Agreement Reached To Restore Bus Service For Bridgeport Public Schools

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A negotiated agreement has been reached to restore bus service for Bridgeport Public School students this fall, the district and the Connecticut State Department of Education announced this week. The CSDE’s embedded Technical Assistance Team worked with the district’s transportation company to restructure the previous contract to reduce costs while maintaining services. The CSDE and City of Bridgeport are working diligently on this effort, which restores and streamlines routes that had been cut due to budget reductions, ensuring students once again have safe and reliable transportation for the school year.

“Through the hard work of our Technical Assistance Team, we were able to help secure a more cost-effective agreement that reduces student walking distances and restores safe, reliable bus service for Bridgeport students,” said Commissioner Russell-Tucker. “Reliable transportation is essential for attendance, engagement, and student success, and I am grateful that, together with the City of Bridgeport and the transportation company, we can provide this stability and peace of mind for students and families.”

“Student safety is our top priority, and now, thanks to Commissioner Russell-Tucker and the State Department of Education partnering with the City, we are able to restore walking distances for our K–12 students,” stated Mayor Ganim. “Attendance is critical to student success, and with this, our goal is to make sure schools remain safe, accessible, and within reach for our Bridgeport families.”

“Securing the funds to restore bus services is a direct way of prioritizing our students,” stated Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “This agreement reduces barriers and ensures they are in the classroom every day, ready to learn. We thank CSDE, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, Mayor Ganim, and our Bridgeport delegation—showing the power of coming together to put students’ success first.”

"Ensuring reliable bus transportation for Bridgeport students is critical to supporting their education and daily success,” said State Rep. Chris Rosario, who chairs Bridgeport’s legislative delegation. “I want to thank Commissioner Russell Tucker, Mayor Ganim, Interim Superintendent Avery, and my delegation colleagues for their commitment, collaboration, and tireless work in finding practical solutions for our students and families.”