Recovering from Hurricane Sandy
- Will Your Generator Hold Up During an Emergency?
- 14 Severe Weather Survival Tips
Kevin Jenkins is a GIS analyst for the New York City Department of Education, Office of Pupil Transportation.
