Residents and drivers push back on Smithfield‑Lincoln bus consolidation; vendor says it will recruit locally

First Student, the transportation company awarded a unified contract covering Smithfield and Lincoln, told the Smithfield School Committee on May 21 that it plans to begin operating Smithfield routes out of its Lincoln base on July 1, 2026.

"We invited incumbent employees to meet with us this week where we discussed employment opportunities," Richard Capo, area general manager for First Student, said during the public forum, adding that new hires would be employed under the collective bargaining agreement that governs the Lincoln location. He told the committee the company "cannot promise" that employees will retain seniority from a different employer, and that seniority and contract terms are governed by facility‑level collective bargaining arrangements.

Drivers and monitors who have served Smithfield for decades urged the committee to reconsider or negotiate protections. "This is not just about buses on paper ... This is people's livelihoods," said Denise How, a 26‑year Smithfield driver who testified during the public forum. Speakers repeatedly raised concerns that merging yards would remove local seniority, create job uncertainty, and disrupt the relationships that drivers have with students — particularly special‑needs children who rely on consistent routines and familiar adults.

Parents and family members described how drivers have supported students and families for years and urged the district and the new vendor to preserve continuity where possible. Officials and committee members acknowledged complicating legal and labor factors — including a bargaining agreement that expires on Aug. 31 — and said district lawyers and administrators will review whether contract provisions can protect Smithfield employees.

Committee members agreed to add an item on the transportation contract to the June 4 agenda for public discussion and asked staff to work with attorneys to explore options. No formal reversal of the procurement award was made at the meeting.