What is CPS Doing About its Bus Shortage?
As Chicago Public Schools students enter their third month in the school year, nearly 4,000 of them are without reliable transportation to and from school. More than half of those students are diverse learners with special needs. The district’s transportation problem stems from a bus driver shortage happening in Chicago and across the country. Late last week, the Chicago Board of Education gave an update on who is still waiting for a reliable transportation plan from CPS and what alternatives the district has proposed. Chalkbeat reporter Mauricio Peña breaks down those plans and tells us what he’s hearing from parents. And we talk to Chicago tech entrepreneur Ismael El-Amin about his start-up called Piggyback, which connects parents whose kids need a ride with parents who can offer one.
Guests:
Mauricio Peña—Reporter, Chalkbeat
Ismael El-Amin—Founder, Piggyback
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Chicago
See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...

What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chica...

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
As summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide...

Extreme Heat, Indiana Fireworks, and 'The Bear' Finale
Extreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. Execu...

Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates
Chicago’s infamous parking meters are up for sale. In a City Council committee meeting last week, alders got more insight into the mayor’...

How Quantum Is Already Changing the South Side. Plus, Heat Wave Approaching
Earlier this month, Advocate Health Care broke ground on a new hospital at the south end of the forthcoming 440-acre Quantum Shore Campus...

FCC Comes For ABC Chicago, The Bear is Back, and Get Free Coffee
The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated...

How Much To Run For Mayor? Plus, Elise Malary Plaza and City Hall Art Missing
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local un...

Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools s...

City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...

