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NYC Special Needs Students Still Busless Weeks In
17 Sep
Summary
- Special needs students in NYC lack bus service nearly a week into school.
- An estimated 100 bus routes remain unfulfilled by the DOE.
- Parents are resorting to ride-shares and facing daily uncertainty.
As of September 17, 2026, a significant number of New York City public school students with special needs are still without crucial bus service, nearly a week after the school year began. Advocates For Children reports that approximately 100 bus routes are not yet operational, impacting vulnerable students who rely on this specialized transportation.
Parents are finding themselves in a difficult position, with many resorting to ride-share vouchers provided by the Department of Education. This often requires parents to personally escort their children to and from school, an unsustainable arrangement for those who work. Families express frustration, noting this is a recurring issue that should have been resolved before the school year commenced.
The Department of Education acknowledges the transportation challenges and assures that efforts are underway to ensure every child has a way to get to school. They are actively working to procure additional buses and train new drivers, aiming for both immediate solutions and long-term improvements to prevent future disruptions.
