Parents in Saugus, Massachusetts are scrambling at the start of the school year because the district suddenly eliminated its school bus waitlist — without notifying families. Now, only children who qualify under the strict state mandate (grades K–6 living more than two miles from school) are guaranteed transportation. Students outside those parameters are left with no bus option at all, even if there are empty seats.

This change blindsided families like Fabiola Machado’s, who learned only by word of mouth that one of her children would receive a bus seat, while the other would not. Like many working parents, she has had to cobble together carpools and pay for private rides just so her kids can get to and from school safely. Families were not offered the option to pay for bus service, and no alternative plan was provided.

The district points to budget constraints, saying it must protect “essential educational services.” But for families, transportation is essential. Children cannot learn if they cannot reliably and safely get to school. Taking away access to buses creates inequity, forcing parents without flexible schedules, extra income, or reliable cars into impossible situations.

Neighboring communities have found solutions. In Peabody and Reading, families who don’t qualify for free busing at least have the option to pay for a seat, depending on availability. Parents in Saugus are simply asking for the same opportunity — a fair and practical option that doesn’t leave children stranded.

We call on Superintendent Michael Hashem, the Saugus School Committee, and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to restore equitable bus access for all students. At minimum, the district must reinstate a waitlist or paid option so that every child has a safe, reliable way to get to school.

Families should not have to choose between their jobs, their safety, and their children’s education. Saugus must put kids first and fix this busing crisis before more families are forced into hardship.