New York City schools’ bus system is in chaos, parents say. The city has about 17,500 bus drivers, but a shortage of about 300 drivers has led to delays and lengthened routes, and some students have to endure commutes of up to two hours each way. In the 2023-24 school year, 80,000 delays were reported, according to Glenn Risbrook, who runs student transportation for the New York City’s public school system. Parents insist that the situation this year is already markedly worse.
The root of the crisis lies in a 45-year-old contract between the Department of Education and some of the school bus companies it employs, Mr. Risbrook said at a City Council hearing on Monday that focused on upgrades and improvements to the school bus system.
A new deal would provide an opportunity for more companies to competitively bid for contracts, which would improve the quality of the bus system and lead to more hiring, he said.
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