The New York City yellow school bus crisis, brought on by a contract that ended in June and a threat to lay off workers, was averted after bus companies agreed to sign an emergency contract extension on Oct. 30.  

According to the New York Post, the dispute was initially between private bus companies and the NYC Department of Education’s Panel for Education Policy. 

The PEP is a body of official members that works with the chancellor and is in charge of the school bus contracts that need to be renewed.

Private companies were working without a contract because their five-year extension had not been approved by the PEP. 

Logan Bus Corp, Consolidated Bus Transit and Pioneer Transportation Corp were the major school bus companies facing severe disruption of services due to the dispute. 

“We are working hard to serve your children safely and reliably, but we have been left out of many important conversations that directly impact families and employees,” an executive of Logan Bus Corp told CBS News.

While the issue was ongoing, numerous school bus drivers tried to speak out to negotiate a deal that would satisfy both parties on Oct. 29, but their needs were not met as the PEP did not vote on a new contract that evening.

According to PIX 11 news, the emergency extension will allow us to bring everyone to an agreement, as well as inform students, faculty and staff that the buses will run as usual as long as there is still a need for a new contract to be in place, Sean Cowley, a spokesman for the bus companies, said.

The emergency extension put in place on Oct. 30 will allow school buses to run on a normal schedule without further disruptions under an emergency 30-day period to prevent possible layoffs that can occur, as they continue to find a more permanent solution.