The city will provide OMNY cards for students and caregivers and provide rideshare options if school bus service is disrupted in November.
With a possibility of a major school bus disruption looming, city officials on Monday said they would provide students with OMNY cards, rideshare options and reimbursements to ensure students get to school.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said they are working to ensure continued transportation access for public school students in the event of a possible school bus service disruption beginning in early November.
All impacted families will receive free OMNY cards for students and a caregiver that will be distributed by individual schools.
Some impacted families will be eligible for additional services, like pre-paid rideshare options and transportation reimbursement, including students with transportation recommended on an Individualized Education Program or 504 Accommodation Plan; students in temporary housing or foster care; and students with approved transportation exceptions.
A group of school bus companies plans to stop service to 150,000 city students and fire 12,000 unionized workers in a contract standoff, according to the New York Post. Bus companies Logan, Transportation Corp., Consolidated and Pioneer Transportation saw their contracts with the city end in June and have been given month-to-month emergency contracts ever since.
“We’re aware that some school bus companies have indicated plans to lay off their drivers, which could significantly impact yellow bus service; that’s why our administration has developed alternative transportation solutions to support all students and families who rely on daily bus service, including our 68,000 students with disabilities and those in temporary housing or foster care,” Adams said in a statement.
To ensure bus service continues beyond October 31, 2025, New York City Public Schools has sent emergency extension contracts to bus companies and continues to negotiate in good faith to reach a sustainable solution, according to city officials.
“Though we have not received any formal notice from busing companies, we are working diligently and proactively to ensure alternative transportation services are in place, should they be needed,” Aviles-Ramos said. “We are also making information available to our families and school communities regarding options in case of bus companies ceasing to run routes.”
Families will get direct school notifications if their child’s bus service will be affected. Families are urged to update their information through their New York City Schools Account. NYCPS will issue guidance to all impacted non-public and charter schools as well.
The city has also set up a dedicated website where families can find out their transportation options, and can follow updates on social media @NYCSchools on Facebook, X, and Instagram.