Students need 21st-century school buses for improved safety and efficiency.

As the 2023-2024 school year unfolds, approximately 150,000 students in New York City are experiencing significant challenges with the school bus transportation system. Reports indicate that more than 83,000 school bus delays have been documented this year, disproportionately affecting students with disabilities. Many parents find themselves making drastic decisions, including leaving their jobs, simply to ensure their children can reach school on time.

The current bus system, often described as bumpy, uncomfortable, and excessively late, has become a barrier not only to education but also to participation in after-school programs. While the city administration has pledged to make after-school offerings universal, existing contracts fall short, leaving around 62,000 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 14,000 students experiencing homelessness without essential transportation to after-school activities. This lack of service effectively limits these students’ opportunities for enrichment.

For nearly half a century, the same contractors have provided bus services, with contract renewals occurring every five years without meaningful improvements. City officials, state legislators, labor organizations, and bus contractors have an opportunity to collaborate to deliver better service, yet current proposals favor continuing underperforming contracts. The administration is expressing support for five-year extensions to existing agreements, despite longstanding quality complaints regarding these services.

The consequences of continuing with the same bus service contracts are substantial. An estimated billion per year would be allocated to a system that keeps students on lengthy routes for over 90 minutes each way, depriving them of essential education time. Parents rightfully worry about service interruptions; however, the current proposal to renew contracts offers a long-term, ineffective solution that could set back improvements for years.

The Panel for Education Policy is set to decide on the proposed contract extensions in November. Critics, including members of the public and advocacy groups, are urging the body to reject these long-term agreements and instead seek a one-year extension. This would provide the next administration the chance to reassess these contracts while prioritizing the student experience.

As this debate unfolds, stakeholders must reconsider the framework for school transportation in New York City. It is imperative to create a system that meets the needs of all students and families, ensuring that every child has access to reliable and timely transportation. Failing to revamp this transportation model not only affects educational outcomes but also undermines the city’s commitment to its youngest residents. Addressing these concerns is not just a logistical challenge, but a crucial investment in the future of the city’s education system.

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