Newsday -  Long Island | Transportation By Alfonso A. Castillo and Darwin Yanes March 6, 2026 Long Island’s school bus industry, already suffering from a driver shortage, will lose hundreds more drivers because of a Trump administration directive preventing immigrants with temporary residency from obtaining, or renewing, commercial driver’s licenses, officials said. The recent announcement by the state Department of Motor Vehicles that its commercial driver’s license program for temporary residents is "indefinitely paused, including renewals," could have a cascading impact across Long Island. Bus companies said it will put decades-long bus drivers out of work and, in a worst-case scenario, push school districts to delay bell times so that buses could serve multiple schools with a depleted roster of operators. "It’s tough right now. It’s just going to get a little tougher," said Thomas Smith, chief operating officer of Suffolk Transportation Services, the county’s largest school bus provider, which stands to lose about 150 of its 1,600 drivers because of the licensing change. "It’s sad. These are great people doing great work for the community." The DMV’s move came in response to changes made late last year by the federal government barring most immigrants with temporary visas from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses, even while in the United States legally. WHAT NEWSDAY FOUND New York's recent pause on issuing or renewing commercial driver's licenses to many immigrants could put hundreds of Long Island school bus drivers out of work. The DMV acted in response to a directive from the Trump administration, which has raised safety concerns over noncitizen truck drivers. Bus company and union officials said the measure unfairly punishes legal residents of the United States, and will worsen an existing shortage of school bus drivers. The change followed a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit saying that New York, and other large cities led by Democrats, were regularly renewing immigrant drivers' commercial licenses even after their temporary statuses expired. Federal officials ordered New York to immediately revoke every license illegally issued to "foreign drivers" and discontinue its immigrant CDL program, or they'd lose federal highway funding. DMV officials said every applicant's legal status is verified and that they followed federal regulations, but have suggested they have no choice but to comply with the federal order. Since the new policy has taken effect, those in the CDL program are losing their licenses as they come up for renewal. Asked whether they intend to revoke all immigrants' commercial driver's licenses immediately, DMV spokesman Tim O'Brien said in a statement: "We are not taking any action at this time as we engage with USDOT on their letter from last year." Asked for comment on New York’s indefinite pause on the program, federal officials said it was evidence of the Trump administration "getting results." "But until New York does everything required to get dangerous foreign drivers off our roads including revoking all illegally issued licenses, they are at risk of losing over $73 million in federal highway funding and potentially decertification of their CDL program," a DOT spokesperson said in a statement. The Trump administration has sought to target so-called "non-domiciled" CDL programs following a series of highprofile truck crashes involving immigrant drivers. President Donald Trump brought up the issue at his recent State of the Union address, calling on Congress to bar "any state from granting commercial licenses to illegal aliens." Carolyn Rinaldi, vice president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, which represents 3,000 members on Long Island including school bus drivers, said she’s working with other labor organizations to try to persuade the Trump administration to reconsider the measure, which she said unfairly punishes legal residents of the United States because some drivers here illegally "fell through the cracks." Rinaldi described the mood among immigrant commercial drivers in New York as angry and scared. "It just doesn't make sense," she said. "These are people's livelihoods, you know?" Paul Mori, president of the industry advocacy group New York School Bus Contractors Association, said that in justifying their crackdown, federal officials "bring up accidents that had nothing to do with school buses, nothing to do with New York." Mori said about 5% of school bus drivers in the state stand to lose their licenses and their jobs because of the change. He estimated about 20,000 school bus drivers work on Long Island, meaning 1,000 of them would be put out of work. Drivers who are properly issued a non-domiciled CDL are not ‘illegal aliens.’ They’re not illegal in any way," said Mori, client relations director for Beacon Mobility, the parent organization of Huntington Coach. "We’re losing a good group of people." Long Island educators said the rule change would deepen an issue school districts have already been facing for some years. "Workforce shortage for transportation drivers has been something that schools have been grappling with for many years, so this is yet another thing that will make it a little more difficult to recruit and retain some drivers for the workforce," said Bob Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. As for potential solutions if the trend continues, Vecchio said districts might have to consider consolidating routes, staggered openings, or looking at ways to increase wages to recruit more drivers. So far, the impact of losing drivers because of the licensing changes has been phased in — drivers have been losing their licenses as they come up for renewal sincelate last year. But there’s concern that the state, under pressure from the federal government, will revoke all remaining non-domiciled CDLs at once before the end of the current school year. Smith said such a "ripcord" approach would have a devastating effect, and lead to such measures as including "modifications in routing." "You’d have to adjust some schools to like a 9:30, 9:45 start, which folks don’t enjoy. But that’s really where you could reduce routes to help with big problems," Smith, the Suffolk Transportation Corp. COO, said. School bus companies aren’t just affected by the loss of current drivers, but also from a drastic reduction in the pool of potential future drivers. Corey Muirhead, executive vice president of Guardian Bus Co. in Oceanside, said his company should be able to absorb the immediate impact of losing about eight of its 700 school bus drivers, but is "really hurt" by losing about 1 out of every 5 students in a commercial driver's license training program that it operates and relies on for job candidates. The program has about 20 students in it at any given time, Muirhead said. "You need a robust pipeline to make sure that you’re going to get those people on the road for September. Now, if 20 people retire in June and I’ve lost 20% of my pipeline, yeah, I’m at a disadvantage," said Muirhead, noting that Long Island is already dealing with a school bus driver shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the popularization of other driving jobs, including as Amazon delivery workers and Uber drivers. Despite the federal government’s directive, Muirhead said immigrant school bus drivers are properly vetted, "held to the same exact standards as every single school bus driver on the road," and are often members of the communities they serve. Leaders of Nassau and Suffolk superintendent organizations said they are closely monitoring the situation but stressed that student safety and transportation are top priorities for districts. Marie Testa, president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and head of the North Bellmore school district, said it’s concerning when laws or decisions further impede on a problem many districts are already facing. "The No.1 priority is always the safety of our students and having our students in school," she said. "So, whenever we're faced with situations such as this, we do work together to formulate plans or advocacy efforts to ensure that we are able to get our students to school safely." For Timothy Eagen, superintendent of the Kings Park school district, the end of the non-domiciled CDL program has not been an issue for his district, which owns a fleet of 58 buses. But Eagen, who is also president of Suffolk's School Superintendents Association, said other county districts are dealing with the issue, which compounds the impact of existing driver shortages. "But I am deeply concerned about the ability for school districts on Long Island to be able to get kids to and from school if the drivers just aren't available," Eagen said.

