What you should know
A potential strike by the union that represents half of New York City public school bus drivers and attendants could affect an estimated 80,000 students, 25,000 of them in special education. The city released a plan to ensure students can attend classes if the strike were to occur, which the mayor said would be due to a labor dispute between the bus companies that provide yellow bus service to schools and Amalgamated Union Local 1181 Transit Union (ATU) representing bus drivers and attendants. Parents and other leaders are expected to protest Tuesday to demand that the mayor and the Department of Education meet their responsibility to transport City of students New York to school.
NEW YORK — Parents and other leaders are expected to protest Tuesday to demand that the mayor and the Department of Education live up to their responsibility to transport New York City students to school.
This is due to a possible strike by the union that represents half of the city’s public school bus drivers and assistants that could affect some 80,000 students, 25,000 of them in special education, by the start of the year. school, Mayor Eric Adams and School Councilor David C. Banks announced at the end of August. In total some 4,400 routes, almost half of the school buses, would be affected in the five boroughs.
Given this, the city unveiled a plan to guarantee that students can attend classes if the strike were to occur, which according to the mayor, would be due to a labor dispute between the bus companies that provide yellow bus service to schools and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1181 which represents bus drivers and attendants.
“Ensuring that our students can continue to attend school and learn every day is our top priority. We have a plan in place to help ensure that even if a school bus driver strike occurs this fall, parents will still be able to get their children to school with minimal disruption,” said Mayor Adams. “As we prepare for the school year and negotiations continue, we have outlined several contingency plans, as a precautionary measure, that will provide students with emergency MetroCards, reimbursement for alternate transportation use, and in some cases, travel free shares. As with all labor negotiations, the City encourages the parties to remain at the bargaining table until they reach a voluntary agreement.”
Alternative transportation options for families if the strike occurs
All affected families will be eligible to receive emergency MetroCards: The New York City DOE is collaborating with the MTA to provide emergency MetroCards to students and families. These cards are valid on MTA buses and subways (excluding Express Bus service) and provide a total of four daily rides and transfers Monday through Friday between 5:30 am and 8:00 pm Your child’s school can provide emergency MetroCards for both you and your student.
Some affected families will be eligible for additional services, including:
Refund for alternative transport: The New York City DOE is establishing a reimbursement system for families who must resort to taxis, rideshares or personal vehicles due to the strike. A reimbursement rate of 58 cents per mile has been established, with a maximum reimbursement of $200 ($100 each way) per day.
Shared ride for affected students and families: Currently, the New York City DOE plans to provide carpooling to some affected families. Students using the carpool option will be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In addition, parents or guardians can use the service to drive them to work or a destination of their choice within the five boroughs and be picked up at that location in the afternoon to pick up their students from school.
Other transportation options: New York City DOE leadership continues to explore other transportation options that can be quickly made available to families.
Will schools be closed if there is a strike?
No, NYCPS schools will remain open and continue to serve students, even if a strike occurs.
What is the probability that my child’s transportation will be interrupted? How will I know if this happens?
If a strike occurs the Department of Education will publish a map of the routes potentially affected on this web page the week of August 28. Additionally, if the child is affected, they will receive an automated call, email, and text message as well as a second set of notifications the first morning of disrupted bus service. Notifications will be sent to the contact information provided by your school, so it is important to ensure that your contact information is up to date with your school and in your NYC Schools (NYCSA) account.
What if my child is late for school because they are affected by the bus strike?
Students affected by a bus strike will be excused for up to two hours late due to a delay or extension of travel time.
Can affected students stay home and learn virtually?
No, New York City Public Schools will not offer virtual learning to students affected by a strike. The focus is to ensure that all students can get to school with as little disruption to their regular school hours as possible. Families should use alternate transportation options to get their children to and from school.
If there is a strike, how long should I expect it to last? How will I know when it ends?
They cannot predict how long a strike would last if it occurred.
Where can I find more information?
New York City Public Schools Online Resources: Bus Disruption Resources for Families Will Be Available on Site web at schools.nyc.gov/transportation. Here you will find information about emergency MetroCards, transportation alternatives for students and families, assistance procedures for your child, and other assistance available until yellow bus service fully resumes.
You can also call the transportation call center at 718-392-8855, email transport@schools.nyc.gov, or call 3-1-1 anytime for information and the latest updates on transportation service. yellow bus.
2023-09-05 18:33:21
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