Are you facing issues with your student transportation services? Learn about your rights as a student bus rider or parent of a student bus rider, and the steps to file complaints with the city and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and satisfactory transportation experience.
Through our work with caregivers, student leaders, and advocacy groups like Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC), our office is aware of a range of issues with bussing.
Types of Complaints You Might Have:
- Air Conditioning (A/C) and heat Malfunctions: Unbearable temperatures during hot and cold weather can negatively impact students' comfort and regulation during the commute.
- Bus No Show: Instances when the school bus fails to arrive at the designated stop can lead to missed classes and unnecessary stress for students and parents.
- Late Bus Arrival that leads to late school drop off, which leads to missed instruction and mandated services.
- Route Non-compliance with IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 accommodations: Students with disabilities may have specific transportation needs outlined in their IEPs, and it is vital to ensure those requirements are met.
- Transport Safety Concerns: Any issues related to the safety of the school bus, driver behavior, or emergency preparedness should be promptly addressed to avoid potential accidents or incidents.
- Bus Routes not existing for STH (Students in Temporary Housing) / Foster students, especially when there is a change in residence due to DHS moving families to different shelters and/or a change in foster home placements.
- MetroCards not being made available to students and their caregivers when eligible; either due to a lack of Transportation liaison / coordinators or limited quantity of Metroards.
Why is this important?:
- Filing complaints about bussing issues ensures the safety and well-being of students during their commute to and from school.
- Resolving transportation problems promptly can also prevent disruptions to a student's education and daily routine, and help ensure a students’ right to receive an education is respected.
- Addressing these issues helps improve the overall quality and reliability of the school transportation system for all students.
What are your rights as a student bus rider?
- For general information on all of your transportation rights: Transportation Rights
- For information specific to school bus transportation rights find theReceiving School Bus Transportation tab
- RideShare & Reimbursement
Steps to file a complaint with the city (DOE):
- File a complaint to initiate an unbiased investigation performed by the appropriate investigatory unit or agency; and timely resolution of any complaints and/or concerns
- Contact details:
- Agency: Department of Education (DOE)
- Division: Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT)
- Phone Number: (718) 392-8855
- Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 6 AM - 6 PM
If you exhaust all efforts for assistance from the DOE & OPT, you can start by filing a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights:
- Steps in the Complaint Process - CCHR
- Report Discrimination - CCHR
- Contact The Office of the Public Advocate Constituent Services
- Step 1: After filing your complaint with New York City Public Schools here, you will receive a complaint number.
- Step 2: Contact Constituent Services at the Office of the Public Advocate by calling (212) 669-7250, emailing GetHelp@advocate.nyc.gov, or filling out the Intake Form: Office of the New York City Public Advocate online. Make sure to share the Office of Pupil Transportation complaint number.
Filing complaints is crucial for student safety and well-being. Following the steps outlined in this blog post can help ensure your voice is heard. Your feedback matters. Let's create a safer, reliable bussing experience for students. Take action if you face problems with school bus transportation. Together, let's make a positive impact on student transportation services and enhance the overall school experience for everyone.
By Lupe Hernandez, Community Organizer, Education & Opportunity, and William “Quinn” Morgan-McClelland, Summer Intern 2023, Education & Opportunity
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