AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 3, 2026
Ongoing Concerns Over Boston Public Schools Bus System
Boston Public Schools (BPS) is facing mounting criticism from parents and members of the Boston City Council due to longstanding issues with school bus delays, safety concerns, and unreliable tracking. At a recent city council education committee hearing, parents shared firsthand experiences of their children not arriving at designated stops, being let off buses too early, and a lack of effective real-time bus tracking, highlighting persistent student transportation challenges in the district.
Testimonies Reveal Parental Anxiety and Safety Concerns
During the three-hour hearing, multiple parents described a system marked by chronic delays and safety lapses. "This is a daily occurrence for BPS families," Councilor Ed Flynn stated, expressing frustration at what he described as "a broken and failed system" for which the city pays $200 million annually. Parents recounted stories such as their children being dropped off without adult supervision, missed stops, and unreliable service. Mira Goto, a first-year BPS parent, conveyed her worries, stating, "We really shouldn't have to" be concerned about basic safety during school transportation.
Transdev Contractor Relationship and Financial Accountability
BPS has contracted with private bus operator Transdev since 2013, beginning a new five-year contract in 2023. Transdev currently serves over 18,000 students on 609 routes and accounts for $125 million of the district's transportation budget. However, persistent bps transportation problems have led the district to fine Transdev $500 for every "blown trip"—defined as a trip where the bus is more than an hour late or unassigned. From March to June of last school year, BPS assessed over $400,000 in such fines. So far this school year, penalties total $10,500, according to BPS transportation director Dan Rosengard.
Struggles with Timeliness and Technology
Despite reported improvements, BPS buses continue to fall short of performance goals set in the district’s 2022 Systemic Improvement Plan, which targets 95% on-time arrivals. In the first month of the current school year, only 86% of buses arrived on time in the morning and 83% in the afternoon. October saw an improvement to 91% on-time performance. While district officials and Transdev representatives noted progress and acknowledged parent concerns, Councilor Flynn strongly challenged claims of sufficient progress, stating, "I know progress is not taking place." Another major issue cited was persistent bus tracking issues, with parents reporting glitches in the Zūm real-time tracking app, prompting some to rely on personal tracking devices for their children.
Impact on Families and Calls for Safety Improvements
The bus system’s unreliability has real consequences for students and families. Graham, a sixth grader, shared the stress and logistical challenges of uncertainty over transportation, citing missed school breakfasts and disrupted socialization. Parents described needing to organize carpools, pay for ride-sharing services, or miss work due to unreliable buses. Councilor Erin Murphy highlighted how these delays particularly affect families without alternative transportation options, raising equity concerns. Some called for addressing the bus monitor shortage, requesting monitors on every bus—not just smaller, door-to-door vehicles—to ensure accountability and safety for all riders.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Change
BPS representatives and the bus contractor maintain that reforms and technology upgrades are moving the system in the right direction, but parents and councilors remain skeptical. Parents like Goto express cautious optimism, noting that "change takes a while" but emphasizing that student safety must remain a priority without compromise. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the complex nature of student transportation challenges and growing demands for accountability, improved performance, and transparency in Boston’s public school bus system.
Related coverage
Source: boston.com.
