New York City Council
Committee on Education
Sep 30, 2024
·
10:00 AM
4 hr 37 min
Summary
A hearing on school bus transportation services in New York City, examining ongoing issues such as long delays, missed school days, and challenges for students with disabilities and those in temporary housing.
Discussions focused on:
- Improving service reliability
- Addressing driver shortages
- Updating aging bus contracts
- Reducing ride times
- Expanding after-school transportation
- Enhancing staff training
- Improving communication with families.
The council considered legislation to require more reporting on school bus services (Intro 515) and a resolution calling for stop-arm cameras on all school buses (Resolution 250).
Features testimony from the Department of Education (DOE), Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Rita Joseph welcomes attendees to the oversight hearing
Council Member Rita Joseph opens the oversight hearing on school transportation services and rebidding. She introduces herself as the Chair of the Education Committee and acknowledges the presence of Contracts …
0:00:37
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20 sec
Introduction of legislation to be discussed in the hearing
Council Member Rita Joseph introduces the specific legislation that will be addressed during the hearing. - Intro 515, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brennan, will be discussed - Resolution 250, …
0:00:58
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16 sec
Importance of school transportation and ongoing challenges
Council Member Rita Joseph emphasizes the essential nature of school transportation and highlights the ongoing challenges in the system. - The hearing builds on work begun nearly two years ago, …
0:01:14
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73 sec
Impact of transportation issues on vulnerable students
Council Member Rita Joseph highlights how transportation challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable student populations. - System failures particularly impact students with disabilities who rely on school buses as their only viable …
0:02:28
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45 sec
Academic and family impact of school transportation issues
Council Member Rita Joseph outlines the broader consequences of unreliable school transportation on academic performance and family life. - Each minute of missed class time represents a lost opportunity for …
0:03:13
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35 sec
Hearing objectives and rebidding of school bus contracts
Council Member Rita Joseph outlines the objectives of the oversight hearing and mentions the upcoming rebidding of school bus contracts. - The hearing aims to understand the current landscape of …
0:03:49
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44 sec
NYC Bus and GPS tracking implementation progress
Council Member Rita Joseph addresses the progress of implementing GPS tracking on school buses and the challenges that remain. - The hearing will examine the progress of implementing Local Law …
0:04:33
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30 sec
Introduction of specific legislation to be addressed
Council Member Rita Joseph introduces specific legislation that will be addressed during the hearing. - Introduction 515: A local law requiring the Department of Education to report on school bus …
0:05:04
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33 sec
Acknowledgments and closing remarks
Council Member Rita Joseph concludes her opening remarks with acknowledgments and transitions to the next speaker. - Thanks are extended to members of the Education Committee who are present - …
0:05:38
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26 sec
Council Member Julie Won introduces herself and acknowledges colleagues
Council Member Julie Won opens the hearing by thanking Chair Joseph and introducing herself as the chair of the council's committee on contracts. She acknowledges key officials and team members …
0:06:04
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27 sec
Council Member Julie Won shares her personal experience with school transportation challenges
Council Member Julie Won describes her daily struggle with school transportation for her children, highlighting the broader issues faced by many families in New York City. - Mentions a shortage …
0:06:31
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30 sec
Overview of the hearing's purpose and the NYC school bus system
Council Member Julie Won outlines the purpose of the hearing, focusing on assessing the city's progress in improving school transportation services and examining the contracting process. She provides an overview …
0:07:02
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44 sec
Issues plaguing the current NYC school bus system
Council Member Julie Won highlights the ongoing problems with the NYC school bus system, emphasizing inefficiencies, delays, and rising costs that impact students and families. - System has long been …
0:07:46
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29 sec
NYCSBUS establishment and ongoing contracting concerns
Council Member Julie Won discusses the creation of NYCSBUS, a nonprofit entity established to oversee school bus operations, and raises concerns about its effectiveness and the structure of bus contracts. …
0:08:16
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41 sec
Challenges with migrant students and temporary housing in NYC schools
Council Member Julie Won highlights the unique transportation challenges faced by the increasing number of migrant students and those in temporary housing, particularly in her district. - Nearly doubled number …
0:08:57
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64 sec
Concerns about transparency and performance standards in school bus contracts
Council Member Julie Won addresses the need for greater transparency in the DOE's procurement process and the implementation of robust performance standards for school bus services. - City Controller raised …
0:10:02
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24 sec
Challenges in adopting new technologies for NYC school buses
Council Member Julie Won discusses the delayed implementation of GPS tracking systems in school buses and the need to incorporate essential technologies in future contracts. - Delayed implementation of GPS …
0:10:28
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29 sec
