New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David C. Banks have released an action plan in case of a potential strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181. This union represents about half of the bus drivers and attendants who serve NYC Public School students and the potential strike could affect approximately 4,400 routes across all five boroughs.
“Ensuring our students can continue to go to school and learn every day is our top priority. We have a plan in place to help ensure that, even if a strike by school bus drivers does occur this fall, parents will still be able to get their kids to school with minimal interruptions,” said Mayor Adams. “As we gear up for the school year and negotiations continue, we have outlined several contingency plans, as a precaution, that will provide students with emergency MetroCards, reimbursement for use of alternative transportation, and, in some cases, free rideshare."
Should a strike occur, all impacted families will be eligible to receive Emergency MetroCards. These cards will be valid on MTA buses and subways (excluding the Express Bus service) and will provide a total of four trips and transfers daily, Monday through Friday, between 5:30am-8:00pm.
Some impacted families will be eligible for additional services, these could include reimbursement or rideshare options. The New York City Department of Education 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 set, with a maximum reimbursement of $200 ($100 each way) per day.
The NYC DOE is also planning on providing rideshare options to some impacted families. Students using the rideshare option would be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additionally, parents or guardians can use the service to be taken to work or a destination of choice within the five boroughs and be picked up from that location in the afternoon in order to pick up their student from school.
"Make no mistake, this is a labor dispute that will have deep implications for some of our most vulnerable student populations and their families," said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. "We are pushing for a resolution before the start of the school year to ensure every student gets the education they rightly deserve and remain hopeful for a resolution that is fair for workers and responsible for the city. In the meantime, we are working hard to plan for every alternative transportation service we will provide if a strike is called, and make families aware."
The city remains hopeful that a resolution will be reached. In the interim New York City is prepared to support all affected families and ensure uninterrupted education for all students.
For further information or inquiries, contact transportation customer service at 718-392-8855.
