Copyright Staten Island Advance
Some New York City school bus companies have agreed to emergency contracts with the city, which would postpone employee layoffs and continue to provide transportation to some public school students, according to a recent report. A contract dispute has been ongoing between school bus companies and the city, which could leave thousands of students without transportation starting in early November. PIX11 News reports that just over half of school bus companies agreed to emergency contracts with the city, according to Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. The city has contracts with 52 private bus companies. Since the summer, school bus companies have been operating under an “emergency contract” pending the approval of a five-year contract. Without a long-term contract, companies informed New York state last week that it plans to end bus service for schools after Oct. 31. School bus companies placed blame on the city Department of Education’s Panel on Education Policy not approving a five-year contract extension, which was originally scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025. Now, 27 of the bus companies will not lay off employees and will continue to provide bus service after accepting emergency contracts, a spokesperson for the city Department of Education told PIX11 News. While some layoffs would be averted, the remaining bus companies continue to plan for mass layoffs after Oct. 31 — leading to potential service disruptions for thousands of public school students. On Wednesday night, dozens of bus drivers for major companies like Pioneer, Consolidated, and Logan, attended the Panel on Education Policy meeting, according to PIX11 News. The panel voted to oppose the five-year contract. Alternative transportation options The city is taking proactive steps to guarantee every student has access to transportation in case of a disruption. 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. Schools will immediately notify families if their child’s bus service is affected using contact information on file.
