Charlene M. Russell-Tucker Commissioner | Connecticut Department of Education
Bus transportation for Bridgeport Public Schools students will resume this fall following a new agreement facilitated by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The department’s Technical Assistance Team collaborated with the district’s transportation provider to restructure the previous contract, aiming to lower costs while maintaining services. This effort restores and streamlines bus routes that had been reduced due to budget cuts, ensuring students have access to safe and reliable transportation for the upcoming 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 Education Commissioner Charlene M. 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.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim emphasized student safety as a primary concern: “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. Attendance is a critical asset to student success and with this, our intention is to ensure our schools are easily accessible to our students while giving Bridgeport parents a sense of security.”
Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery stated: “Restoring bus services is a direct way of prioritizing our students. 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.”
State Representative Chris Rosario added: "Ensuring reliable bus transportation for Bridgeport students is critical to supporting their education and daily success. 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.”
Earlier this year on February 20th, 2025, Commissioner Russell-Tucker established the Technical Assistance Team as authorized by the Connecticut State Board of Education (SBE) in response to challenges faced by Bridgeport Public Schools. In addition to addressing transportation issues, this team provides targeted support in financial management as well as instructional processes within the district.
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