Life Interrupted

Allen also found that First Transit never bothered to investigate the accident, violating industry standards and its contract with Metro.

It remains unknown whether First Transit ever investigated the crash, or any other serious accidents caused by its drivers since they consider their investigation files to be secret.

In his deposition, Kidd said he never received any form of discipline or reprimand from First Transit after the accident. He never even gave a statement to his employers.

Months later, First Transit fired its safety manager. But Allen's report ultimately blames Dave Van Fossen, the general manager overseeing Metro's northwest garage, saying he never conducted background checks on potential employees and that an investigation was never conducted into the accident. Van Fossen continues to run the garage.

Kidd, meanwhile, didn't just keep his job. He was promoted to a supervisory position in the yard, making sure that buses leave on time. He voluntarily quit a couple of years later, according to several First Transit drivers who worked with him.

The Press asked Metro why it does not oversee First Transit's operations, particularly after it was revealed in the Rodriguez fatality case that First Transit did not properly screen and test its driver.

Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts claimed ignorance: "Metro is not aware of any facts established in court indicating there was a lack of screening or testing by First Transit. Metro was not a party to that case and we have no first-hand knowledge about its settlement."

Roberts blew even more exhaust, writing: "Metro conducts regular review of the [First Transit] employee files to ensure the contracts remain in compliance."

This is completely contradicted by Metro's attorney.

"Metro does not have copies of qualifications files, employment applications, training records and background checks on First Transit employees," wrote Metro legal counsel Paula Alexander in a letter to the Press dated November 7, 2005. "Metro does not have investigation files on any First Transit incidents/accidents."

Metro's admitted lack of oversight has dangerous implications. There could be more Clifford Wayne Kidds terrorizing Houston's streets: Men and women in Metro uniforms, operating Metro buses, who were criminally convicted of driving offenses, lied on their employment applications and failed their driving tests.

The Press requested First Transit's files to investigate whether the company has improved its operations since Jennifer Rodriguez's death.

But First Transit is keeping a tight lid on its files. And Metro is looking the other way.