Plans for electrifying NYC's school bus fleet
Council Member Julie Won addresses the city's commitment to fully electrify the school bus fleet by 2035 and raises questions about how this goal will be incorporated into new contracts. …
0:10:57
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14 sec
Impact of school bus issues on NYC families and vulnerable students
Council Member Julie Won emphasizes the real-world impact of school bus transportation issues on NYC families, particularly those with vulnerable students. - Transportation issues have daily impacts on city families …
0:11:12
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20 sec
Council Member Julie Won's closing remarks and acknowledgement of staff
Council Member Julie Won concludes her remarks by expressing her anticipation for the hearing and acknowledging the staff who helped prepare for it. - Looks forward to hearing from the …
0:11:34
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44 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph delivers remarks on behalf of Council Member Kevin Riley
Council Member Rita Joseph delivers remarks on behalf of Council Member Kevin Riley member about Resolution 250-2024 regarding school bus safety. She then provides instructions for the hearing proceedings, including …
0:12:25
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164 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC school bus transportation
Glenn Risbrook, Senior Executive Director for Student Transportation, introduces himself and his colleagues from the New York City Public Schools. He emphasizes the importance of safe and reliable bus transportation …
0:16:25
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70 sec
Launch of NYC school bus tracking app
As part of modernization efforts, the NYC Department of Education launched a new school bus tracking app powered by Via. This app allows parents to track their child's bus in …
0:17:36
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27 sec
Improvements to transportation support services
The Department of Education has made significant improvements to its transportation support services, focusing on reducing wait times and providing more accessible options for parents to report and track issues. …
0:18:04
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24 sec
Addressing driver shortages with rideshare options
To address the ongoing driver shortage that causes some routes to be out of service, the Department of Education has developed an alternative transportation solution for affected families. - A …
0:18:29
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10 sec
Expansion of public transit options for students
The Department of Education has collaborated with the MTA and EDC to expand public transit options for students, including the introduction of Student OmniCards and discounted ferry codes. - Over …
0:18:40
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43 sec
Scale and complexity of NYC school bus operations
Glenn Risbrook provides an overview of the massive and complex school bus operation in New York City, highlighting the scale of daily transportation services provided to students. - NYC contracts …
0:19:24
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96 sec
Challenges with increasing bus routes
Despite a relatively stable number of students using bus services, the New York City school system has seen a significant increase in the number of bus routes. This increase is …
0:21:00
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27 sec
Impact of the national bus driver shortage
New York City schools are facing challenges due to the national bus driver shortage, which affects their ability to cover all necessary routes and provide backup drivers when needed. - …
0:21:28
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28 sec
Long-standing bus contracts and the need for rebidding
The New York City Department of Education uses 52 contracted vendors for bus services, with some contracts in place for up to 45 years without being rebid. This situation presents …
0:21:57
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47 sec
Employee Protection Provisions and legal challenges
New York City Public Schools faces a significant challenge regarding Employee Protection Provisions (EPPs) in bus contracts, which are designed to protect bus drivers' jobs but are now creating legal …
0:22:45
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68 sec
Future plans and pursuit of state legislation
Glenn Risbrook outlines the Department of Education's plans to address the challenges with bus contracts and Employee Protection Provisions (EPPs) through collaboration with state legislators and unions. - The department …
0:23:55
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54 sec
Number of students receiving school bus services in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the number of students currently receiving bus services in New York City. Glenn Risbrook, Senior Executive Director for Student Transportation, provides information on the …
0:24:59
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41 sec
Determination of school bus routes in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph asks about the process of determining bus routes for New York City Public Schools. Glenn Risbrook explains the factors considered in designing bus routes. - Routes …
0:25:46
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25 sec
Long bus ride times and conflicts with IEP mandates
Council Member Rita Joseph presents a scenario of a student with a 2-hour bus ride and questions how this aligns with IEP mandates. Glenn Risbrook explains the challenges in meeting …
0:26:12
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90 sec
Maximum length of school bus routes in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the maximum length of bus routes in terms of time and distance. Glenn Risbrook explains the guidelines for ride times within and between boroughs. …
0:27:42
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27 sec
Number of stops on school bus routes in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the maximum number of stops on a school bus route. Glenn Risbrook explains that there is no fixed maximum or minimum number of stops. …
0:28:12
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30 sec
