NYC School Bus Delays Disrupt Learning, Hit Special Needs Students

Delays in public school bus services in New York City have reached alarming levels, particularly impacting students with special needs. Reports from CBS News New York indicate that the average delay time for school buses last year was the longest recorded in seven years, exacerbating challenges for families relying on these services.

The situation is especially concerning for families like that of third grader Rebecca Cummins, who attends the League School in Brooklyn. Her grandmother, Margaret Cummins, expressed frustration with the frequent tardiness of the bus, stating that it disrupts Rebecca’s daily routine. “She’s autistic, and little things could throw off her day,” said Cummins. “If she’s dressed and ready, and the bus doesn’t show up on time, it affects her.”

Data from the New York City Council reveals that while the total number of delays decreased last year, those that occurred averaged a significant 41 minutes. Furthermore, extreme delays exceeding one hour increased by 26% in the last school year, according to a letter from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander to Mayor Eric Adams in July.

Parents report ongoing issues this school year, with some indicating that delays are persisting. “This year is really bad. For the first two weeks, she hasn’t been picked up five times already,” Margaret Cummins noted.

In response to these concerns, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos acknowledged the issues during an interview. “Busing continues to be a growth area for us. It’s something that we work very closely with our parent leaders, and it’s unacceptable,” she stated. Kevin Moran from the New York City Department of Education emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We have to do better.”

Currently, bus delay data is reported by bus vendors, raising questions among parents about its accuracy. To enhance transparency, the Department of Education plans to implement a system allowing students to scan on and off their buses using badges, which aims to provide a clearer picture of service reliability.

The City Council’s findings highlight that approximately 75% of the delays reported last year involved special education students. Afrah Mohamed is one parent who has experienced these challenges firsthand. Her 11-year-old daughter, who relies on the bus to attend a school that meets her needs, only made it to school twice in September due to a lack of assigned bus service. “Missing almost a month from school is really unacceptable,” Mohamed stated, emphasizing the stress of arranging alternative transportation.

The Department of Education eventually assigned a bus route for Mohamed’s daughter, but she now faces the same lengthy delays that many families are struggling with. “It’s very stressful because I want her to get to school on time, and I want her to get home on time,” Margaret Cummins added, echoing the sentiments of many parents.

Lander’s letter to Mayor Adams criticized the city’s long-standing contracts with bus vendors, suggesting that rebidding those contracts could lead to improvements. However, he noted that legislative support is necessary to protect bus company employees during this process.

The ongoing issues with school bus delays in New York City have highlighted significant challenges for families, particularly those with children who have special needs. As the school year progresses, parents are left hoping for timely solutions that will ensure their children can receive the education they deserve without disruption.