Click Here | PDF Newsday Article

By Jessica Gould, Stephen Nessen, and Karen Yi Published Feb 19, 2026 at 6:01 a.m. ET New York’s DMV has stopped issuing commercial driver licenses to many immigrants following an order from the Trump administration – a move unions say has major implications for the MTA and school bus service. The Trump administration announced it was rolling out new license restrictions in the fall in response to crashes involving what Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called “foreign drivers.” The federal government threatened to withhold highway funds if states did not cease issuing commercial driver licenses to many noncitizen applicants. As a fight plays out in court over the Trump administration’s demand, New York has paused the “non-domiciled” program, which allowed drivers who do not reside in the state, including immigrants legally in the United States, to obtain commercial licenses. “Upon specific order from the federal government, New York’s non-domiciled CDL program is indefinitely paused, including renewals,” DMV spokesperson Walter McClure said in a statement. The city wrote in a lawsuit that as many as 200,000 immigrants, most of whom are truckers, could be put out of work by the federal policy. Duffy has threatened to withhold $73 million in highway funds from New York. Rosario Argueta, who has a visa from El Salvador, lost her job of 16 years as a school bus driver on Long Island earlier this month. She said the DMV informed her she would not be able to renew her commercial driver license because of the new restrictions. “I love my job. I didn’t believe it,” she said. “They just kicked us out.” She said her company, Suffolk Transportation Services, is keeping her on as an assistant monitor, where she'll earn $15 less per hour than in her previous job. "What I could cover with a check or two, I'll have to do it with four checks now,” she said. Argueta said she has asked her children in college to take on additional work, and may have to cut her tuition payments. She said she believes hundreds of her coworkers are also at risk of losing their commercial licenses and livelihoods because of the new rules. "It still hasn't hit me,” she said. “And it's awful to know there are many of us in this situation." Paul Quinn Mori, president of the New York School Bus Contractors Association, said about 5% of the state’s yellow bus drivers are licensed through the “non-domiciled” program, noting that all school bus drivers must undergo strict vetting that includes a criminal records check and fingerprints. He worried the federal rules change would exacerbate a nationwide shortage of yellow bus drivers, making it even harder to get kids to and from school on time. “We’ve been short drivers to begin with and now we’re excluding a whole group of people,” he said. “The thought of losing these drivers, it’s weighing on us, it’s hurting us.” Carolyn Rinaldi, spokesperson for New York City’s largest school bus drivers union, the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1181, said the shifting guidance is destabilizing to school communities and unfair to drivers. “They do not deserve to be punished for following the law and serving their communities with dedication and professionalism,” she said. Bus drivers from the MTA are also affected. Yunaikl Mora, a green card holder from the Dominican Republic, had been working as a bus driver for the MTA for nine months when she was informed that she wouldn’t be able to renew her commercial driver license. Now she said she’s not sure how she’ll be able to support her 3-year-old son. “I feel destroyed,” she said. ”I have people that depend on me, like my baby, so I’m struggling with that.” Mora, who said she came to the United States because of “the American Dream,” is applying for citizenship. “I was a good driver. When I'm behind the wheel I’m very conscious, very mindful. I'm respecting the law,” she said. “So that's hard when you're trying to do the right thing and this happens.” Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen, who represents MTA bus drivers, denounced Gov. Kathy Hochul for bowing to the federal threat. “This is another case of Kathy Hochul sticking it to working people,” Samuelsen said. “She wants her rich donors to think she's fighting while dumping working people into the wood chipper. This is about whether hardworking drivers can earn a fair wage and Hochul doesn't give a s--- about that.” A spokesperson for Hochul said the problem stems from the Trump administration’s policies, not the governor’s office. "The only person John Samuelsen should be blaming for this is Sean Duffy,” said spokesperson Sean Butler. McClure, the DMV spokesperson, noted that commercial driver licenses are regulated by the federal government and called the rules change “just another stunt by Secretary Duffy.”

