In response to the news article, “Wolfline employees outsourced,” published Jan. 17.

  Friday I spent an hour riding four different Wolfline buses, speaking with the drivers and trying to learn more about the sad and unfortunate death of Joann Sewell in December. I quickly learned the drivers were instructed not to speak to media or students by First Transit management and maintenance personnel regarding the incident on bus number 1516. I find it concerning First Transit feels the need to restrict employees from speaking out about what happened to the public it serves, denies them the right to free speech, and doesn’t allow proper respect to be paid to the dedicated woman who lost her life. Despite the order not to discuss what happened, two of the four drivers offered me their take on the situation, and I promised not to share their names. One told me that Sewell had complained two or three times over the PA system during the hour immediately before she parked the bus and collapsed on Centennial Campus. Another driver said everyone who works at First Transit has been hush-hush about the incident, and that he was surprised by the lack of information made public to them and the students about it. I also find it surprising this hasn’t been made public through N.C. State or any sources of campus media. On the fourth and final bus ride I was told by the driver I would be removed from the bus if I continued to ask her questions; at that point I respectfully sat down and asked the student next to me if he knew what happened. In hearing my question the driver immediately instructed me to exit the bus at the next stop and told me that I was not allowed to speak to other students about what happened. The driver also reported me for causing a disturbance. It is clear to me that drivers’ and students’ health and safety is not the top priority of First Transit, and I am disgusted by its handling of a long term employee’s death. Bus number 1516 has been taken out of service until further notice.   Katina Gad senior, fashion and textile management