Maximum number of students on school buses in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph asks about the maximum number of students that can be on a school bus at one time. Glenn Risbrook explains that it varies depending on the …
0:28:42
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51 sec
School buses serving multiple schools in NYC
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the possibility of one bus serving multiple schools. Glenn Risbrook confirms that this is possible and provides an example of how it works. - …
0:29:33
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32 sec
Council Member Julie Won questions DOE on bus route planning software
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the software and methods used by the Department of Education for planning efficient bus routes. Glenn Risbrook, Senior Executive Director for Student Transportation, explains …
0:30:17
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133 sec
Cost models and efficiency of student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about different cost models for student transportation and their impact on efficiency and budget predictability. Glenn Risbrook, Senior Executive Director for Student Transportation, provides details …
0:32:35
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87 sec
Special education transportation costs and services
Council Member Rita Joseph questions the $104 cost per special education student and asks about included services such as nurses or paraprofessionals. Glenn Risbrook provides limited information on what's included …
0:34:03
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44 sec
Impact of charter and public school students on bus routes
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the impact of including charter and public school students on the same bus routes. Glenn Risbrook explains that the type of school does not …
0:34:49
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87 sec
Statistics on students receiving IEP-mandated bus services
Council Member Rita Joseph requests detailed statistics on students receiving IEP-mandated bus services. Glenn Risbrook provides specific numbers for various categories of students. - Total students receiving IEP-mandated bus services: …
0:36:18
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67 sec
Transportation services for students in temporary housing
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the number of students in temporary housing receiving bus services. Glenn Risbrook provides detailed statistics on various categories of students in temporary housing. - …
0:37:27
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62 sec
Process for providing paraprofessionals on school buses
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the process of providing paraprofessionals for students who need them during transportation. DOE officials explain the current system and challenges. - The need for …
0:38:29
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142 sec
Provision of nurses for student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the provision of nurses for students who require them during transportation. Dr. Cheryl Lawrence, Medical Director for the Office of School Health, provides information …
0:40:50
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63 sec
Wait times and challenges in securing nurses for student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph presses for details on the wait times and challenges in securing nurses for student transportation. Dr. Cheryl Lawrence explains the process and acknowledges the difficulties faced. …
0:41:54
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3 min
Inquiry into busing statistics for students in temporary housing
Council Member Julie Won questions the accuracy of reported numbers for students in temporary housing receiving bus services. She highlights a discrepancy between the 36,000 migrant students reported and the …
0:45:44
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75 sec
Clarification on reported numbers of students in temporary housing
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on the discrepancy between reported numbers of students in temporary housing and those receiving bus services. The discussion reveals a misunderstanding in the initial …
0:47:00
·
60 sec
Discussion on busing services for students in temporary housing
Council Member Julie Won presses for more details on the number of students in temporary housing receiving bus services. The discussion reveals discrepancies and concerns about the adequacy of transportation …
0:48:00
·
124 sec
Inquiry into new contract provisions for students with disabilities and in temporary housing
Council Member Julie Won inquires about provisions in new contracts to better serve students with disabilities and those in temporary housing. The response indicates that specific provisions are yet to …
0:50:12
·
40 sec
Overview of training requirements for bus staff handling students with disabilities
Glenn Risbrook provides an overview of the current training requirements for bus staff who handle students with disabilities. - The DOE partners with the special education office to provide training …
0:50:52
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63 sec
Discussion on flexibility in future school bus contracts
Council Member Julie Won presses for more details on how flexibility will be incorporated into future school bus contracts, particularly for students in temporary housing. The responses indicate that specific …
0:51:55
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39 sec
Challenges with legacy bus contracts and accommodating student relocation
Council Member Julie Won inquires about how the Department of Education has been handling bus services for relocated students within the constraints of existing contracts. The discussion reveals challenges and …
0:52:35
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136 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph questions DOE officials on busing requests and nurse assignments
Council Member Rita Joseph engages in a Q&A session with DOE officials, focusing on exception requests for busing and the assignment of nurses for student transportation. The officials provide some …
0:54:51
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144 sec
Process and timeline for obtaining limited travel time accommodations on school buses
