Overview
- The Panel for Education Policy did not vote on the proposed five-year extension at a contentious Wednesday meeting, leaving the long-term deal unresolved.
- The Department of Education says 27 of the 52 private contractors agreed to an emergency November extension, delaying some layoffs while others warn they will stop service when contracts expire Oct. 31.
- About 150,000 students could be affected if service lapses, including tens of thousands with disabilities or in temporary housing, prompting contingency plans with free OMNY cards and limited rideshare or reimbursement options for eligible families.
- Drivers and parents packed the Manhattan meeting to protest potential job losses and service failures as panel members flagged insufficient worker safeguards and weak accountability for late or missed routes.
- Officials indicated buses are expected to run Monday, though families are urged to prepare for changes in the coming weeks as negotiations continue.