School Committee reviews NRT transportation performance amid bus staffing challenges

The Framingham School Committee held an open session on January 22, 2025, where transportation issues took center stage, highlighting ongoing challenges in the district's bus service. The meeting provided a detailed update on the performance of the district's transportation provider, NRT, revealing a consistent but insufficient number of drivers and ongoing delays in bus arrivals.

During the session, it was reported that the district currently has 53 drivers, which is 24 fewer than the contract stipulates. This shortfall has contributed to significant delays, particularly in the afternoon, where 34.4% of buses arrived late to elementary schools. The report indicated that while morning performance was relatively better, with fewer late arrivals, the afternoon chaos was exacerbated by traffic and long bus routes that often lead to delays at the middle schools impacting elementary school schedules.

Committee members expressed concern over the transportation issues, with discussions focusing on the complexities of routing and the impact of external factors such as weather and traffic patterns. One member noted that the increase in traffic during winter months, when parents are less likely to let their children wait outside, has further complicated the situation.

In response to these challenges, the district is actively working with NRT to improve service reliability. The administration is also collaborating with city officials to expedite the hiring process for additional drivers, aiming to enhance the overall transportation experience for students by the start of the next school year.

The meeting underscored the importance of reliable transportation in ensuring that students arrive at school on time, a critical factor in their educational experience. As the district continues to address these transportation hurdles, the community remains hopeful for improvements that will benefit both students and families in Framingham.