Staten Island Officials Urge Long-Term School Bus Contract Approval

Elected officials from Staten Island are calling for immediate action to secure a long-term contract for school bus services serving New York City. This comes after a recent emergency agreement averted the potential disruption of service for approximately 150,000 students. In a letter addressed to Mayor Eric Adams, Assemblymembers Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, Michael Tannousis, and Councilmember David Carr emphasized the need for stability and accountability in transportation services.

The officials expressed their concerns about the short-term nature of the emergency contract. They stated, “This is not the time for political division or bureaucratic nonsense. It is the time for stability and accountability for the students who rely on yellow buses every day and for the families who depend on this service.” The legislators pointed out that the absence of a long-term agreement fosters “unnecessary instability” and threatens thousands of jobs within the industry.

In their correspondence, the officials criticized the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), which is responsible for approving contracts, and noted that its members are predominantly appointed by the mayor. They highlighted the risk of a school bus strike, which would have severe implications for families and students alike. The letter stated, “The delay by the Panel for Educational Policy, who you appoint, risks placing our city on the brink of a school bus strike that would have serious consequences.”

The emergency contract was signed on October 30, 2023, by all 52 companies operating New York City’s yellow bus service, successfully preventing a work stoppage that was set to begin on November 3, 2023. This situation arose after a previous five-year contract, which involved the bus companies, the city, and the Department of Education, expired in June.

Concerns regarding the approval of a new contract have been voiced by Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who expressed apprehension about a deal potentially extending beyond the incoming mayor’s first term. Additionally, the current bus system has been described as “rife with problems,” including issues related to delayed service, no-shows, and inadequate air conditioning.

Before the end of October, 27 of the 52 bus companies agreed to extend their contracts for the months of November and December during a meeting of the Panel for Educational Policy. Nevertheless, four of the largest companies, including Logan, Consolidated Transit, Pioneer, and First, had yet to sign the emergency agreements.

During that same meeting, panel members unanimously voted against a five-year contract for the bus operators, citing issues with vendor accountability and service quality. The companies were left with the difficult choice of either continuing under emergency contract conditions or facing layoffs and a suspension of service. Ultimately, they opted for the emergency extension to maintain operations.

The finalization of the contract is scheduled for a panel meeting on November 19, 2023. The ongoing discussions and actions taken by Staten Island officials underscore the urgency of establishing a reliable and sustainable transportation framework for the city’s schoolchildren.