New York City parents are turning their attention to Albany in a bid for improved school bus services, as the city's education panel has voted to extend contracts with major yellow bus companies for three more years. While the extension is intended to give officials time to rewrite and rebid contracts that have remained largely unchanged since 1979, critics argue it's a temporary fix that fails to address the underlying issues.
The problem lies in the outdated agreements between the city and large private bus companies, which fail to provide adequate protections for drivers. In fact, a state court ruling from 2011 found that labor provisions included in these contracts cannot be written into new deals, citing concerns about competition. As a result, contract negotiations have stalled, leading to repeated extensions of existing agreements.
This has disastrous consequences for students with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by the poor bus service. The lack of reliable and timely transportation can mean they're often left stranded or forced to miss crucial classes. To make matters worse, the city's own data on school bus delays is woefully inadequate, failing to capture the full extent of the problem.
Despite the challenges, officials and advocates remain optimistic that a new state law enshrining labor protections for drivers will help pave the way for improved contracts. However, so far, progress has been slow, with bills aimed at making this change stalled in Albany.
As parents and lawmakers alike acknowledge the need for reform, some are questioning why more isn't being done to address the crisis sooner rather than later. "This system tells our most vulnerable students that their time is not valuable, that their safety is negotiable," said one panel member, highlighting the urgent need for change.
For now, the three-year extension of the old contracts may provide some temporary reprieve, but it's clear that more needs to be done to fix the broken school bus system. As officials and parents work together, they're promising a full-court press on legislation aimed at improving labor protections and contracting practices – a crucial step towards providing better services for all students.
The problem lies in the outdated agreements between the city and large private bus companies, which fail to provide adequate protections for drivers. In fact, a state court ruling from 2011 found that labor provisions included in these contracts cannot be written into new deals, citing concerns about competition. As a result, contract negotiations have stalled, leading to repeated extensions of existing agreements.
This has disastrous consequences for students with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by the poor bus service. The lack of reliable and timely transportation can mean they're often left stranded or forced to miss crucial classes. To make matters worse, the city's own data on school bus delays is woefully inadequate, failing to capture the full extent of the problem.
Despite the challenges, officials and advocates remain optimistic that a new state law enshrining labor protections for drivers will help pave the way for improved contracts. However, so far, progress has been slow, with bills aimed at making this change stalled in Albany.
As parents and lawmakers alike acknowledge the need for reform, some are questioning why more isn't being done to address the crisis sooner rather than later. "This system tells our most vulnerable students that their time is not valuable, that their safety is negotiable," said one panel member, highlighting the urgent need for change.
For now, the three-year extension of the old contracts may provide some temporary reprieve, but it's clear that more needs to be done to fix the broken school bus system. As officials and parents work together, they're promising a full-court press on legislation aimed at improving labor protections and contracting practices – a crucial step towards providing better services for all students.
. I mean, how can we be so neglectful of our own kids? It's not just about getting them from point A to point B, it's about giving them a decent education and making sure they're safe on the way. The fact that these contracts have been stuck in 1979 is laughable 
. And don't even get me started on the lack of data on bus delays – what kind of system can't even track its own failures? 
It's like, we need to step up our game and make sure our kids are not just a number on a piece of paper, but actual human beings. So yeah, three more years of "temporary fixes" isn't gonna cut it 
. We need real change now 
.
. I mean, kids with disabilities are already stuck in a tough spot, and now the bus system is just making it worse. The fact that the contracts haven't changed since 1979 is wild – what were they thinking?! 
It's not like they're doing anything to address the problem, just kicking the can down the road for another 3 years 
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. If the city's own numbers are inaccurate, how can we trust that things are getting better? I need some real solutions and fast 
, not just empty promises of legislation 
. I mean, three more years? That's just kicking the can down the road. These contracts have been the same since 1979?! It's like they're trying to keep the status quo because it's too much work to change it. And now we're supposed to be optimistic about a new law that's still stalled in Albany 
? Give me a break. The problem is that nobody wants to take responsibility for fixing this mess. It's always "just wait until the next bill gets passed" or "let the state do its thing". Meanwhile, our kids are being left stranded and our parents are at their wit's end 
. Can't we just get some real solutions for once? 
last weekend and I'm still thinking about how much I love shell collecting 
I mean, have you ever found a perfect conch shell? It's like nature made it specifically for us humans... anyway, speaking of which, have you tried those new saltwater taffy flavors at the boardwalk? I swear, the seaweed one is my fave 
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to extend contracts that haven't changed since 1979? It's a temporary fix at best, and we all know what happens when you keep puttin' Band-Aids on the same old problem 
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. It's unacceptable that a state court ruling from 2011 said labor provisions couldn't be written into new deals because of competition. It's all about money, folks 
.
it breaks my heart. I remember when my cousin had a kid in special ed and she'd have to ride this tiny bus that was literally falling apart 
. The drivers were always complaining about the safety conditions, but no one ever did anything about it... it's just so frustrating.
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. I mean, I get that labor protections need to be addressed, but shouldn't we have gotten to that point already? It's not like the city is doing anything else to help. And don't even get me started on how ridiculous it is that they're waiting for a new state law to fix this problem... what took you guys so long?! 
We need concrete action now, not just more promises and extensions