Click Here | Gothamist Online Article

New Medical Certification Process

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) has undergone an extensive modernization effort to consolidate many of its legacy applications into a single, new system.

As part of this effort, Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) holders will no longer submit their updated Medical Examiners Certificates and/or Medical Variances to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, effective February 18, 2026.

Federal regulations require that all Medical Examiners Certificates and/or Medical Variances be sent electronically to the National Registry and then to DMV.

Certificates will be transmitted electronically from the National Registry beginning on February 18th, 2026. CDL/CLP holders that obtain their USDOT medical certificate prior to February 18th, 2026 and haven’t already submitted it to the DMV can fax or e-mail it to:

• Fax 518-486-4421 or 518-486-3260
• E-mail: dmv.sm.CDLMedCertUnit@dmv.ny.gov

This will allow us to request the information electronically from the National Registry.

The first rollout will launch Wednesday, February 18 and will include driver services (licensing, knowledge testing, ticketing, etc.). The second rollout will launch in Spring 2028 and will include vehicle services (registration, titling, insurance, etc.).

If you have questions regarding the new medical requirements, please contact the Medical Certification Unit at 518-474-3603 or by e-mail at dmv.sm.CDLMedCertUnit@dmv.ny.gov.

Update: February 13, 2026

We have received an update that the Opioid Antagonist regulations will no longer take effect in June 2026 and have been postponed to December 12, 2026. Between now and then, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) will be developing regulations and related guidance.

If you have any recommendations you would like us to share with NYSDOL as they develop these regulations, please email them to NYSBCA. We will be compiling and submitting industry feedback and suggested guidance as it relates to the school bus transportation industry.

New York State has enacted legislation, effective June 10, 2026, requiring certain private-sector employers to include an opioid antagonist (such as naloxone/Narcan) in workplace first-aid supplies where federal OSHA regulations require first-aid kits to be available.

What Does This Mean for School Bus Contractors?

If OSHA requires your company to maintain workplace first-aid supplies — which applies to most transportation facilities — you will be required to include an opioid antagonist as part of those supplies.

We are currently seeking clarification from the Governor’s Office and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) on whether this requirement applies only to transportation facilities or also to school buses. Based on our current understanding, the requirement is expected to apply to transportation facilities only; however, we are awaiting formal confirmation.

Governmental entities are excluded from this law. As a result, school districts that operate their own transportation departments will most likely not be subject to this statute.

The law, along with potential amendments under consideration, authorizes NYSDOL to issue regulations addressing:

• The appropriate number of opioid antagonists required in workplaces.
• Training requirements and delivery methods.
• Qualifications for personnel authorized to administer them.

At this time, NYSDOL has not yet issued implementation guidance or training requirements. We are actively monitoring developments and seeking additional clarification specific to our industry.

Check Here | Memo Governor Hochul (A2725)

Click Here | Bill AB2725 - As Approved

We will continue to keep the membership informed as more information becomes available.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) is undergoing an extensive modernization effort to consolidate many of its legacy applications into a single, new system.

The first rollout will launch Wednesday, February 18, and will include driver services (licensing, knowledge testing, ticketing, etc.). The second rollout will launch in Spring 2028 and will include vehicle services (registration, titling, insurance, etc.).

You will receive an email from DMV if you have been identified as a user of the 19-A System, which will be impacted by the first rollout. If you use more than one DMV application, you may receive multiple communications.

