REMARKS
Importance of school transportation and ongoing challenges
0:01:14
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73 sec
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, with some improvements made but significant challenges remaining
- School transportation is crucial for ensuring equal access to education for all students
- Current regulations require New York City to provide transportation to eligible students in public, charter, and non-public schools
- Families have reported issues such as late arrivals, missed school days, and difficulties with alternative transportation options
Rita Joseph
0:01:14
Today's hearing bills on the work we began nearly 2 years ago when we last addressed this issue in November 2022, while efforts have been made to improve the real up reliability of school buses significant challenges remain.
0:01:29
School transportation is essential to ensuring that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has access to education.
0:01:38
Chances regulation require New York City public schools to provide transportation to all eligible New York City students in public school, charter, and non public schools.
0:01:49
Federal laws provides protections for our most vulnerable students, students in temporary housing, and those with special in special education needs.
0:01:59
School transportation isn't just logistical concern.
0:02:03
It is also an equity issue.
0:02:06
Bus service delay can disrupt student learning and hinder academic success.
0:02:11
My office and committee staff have heard from numerous families and advocates about late arrivals, missed school days, and difficulty accessing services like metrocars and rideshare reimbursement when buses fail to show up.
0:02:24
These are challenges no families should have to navigate.
