NYC School Buses: Chaos on the Routes, Parents & Students Frustrated

NYC School Bus Nightmare: Late, Early, or Just No Show? 🤯

New York City parents and students are facing a major headache: unreliable school buses. Buses are arriving late, early, or simply not showing up at all, leaving families stressed and scrambling.

The problem is so widespread that even City Council members are raising concerns, citing specific examples like students having to be on the bus at 6 am, but not arriving at school until 8:20 am.

The Case of Sadie Holiner: Anxiety-Inducing Ride-Share

Sadie, a high school senior with a condition that causes seizures, faced a terrifying ordeal. After years of working with the system, her bus route was suddenly cut, forcing her to rely on ride-sharing. Sadie's parents are terrified of her being alone in an Uber, as her condition worsens with anxiety.

Jace's Autism and the Unpredictable Bus Schedule

Dawn Akerley, a Queens resident, has a six-year-old son with autism, Jace. Jace's bus arrived at a different time every day of the school week, leaving him anxious and unable to settle in at school.

The DOE acknowledges that this situation is unacceptable and is well aware of the needs of students with disabilities, but they seem unable to address the problems.

What's the Cause of This School Bus Crisis?

The DOE says a contract from the 1970s with bus companies is largely to blame. This outdated contract prohibits competition and incentives, leading to a shortage of drivers and poor service.

A Call for Action

The DOE is requesting help from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to reform the contracts and improve the bus system. Families are desperate for a solution, and the DOE is apologizing for the ongoing issues.