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the process and timeline for obtaining limited travel time accommodations on school buses. DOE officials explain the steps involved, from submitting medical documentation to …
0:57:18
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155 sec
Discussion on average travel times for students on school buses
Council Member Julie Won questions DOE officials about average travel times for students on school buses and raises concerns about the 60-minute benchmark for limited travel time accommodations. - The …
0:59:54
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75 sec
DOE's efforts to open specialized programs closer to students' homes
John Hammer explains the Department of Education's efforts to reduce travel times for students with special needs by opening specialized programs closer to their homes. - The DOE opened 36 …
1:01:10
·
102 sec
Council Member Won requests list of District 75 schools
Council Member Julie Won concludes her questioning by requesting additional information about District 75 schools. - Won asks for a list of existing District 75 schools in all school districts …
1:02:53
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24 sec
Council member inquires about bus driver shortages and contract negotiations
Council Member Farah Louis asks about DOE's efforts to address the shortage of 300 bus drivers, ensure competitive wages, and comply with labor laws in new contracts. She also raises …
1:03:28
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97 sec
Explanation of limited travel time for students with IEPs
Glenn Risbrook provides a detailed explanation of how limited travel time works for students with IEPs. He describes the complexities of routing these students and the impact on overall bus …
1:05:05
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3 min
Statistics on students requiring limited travel time
Council members seek clarification on the number of students requiring limited travel time. Glenn Risbrook provides current and historical figures. - Currently, 6,000 students require limited travel time on bus …
1:08:45
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10 sec
Discussion on need for increased capacity and updated bus contracts
Council members and DOE officials discuss the need to increase capacity and update bus contracts to meet current student needs. They emphasize the importance of reimagining the contract system. - …
1:08:59
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58 sec
Transportation for students in temporary housing and current route waiting lists
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about transportation services for students in temporary housing and those waiting for bus routes. Glenn Risbrook provides information on current numbers and processes. - All …
1:09:57
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74 sec
Discussion on reimbursement issues for alternative transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about long wait times for reimbursement of alternative transportation costs. Glenn Risbrook explains the reimbursement process and potential reasons for delays. - A parent …
1:11:12
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115 sec
DOE efforts to address bus driver shortages
Glenn Risbrook explains the DOE's efforts to address the bus driver shortage, working in conjunction with bus companies. - DOE communicates regularly with bus companies to keep pressure on hiring …
1:13:06
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61 sec
Safety measures for buses parked in residential areas
Council Member Farah Louis inquires about safety measures and enforcement for school buses parked in residential areas. Glenn Risbrook explains the DOE's policies and enforcement procedures. - Buses are only …
1:14:07
·
67 sec
Clarification on negotiations with ATU local 1181
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on the current status of negotiations with ATU local 1181. Glenn Risbrook provides a brief explanation. - ATU local 1181 members are not DOE …
1:15:14
·
28 sec
Discussion on school bus contract renewal and extension
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the discussion by commending the chairs for holding the hearing and acknowledging the complexity of school bus transportation issues. He expresses concerns about historical corruption …
1:15:46
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90 sec
Creation and purpose of NYCSBUS (NICE Bus)
Council Member Restler inquires about the creation and purpose of NICE Bus, seeking confirmation on its role in bringing integrity, competence, and accountability to school busing. DOE officials provide limited …
1:17:16
·
60 sec
NYCSBUS routes and service capacity
Council Member Restler inquires about the number of routes and students served by NICE Bus, revealing a decrease in service capacity since its creation. - NICE Bus operates approximately 765 …
1:18:15
·
35 sec
Comparison of NYCSBUS performance and innovation with other bus companies
Council Member Restler praises NYCSBUS for its innovations and performance, expressing frustration that its services are not being expanded. - NYCSBUS is highlighted for its impressive technology, allowing real-time tracking …
1:18:50
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56 sec
Challenges faced by NYCSBUS, including driver shortages
Glenn Risbrook explains that NYCSBUS faces similar challenges as other bus companies, particularly in hiring and retaining drivers. - NYCSBUS struggles to hire enough drivers to service their contracted routes. …
1:19:46
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77 sec
Historical context of NYCSBUS creation and current administration's approach
Council Member Restler provides historical context for NYCSBUS's creation and criticizes the current administration's approach to school bus services. - NYCSBUS was created in 2021 in response to threats of …
1:21:04
·
70 sec
Questions about the $890 million NYCSBUS contract
Council Member Won inquires about the details of the $890 million NYCSBUS contract and its utilization since 2021. - Glenn Risbrook provides a general breakdown of the contract, mentioning it …
1:22:14
·
69 sec
Transparency measures in NYCSBUS contracting
Council Member Won inquires about new measures to ensure greater transparency in NYCSBUS contracting since the episode with former Controller Scott Stringer. - Glenn Risbrook states that he is not …
1:23:25
·
23 sec
Performance indicators for future school bus contracts
