Parents say redistributed bus routes create unsafe, inequitable walks for WTA students
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Summary
Multiple parents told the Board of Education that new pooled busing routes require children to walk up to 15–20 minutes without sidewalks, creating safety and equity concerns and prompting requests for route revisions and additional buses.
Several parents told the New Rochelle Board of Education at its public comment period that changes to busing this school year have created unsafe and inequitable conditions for students who attend WTA and other schools. "This year, the busing is pooled," said Mina Moore, identifying herself as a New Rochelle parent. "We are currently being asked to take our children on a walk that can take 15 to 20 minutes for young children. There are no sidewalks."
Parents said last year WTA had stops that stopped in front of their buildings; this year, consolidated stops require longer walks and, they said, expose children to busy streets and poor lighting. "Some of the stops are also dangerous and need to be revised," Judith Glazer, a New Rochelle parent, told the board, adding that she believes two buses and rerouting would restore seats and safer stops.
Speakers raised equity concerns, saying pooled routes disadvantage families who live farther from consolidated stops and could lead some families to stop using district busing. "It's not equitable because only families that are really gonna make use of it are the ones that have the stop right next to their house," Moore said. Lorraine Carm, a resident of Belmont Avenue, added that the reorganization of elementary schools earlier prompted the district to bus children beyond the immediate neighborhood.
The board did not respond during public comment (board policy limits the period to listening and future follow-up). No board action or vote on routes was taken at this meeting. Board President William Iannuzzi said he would forward comments to the superintendent and staff; the superintendent was absent and excused due to illness. Parents asked the district to revise routes, add buses, or place stops closer to students to avoid long, sidewalk-free walks and to hold further discussions with families.
Background: the board opened 45 minutes for public comment and limits each pre-registered speaker to three minutes. Speakers asked that the superintendent and transportation staff work with families to design safer routes for the start of the school year.