New York City students face long wait times for school buses due to driver shortage and contract disputes.
Parents in New York City are facing challenges with school bus transportation, particularly those with children who have special needs or live far from school. Dawn Akerley, a mother in Queens, has been experiencing delays with her son Jace’s school bus, causing him to arrive late to school and miss important class time. This has had a negative impact on his academic performance, as seen with his failing math test.
The issue extends beyond just Ms. Akerley and Jace, as many other parents in the city are also dealing with similar problems. Children with disabilities or learning differences require special education plans that include transportation services. According to these plans, students should not spend more than 90 minutes traveling to school. Additionally, students from kindergarten to sixth grade who live over a mile away from school are eligible for bus transportation.
The school bus route that Jace takes is quite lengthy, originating in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and ending in Far Rockaway, Queens, with a stop in Richmond Hill to pick him up. The bus makes stops at two other schools before dropping Jace off, causing him to arrive at school as late as 10 a.m. on some days. This delay significantly impacts his school day and academic progress.
Parents like Ms. Akerley are frustrated with the situation, as they rely on the school bus to transport their children safely and on time. The delays not only disrupt the children’s education but also create additional stress for parents who have to constantly monitor the bus arrival times and make alternative arrangements when necessary.
The New York City Department of Education needs to address these issues promptly to ensure that all students, especially those with special needs, receive timely and reliable transportation to school. Parents should not have to worry about their children missing out on valuable learning opportunities due to transportation delays.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by parents in New York City with school bus transportation highlight the importance of efficient and effective services for all students, especially those with special needs. By addressing these issues, the city can ensure that every child has equal access to education without unnecessary disruptions caused by transportation delays.
Source: The NY Times
