Board approves new transportation contracts amid complaints about late buses and driver shortages

The Waterbury Board of Aldermen approved a set of five‑year student transportation contracts on Monday, awarding separate work for medically fragile/McKinney‑Vento routes, special education routes and regular education routes after a protracted committee review.

Contracts and coverage

- Sky Transportation LLC: awarded a five‑year contract for medically fragile and McKinney‑Vento students (RFP 8620; not to exceed $770,400 over the term).
- Allstar Transportation LLC: awarded a five‑year contract for special education transportation (RFP 8627; not to exceed approximately $7.13 million over five years).
- Durham School Services LP: after debate and an amendment in committee, the board approved a five‑year contract for regular education routes (RFP 8612; not to exceed roughly $6.9 million over five years).

Board concerns and vendor commitments

A number of aldermen and school officials described frequent parental complaints about lateness, extended waits and inconsistent service. Nick Albini, chief operating officer for Waterbury Public Schools, said driver shortage and higher costs have pushed district transportation spending higher in recent years. Dorian Biola, the school system’s finance officer, estimated current-year transportation spending in the $10–11 million range.

Several aldermen said Durham in particular has provoked constituents’ complaints about rude office responses and buses arriving late. The board and school representatives said the district ran a competitive RFP process and that vendors made commitments during the selection process: hiring additional staff, appointing regional managers, and improving GPS/bus‑tracking systems. The contracts include reporting requirements and fines for late pickups; the board has also imposed fines already for past underperformance.

"We want the service, not the money. If they can't provide the service we will exercise termination rights in the contract," the superintendent said, noting monthly reporting and oversight by a transportation committee.

Timing and process notes

Officials said the RFP process took months and that labor costs, fuel prices and union agreements contributed to higher vendor proposals this cycle. Vendors that unionized since prior contracts reported higher pricing. The board discussed contract length — five years was chosen in part because vendors must make capital investments in fleets to meet service and air‑conditioning requirements.

What to watch

Board members asked for continued monthly reporting from vendors and public follow‑up on fines and service delivery. Several aldermen asked the school administration to pursue redistricting and route optimization as long‑term responses to chronic delays.

Provenance: Committee hearings and intergovernmental committee discussion and roll calls on RFPs 8620, 8627 and 8612; full board votes recorded on June 8.