Given the magnitude of this implementation, all NYS DMV applications will be unavailable during the following period:

• Beginning – 2:00pm ET on Friday, February 13, 2026
• Resuming – Beginning of Business on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Additional information/materials including login instructions (if applicable) and other resources will be provided over the next few weeks as we approach the first rollout. Please review these materials carefully to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system.

In the meantime, please whitelist the following emails/websites to ensure that they are marked as approved and will not be routed to spam or blocked by security controls:

• donotreply@dmv.ny.gov
• eservices@messages.dmv.ny.gov
• Home | NY DMV

If you have questions regarding the system upgrade as it relates to your specific application, please contact your current DMV support group:

19-A System Contact Info

• Phone: 518-473-9455
• Email: BusDriverUnit@dmv.ny.gov

Governor Kathy Hochul released her Executive Budget proposal yesterday, outlining funding priorities and policy changes for the 2026–27 State Fiscal Year. The New York School Bus Contractors Association is actively reviewing the proposal to assess its potential impact on pupil transportation, contractor sustainability, and student safety. We remain committed to keeping our members informed and engaged as the budget process moves forward, and discussions continue with state policymakers. To view the 2026–27 State Aid Projections for your school district, click on the button below.

Click Here | 2026–27 State Aid Projections

Legislation Required to Enact the Budget:

Education, Labor, and Family Assistance – Article VII

$39.3 Billion in Total School Aid

The Executive Budget proposes $39.3 billion in total School Aid for the 2026–27 school year, the highest level of State aid in history. This represents a $1.6 billion (4.3%) year-to-year increase.

Key components include:

Transportation Aid

NYSED School Bus Driver Training Program

Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Key Provisions include:

Revenue Article VII

NYSBCA will continue monitoring budget negotiations and advocating for policies that support safe, reliable, and sustainable school transportation services across New York State. Further updates will be shared as the budget process advances.

Please note - Initial Zero Emission Busing Extension Waiver Applications submitted to NYSED prior to July 1, 2026 will be reviewed as part of the 2026-27 school year cycle. As such, school districts will not be notified of an approved application for an initial Zero Emission Busing Extension Waiver until after June 30, 2026. Extension Waivers granted during the 2026-27 cycle shall be effective for purchases and expenditures made during the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years.

Click Here | Review to the News and Notes posted on NYSED’s website.

The New York State Education Department has issued the Zero Emission Bus Waiver Application, along with an accompanying guidance letter. This waiver is intended for school districts that are unable to incorporate zero-emission buses into their fleets in time to comply with the 2027 mandate, which requires that all newly purchased buses be zero-emission. The guidance letter outlines the criteria and steps required to apply for and secure a waiver.

Click Here | Guidance Letter

Click Here | Application

The New York State Education Department has published the 2025 Zero-Emission School Bus Implementation Progress Report, an annual report required by state legislation.

This year’s report provides an in-depth look at New York’s progress toward a fully zero-emission school bus fleet. It details advancements made over the past year, highlights ongoing challenges, and outlines infrastructure and implementation updates.

Take a moment to review this important update and see how New York is advancing the transition to zero-emission school buses statewide.

Contractors should confirm that their school districts have submitted the required SED Zero-Emission Bus survey to remain eligible for the upcoming EV waiver.

Click Here | SED ZEB Report

The New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) is proud to join the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) for Operation Safe Stop on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Fuller Road Firehouse, 1342 Central Avenue, Colonie, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This annual event promotes school bus safety and raises public awareness about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses with flashing red lights. NYSBCA members are encouraged to attend and show their support.

“Operation Safe Stop is an important part of School Bus Safety Week, reminding every motorist to stop for flashing red lights and protect our students,” said Thomas W. Smith, President of the New York School Bus Contractors Association. “Student safety is our top priority, and by partnering with NYAPT, we’re urging all drivers to stay alert and do their part. Together, we can prevent tragedies and keep our children safe.”

Operation Safe Stop is a cooperative educational and enforcement effort supported by NYAPT, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Education Department, NYSBCA, the New York State Bus Distributors Association, the student transportation industry, and law enforcement agencies across the state.

The illegal passing of stopped school buses remains a serious concern, as evidenced by stop-arm camera data and state and national surveys. Each incident endangers children as they board or exit the bus—reminding us that vigilance and education are key.

Every day, 2.3 million children in New York State are transported safely by highly trained, professional school bus drivers in vehicles maintained to the highest safety standards. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), students are 70 times safer riding a school bus to school than traveling by car.

Learn more about school bus safety at www.nhtsa.gov.