Council Member Won inquires about performance indicators to be included in new school bus contracts, including those for NYCSBUS and legacy contracts. - Glenn Risbrook confirms that there will be …
1:23:48
·
18 sec
Lessons learned from NYCSBUS model for future contract bidding
Council Member Won inquires about lessons learned from the NYCSBUS model that will inform future school bus contract bidding processes. - Glenn Risbrook highlights that transparency in operations has been …
1:24:06
·
50 sec
Discussion on contract termination and vendor performance improvement
Council Member Brewer inquires about a previously mentioned bus contract termination for poor performance. Glenn Risbrook explains that instead of termination, they resized the vendor's operation, which led to improved …
1:32:20
·
65 sec
Discussion on IEP violations and future contract provisions
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about IEP violations, particularly lengthy delays for students with IEPs, and asks about provisions in new contracts to hold bus companies accountable. Glenn Risbrook confirms …
1:33:26
·
71 sec
Discussion on Via app usage and parent engagement
Council Member Brewer inquires about the usage and effectiveness of the Via app for school bus tracking. John Benson provides statistics on app downloads and usage, emphasizing its usefulness for …
1:34:38
·
166 sec
Discussion on electric bus grants and vendor applications
Council Member Brewer inquires about the process of obtaining electric buses through grants. James Sarkis explains the DOE's efforts to encourage vendors to apply for federal and state grants for …
1:37:24
·
155 sec
Discussion on route performance metrics and improvement strategies
Council Member Brewer inquires about how the DOE reviews and improves route performance metrics, particularly addressing concerns about long routes. Glenn Risbrook explains the ongoing monitoring process and strategies for …
1:40:02
·
115 sec
Council member inquires about GPS tracking app accessibility for private special needs schools
Council Member Erik Bottcher raises concerns about the accessibility of the GPS tracking app for parents of students in private special needs schools. John Benson from the Office of Pupil …
1:42:02
·
173 sec
GPS tracking implementation on school buses
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the implementation of GPS tracking on school buses, as mandated by local law 3298 of 2019. John Benson, representing the Office of Pupil Transportation, …
1:44:58
·
77 sec
Challenges in implementing GPS technology on school buses
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the challenges faced in implementing GPS technology on school buses. John Benson elaborates on the difficulties encountered, particularly with driver adoption of the new …
1:46:17
·
45 sec
Parent communication app for school bus tracking
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the parent communication app for bus tracking, including language accessibility and usage data. John Benson provides details on the app's functionality and adoption rates. …
1:47:04
·
3 min
Transportation services for students in foster care
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about transportation services for students in foster care. Glenn Risbrook provides statistics and information about the request process and service provision. - 1,371 students in …
1:50:04
·
121 sec
Lack of after-school bus service for students with disabilities
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about the lack of after-school bus service for students with disabilities. Glenn Risbrook explains the current limitations and potential solutions. - Current bus contracts …
1:52:05
·
88 sec
Air conditioning requirements for buses transporting students with disabilities
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about air conditioning requirements for buses transporting students with disabilities, referencing local law 79 of 2023. Glenn Risbrook provides information on current compliance and future …
1:53:34
·
93 sec
OmniCards distribution and eligibility for student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph discusses OmniCard distribution and eligibility with John Benson, focusing on expanding access and addressing limitations for after-school activities. - Currently, about 560,000 students are eligible for …
1:55:10
·
130 sec
Issues with OmniCard shortages and replacement processes
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about OmniCard shortages and replacement processes. John Benson explains the current procedures and addresses reported issues. - Schools receive an initial allotment of OmniCards …
1:57:23
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124 sec
Future plans for OmniCard technology (cell phone tapping)
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about plans for implementing cell phone tapping technology for student transportation. John Benson explains the current timeline and considerations for future OmniCard technology. - The …
1:59:28
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34 sec
Unauthorized use of 10-day letters for student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about the use of 10-day letters for student transportation. John Benson explains the history and current status of these letters. - 10-day letters were …
2:00:02
·
173 sec
Council Member Brewer questions DOE officials on Via app routing and 60-day rule for migrant families
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the implementation of the Via app for bus routing and expresses concerns about the 60-day rule for migrant families. DOE officials respond with …
2:02:56
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157 sec
Annual training for school bus drivers and attendants
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the annual training for school bus drivers and attendants. The DOE officials confirm that the training is scheduled for Election Day and will involve …
2:07:21
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22 sec
Clarification on public transportation eligibility for young students
Council Member Rita Joseph seeks clarification on reports of incentives for 3rd-grade students to use public transportation instead of school buses. DOE officials explain that there is no pilot program, …
2:07:45
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42 sec
