Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With a possible disruption to school bus service on the horizon, New York City has released a plan to ensure public school students have transportation to and from school. A contract dispute between school bus companies and the city could leave approximately 150,000 students without transportation starting in early November. According to the city, the mayoral administration is working toward a resolution to avoid any interruption. It is taking proactive steps to guarantee every student has access to transportation in case of a disruption. “Ensuring that our students can get to and from school safely, where they receive critical resources and a world class education, is a top priority for our city,” said city Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “Though we have not received any formal notice from busing companies, we are working diligently and proactively to ensure alternative transportation services are in place, should they be needed. We are also making information available to our families and school communities regarding options in case of bus companies ceasing to run routes.” Transportation alternatives All impacted families will be eligible to receive free OMNY cards for students and caregivers, providing immediate access to public transportation. These cards will be distributed by individual schools. Some impacted families will be eligible for additional services, like pre-paid ride share options and transportation reimbursement. These students include: Those with transportation recommended on an Individualized Education Program or 504 Accommodation Plan. Those in temporary housing or foster care. Those with approved transportation exceptions. The city will frequently update families about developments of a potential bus service disruption and available alternatives. Schools will immediately notify families if their child’s bus service is affected using contact information on file. Contract dispute The plans come as Pioneer Transportation Corp. and other major bus companies, informed New York state last week that it plans to end bus service for schools after Oct. 31, laying off about 12,000 union employees, according to a letter obtained by the Advance/SILive.com. The bus companies placed blame on the city Department of Education’s Panel on Education Policy for not approving a five-year contract extension, which was originally scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025. The companies have been operating under an “emergency contract” pending the approval of this contract. The companies said that the panel didn’t include the contract extension for consideration at its next meeting scheduled for Wednesday — and instead added a resolution to oppose the contract extension. Without this contract, the companies stated they cannot commit to purchase buses and long-term leases necessary to continue its services. As of now, bus service for students will end after Oct. 31. The local union representing school bus drivers, attendants, and mechanics — Local 1181 A.T.U. — is asking its members to attend the Panel on Education Policy meeting on Wednesday to voice their support for the contract extension and avoid a bus service disruption.
