Boston Public Schools bus scheduling algorithm accused of discrimination

An algorithmic system for scheduling school buses in Boston was seen to ignore the needs and requirements of its students and their families and unfairly discriminate against lower-income stakeholders.

Developed by a Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT) team in response to a public competition and intended to benefit students whilst keeping costs at bay, the algorithm recommended times at which students would be picked up in the morning and dropped off later in the day on the basis of a variety of factors such as student equity, economic, health and academic performance issues.

But some mostly-white, middle-class parents and students reacted strongly against the proposed changes, that saw an earlier pick-up of 7.15 am selected, despite the majority of parents choosing a later time of 8-8.30am. 

Under presssure, Boston Public Schools withdrew the algorithm for a year. 

Updated and reintroduced, the algorithm is said to have saved Boston Public Schools USD 5 million.