Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials attribute the lack of transportation for students with disabilities this year to a nationwide bus driver shortage, a recent bus driver strike, and a vendor discontinuing routes. The district has faced criticism for failing to provide adequate bus services to these students, an issue worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to cuts in general education bus services and stipends for families with disabled children. In response to a complaint alleging violations of federal law requiring transportation for students with disabilities, CPS denied that it has denied these students a Free and Appropriate Public Education. The district cited ongoing challenges with bus driver availability and issues with transportation vendors.
