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Greenwich school officials say vendor shakeup and parking crunch drove bus costs up; RFP planned
Summary
BOE told the BET a vendor change and lack of bus parking yards forced a temporary contract (DACO), increased short‑term costs and spawned a February RFP; start‑time changes reduced 18 buses and officials estimated restoring 2024–25 start times would cost roughly $2.66 million.
Board of Education transportation staff gave the BET a detailed account of this year’s bus contract, the sudden vendor change late last year and an ongoing problem finding legal, efficient locations to park the fleet.
Superintendent’s staff said a vendor contract dispute late in the prior school year left the district at risk of a midyear service loss. The administration secured interim service from DACO but said the vendor — and several others — told the district that available parking yards (where buses sit between routes) determine whether they can bid at competitive prices. Town and BOE staff have examined some 50 potential parking sites; temporary parking currently includes a church lot and Western Middle School pavement, while smaller buses use space near the train station. The planning and zoning commission provided temporary administrative approval for some lots through June 30.
The BOE laid out timing and cost implications of the 2023–24 start‑time changes that were implemented to gain operational efficiencies: the district reduced service by 18 buses after the change and told BET members that returning to the 2024–25 start‑time schedule would cost about $2.66 million; a partial restoration for K–5 start times was estimated at roughly $1.6 million.
Officials said a competitive RFP for transportation services will go out in February; they expect stronger contract language (penalties for late runs, clearer billing for field trips) and more vendor interest once the district has reliable parking control or ownership. The administration described long‑term options including leasing or buying land to consolidate bus parking and reduce future market vulnerability.
The BET discussed driver working conditions, eligibility for busing private school students (town residency formulas), and short‑term service problems during early winter weather. BOE staff said they are tightening future contracts and working with the town and P&Z to secure more stable, long‑term parking solutions.
