Parents demand restoration of school buses for general education students

In Chicago, prior to the 2023-24 school year, Chicago Public Schools made a significant decision to discontinue guaranteed bus service for general education students. This decision was a part of broader challenges faced by the school system, particularly stemming from ongoing bus driver shortages, which have plagued the district since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The only groups that continued to benefit from bus services were students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness, leaving many families with magnet and selective enrollment students without transportation options. This change deeply affected many families, leading to morning struggles and long wait times for buses. In response to the termination of services, various parents and advocates formed a group called CPS Parents for Buses and actively campaigned for the restoration of school transportation. Underlining the urgency of the situation, Erin Schubert, a representative of the group, expressed the turmoil families faced after the abrupt service cut just weeks before school started. Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa emphasized the critical need for these bus services, particularly for families with children needing to attend schools outside of their immediate neighborhoods. Although the Chicago Public Schools has since reported an increase in the number of drivers available, resulting in the launch of a “Hub Stop Pilot Program”, many still view this initiative as a partial measure that fails to provide the comprehensive transportation solutions that are needed. This pilot is aimed at providing some bus rides for those general education students eligible for services, but as the school year progresses, its effectiveness remains to be seen. Parents worry about the long commutes and disruptions caused by the lack of reliable transportation. Furthermore, the district has expressed its empathy for the challenges faced by families and has committed to exploring all viable solutions to improve the situation. However, given the continued challenges surrounding transportation logistics and driver shortages, it raises questions about how quickly and effectively these solutions can be implemented. The outcry from parents and community leaders illustrates the significant impact of the policy change and the ongoing need for accessible transportation options for all students, as advocates continue to push for a more equitable solution.