Usage of rideshare services for student transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the usage of prepaid rideshare services for students waiting for bus service. DOE officials provide data on the number of rides used during different …
2:08:28
·
58 sec
Challenges and limitations of the student rideshare program
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about the requirement for an adult to accompany children using the rideshare service. DOE officials explain the legal and regulatory constraints that led to …
2:09:29
·
64 sec
Wait times for busing services for students in foster care
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the average number of days students in foster care wait for busing to start after submitting an exception request. DOE officials do not have …
2:10:33
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33 sec
Overview of student transportation contracts and their costs
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the various types of student transportation contracts, their costs, and durations. DOE officials provide detailed information on contracts for ambulance services, rideshare, transportation software, …
2:11:07
·
72 sec
Cost differences and student capacity for various bus route types
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about cost differences between various types of bus routes, including general education, special education, and temporary housing routes. DOE officials provide detailed information on costs …
2:12:21
·
113 sec
Recent trends in student bus service usage and route efficiency
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about recent trends showing an increase in students using bus services while the number of routes has decreased. DOE officials clarify the current situation and …
2:14:14
·
113 sec
Busing approval process and eligibility for students in foster care
Council Member Rita Joseph seeks clarification on the busing approval process for students in foster care, including reasons for request denials and eligibility criteria. DOE officials provide information on the …
2:16:09
·
65 sec
Stop arm camera pilot program for school buses
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the contract and plans for stop arm cameras on school buses. DOE officials provide information on the current pilot program and plans for expansion. …
2:17:14
·
81 sec
Cost differences between general and special education busing
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the cost differences between general education ($26 per student) and special education ($104 per student) busing. DOE officials explain that the higher cost for …
2:18:41
·
94 sec
Impact of new special education programs on busing costs
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the impact of new District 75 schools on busing costs. DOE officials clarify that recent programs (Nest, Horizon, and Ames) are not District 75 …
2:20:17
·
67 sec
Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) in bus contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) in bus contracts, their history, and current status. DOE officials explain the long-standing issues with implementing EPPs in all contracts. …
2:21:24
·
99 sec
Challenges in passing EPP legislation
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the challenges in passing Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) legislation. DOE officials explain the current status and obstacles faced in implementing EPPs. - EPP legislation …
2:23:03
·
47 sec
Cost differences between EPP and non-EPP contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the cost differences between contracts with Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) and those without. DOE officials explain the challenges in determining exact cost differences. - …
2:23:50
·
29 sec
Advocacy for EPP legislation
Council Member Julie Won inquires about steps to ensure Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) legislation is signed into law and potential hindrances to its passage. DOE officials emphasize the importance of …
2:24:24
·
57 sec
Implementation status of recommendations for students in temporary housing transportation
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the status of implementing recommendations from the students in temporary housing transportation task force. DOE officials report that they are working on addressing issues …
2:25:23
·
58 sec
Plans for creating a step-by-step guide for arranging transportation for students in temporary housing
Council Member Rita Joseph asks if NYC Public Schools will create a step-by-step guide for arranging transportation for students in temporary housing, as recommended in a report. John Benson from …
2:26:21
·
16 sec
Transportation challenges for students in temporary housing and data matching issues
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about transportation delays for students in temporary housing, including new arrival students. DOE officials discuss data matching processes and address issues related to students …
2:26:37
·
142 sec
Bus service availability for DHS shelter students on the first day of school
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the number of students living in DHS shelters who were eligible for bus service but didn't have it in place for the first day …
2:29:00
·
104 sec
Stop arm camera pilot program for school buses
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the stop arm camera pilot program for school buses. DOE officials provide details on the current pilot and plans for expansion. - A …
2:30:45
·
75 sec
Efforts to increase MWBE participation in school bus contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about steps being taken to increase competition and MWBE participation in the school bus contract bidding process. DOE officials outline their strategies and priorities. - …
2:32:07
·
59 sec
Rebidding process for legacy and non-legacy bus contracts and projected spending
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the rebidding process for legacy and non-legacy bus contracts and the projected contract spending for the fiscal year. DOE officials provide limited information due …
2:33:11
·
36 sec
Potential cost savings and balancing efficiency with service quality in new contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about potential cost savings from the implementation of the Via app and steps being taken to balance cost-effectiveness with service quality and labor protections in …
2:33:50
·
56 sec
Vendors involved in providing stop arm cameras for school buses
Council Member Rita Joseph asks for clarification on the vendors providing stop arm cameras for school buses. DOE officials provide details on the current vendors and partnerships. - The two …
2:34:47
·
57 sec
Testimony by Tomas Fret, President of Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
Tomas Fret, representing Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, testified about the importance of maintaining Employee Protection Provisions (EPP) in school bus contracts and improving working conditions for school …
2:40:48
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4 min
Testimony by Tara Foster, Senior Staff Attorney at Queens Legal Services, on School Bus Transportation Services
Tara Foster, representing Queens Legal Services, testified on the ongoing issues with school bus transportation services in New York City, particularly highlighting the disproportionate impact on students with disabilities. She …
2:45:55
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3 min
Testimony by Sarah Catalina Naro, Representative of Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST)
Sarah Catalina Naro, representing Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST), testified about various issues and recommendations regarding school bus transportation in NYC. She highlighted concerns about flawed routes, understaffing, and …
2:49:59
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3 min
Testimony by Anna Brehm, Advocate & Manager of Capacity Building, Robin Hood Project at Advocates for Children of New York
Anna Brehm from Advocates for Children of New York testifies about the challenges faced by families in securing safe, reliable, and on-time school transportation for students in New York City. …
2:54:04
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3 min
Testimony by Alexandra Rapisarda, Senior Attorney at Brooklyn Defender Services, on School Transportation Challenges for Students in Foster Care
Alexandra Rapisarda from Brooklyn Defender Services testifies about the transportation challenges faced by students separated from their families by ACS and placed in foster care. She emphasizes the need for …
2:57:48
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3 min
Advocacy for Employee Protection Provisions in school bus contracts
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about ongoing advocacy efforts to reinstate Employee Protection Provisions (EPPs) in school bus contracts at the state level. - Tomas Fret confirms that advocacy is …
3:01:06
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19 sec
Issues with the OPT hotline and complaint resolution process
Council Member Rita Joseph discusses issues with the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) hotline and complaint resolution process with Sarah Catalina Naro from Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST). - …
3:01:25
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149 sec
Turnaround time for addressing transportation issues for students with disabilities
Council Member Rita Joseph discusses the turnaround time for addressing transportation issues, particularly for students with disabilities, with Anna Brehm from Advocates for Children of New York. - A specific …
3:03:55
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71 sec
Transportation challenges for students in foster care
Council Member Rita Joseph addresses transportation challenges for students in foster care, expressing concern about the lengthy process for arranging transportation. - Highlights the 30-day wait time for foster care …
3:05:08
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54 sec
Discussion on Employee Protection Provisions (EPPs) in school bus contracts
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the history and current status of Employee Protection Provisions (EPPs) in school bus contracts. Tomas Fret, President of Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit …
3:06:03
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49 sec
Discussion on bus ride times, Via app, and accessibility issues
Council Member Julie Won leads a discussion with various panel members about school bus transportation issues, focusing on ride times for students with IEPs, the accuracy of the Via app, …
3:06:55
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5 min
Testimony by Molly Senack, Education and Unemployment Community Organizer from Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY)
Molly Senack, representing the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, testified about the challenges faced by students with disabilities using the NYC yellow bus system. She highlighted issues …
3:13:04
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174 sec
Testimony by Ruth DiRoma, Senior Family Educator at INCLUDEnyc
Ruth DiRoma, representing INCLUDEnyc, testified about ongoing issues with school bus transportation for students with disabilities in New York City. She highlighted systemic problems, called for new bus contracts to …
3:16:07
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6 min
Testimony by Maggie Moroff, Senior Special Education Policy Coordinator of Action for Reform in Special Education (ARISE) Coalition
Maggie Moroff, representing the ARISE Coalition, testified about issues and recommendations for improving school bus transportation services for students with disabilities in NYC. She highlighted problems with routing, staffing, and …
3:22:25
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3 min
Testimony by Katherine Hoy, Director of Advocacy Services at AHRC New York City
Katherine Hoy, representing AHRC New York City and various advocacy coalitions, testified on the challenges in school bus transportation for students with disabilities. She highlighted issues such as long ride …
3:26:30
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3 min
Testimony by Sacha Amry, Director of Camping and Recreation Services at AHRC New York City, on School Bus Transportation for After-School Programs
Sacha Amry, representing AHRC New York City, testified about challenges with school bus transportation for special needs students in after-school programs. She highlighted the significant reduction in after-school program attendance …
3:30:38
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3 min
Testimony by Miriam Franco, Parent of a Child with Special Transportation Needs
Miriam Franco, a parent of a child with special transportation needs, testified about the worsening issues with the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) for children with IEPs. She shared her …
3:35:22
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152 sec
Testimony by Dawn Ackerley on School Bus Transportation Issues
Dawn Ackerley, a parent of a child in the Horizon program, testifies about ongoing issues with school bus transportation services. She details multiple unresolved complaints, excessive travel times, and problems …
3:38:01
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4 min
Testimony by Ellen McHugh, Member of the Public, on School Bus Transportation and Disability Inclusion
Ellen McHugh testifies about ongoing issues with school bus transportation and the lack of inclusion for disability-owned businesses in DOE contracts. She emphasizes the need for greater accountability and compliance …
3:42:33
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3 min
Testimony by Lupe Hernandez, Parent of NYC Public School Student
Lupe Hernandez, a parent of a New York City public school student, testified about various issues related to school bus transportation. She addressed concerns about safety, routing problems, and the …
3:46:12
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4 min
Testimony by Jennifer Choi, Special Education Advocate
Jennifer Choi, a special education advocate and parent, testified about transportation equity issues for students with disabilities in NYC. She highlighted the denial of OmniCards to students with disabilities as …
3:55:00
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3 min
Testimony by Charlize Ellis, Parent of a Student with Special Needs
Charlize Ellis, a parent of a student with special needs, testified about various challenges faced in school bus transportation for her son. She highlighted issues with bus tracking, paraprofessional staffing, …
3:58:32
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3 min
Testimony by Tanisha Grant, Executive Director of Parents Supporting Parents New York, on School Bus Transportation Services
Tanisha Grant, speaking as a mother and grandmother of a child with special needs, highlighted persistent issues with school bus services for children with disabilities. She emphasized the frequent breakdowns, …
4:02:25
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133 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson on School Bus Safety and Contracting
Christopher Leon Johnson testified in support of Resolution 250 and other measures to improve school bus safety and accountability in contracting. He emphasized the need for stronger stop arms on …
4:04:44
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170 sec
Testimony by Chad Royer, Parent of Children with and without Disabilities
Chad Royer, a parent of two children including one with a disability, shared his extensive experience with school bus transportation issues in NYC. He offered several recommendations to improve the …
4:08:42
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3 min
Testimony by Mark Gonsalves, Co-Chair of Citywide Council on Special Education
Mark Gonsalves, Co-Chair of the Citywide Council on Special Education and parent of two students with IEPs, testifies about ongoing issues with school bus transportation services in NYC. He criticizes …
4:11:58
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172 sec
Testimony by Susan Giordano, Staff at Tiegerman Elementary School, on School Bus Transportation Issues
Susan Giordano from Tiegerman Elementary School testified about the difficulties they've experienced with school bus transportation this year. She highlighted issues with bus companies, including unreliability and staffing problems. - …
4:15:09
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65 sec
Testimony by Karen, Staff at Tiegerman Elementary School, on School Bus Transportation Issues
Karen, a staff member at Tiegerman Elementary School, testifies about severe issues with school bus transportation services, describing it as one of the worst years for busing in her 5+ …
4:16:14
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63 sec
Testimony by Adriana Alicea, Chair of the Special Education Committee of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council, on School Bus Transportation and OmniCard Issues
Adriana Alicea testified about ongoing issues with school bus transportation and OmniCard distribution in NYC schools. She highlighted problems with the Via app for bus tracking, excessive travel times for …
4:17:49
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3 min
Testimony by Maggie Sanchez, Member of Citywide Council on Special Education
Maggie Sanchez, speaking in her personal capacity as a parent of a child with a disability, shared her experiences with school bus transportation issues. She highlighted problems with obtaining NICSA …
4:21:07
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3 min
Testimony by Paullette Healy, Member of the Public
Paullette Healy testifies about concerns regarding school bus transportation services in NYC, particularly focusing on the potential use of VIA for routing and the impact on students with disabilities. She …
4:24:39
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3 min
Testimony by Rima Izquierdo, Member of the Public, on School Bus Transportation Issues
Rima Izquierdo provided testimony on various issues related to school bus transportation in New York City, highlighting problems with timing, routing, and communication. She spoke on behalf of an unnamed …
4:27:56
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3 min
Testimony by Mayra Garcia, Director of iHOPE School, on School Bus Transportation Issues
Mayra Garcia, Director of iHOPE School, testified about severe transportation issues affecting their medically fragile students. She highlighted how these problems are causing significant absences, missed therapies, and potential loss …
4:31:13
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139 sec
Testimony by Veronica ONeil, Member of the Public
Veronica ONeil expresses concern about the long duration children spend on school buses, particularly highlighting her grandson's experience. She criticizes the current bus routes and suggests improvements to make them …
4:33:58
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103 sec
