District cuts special-needs bus routes
An Alabama school system is dropping the routes in order to reduce costs. The state Department of Education reportedly allows a school board to make a payment to parents instead of transporting students where it's impractical to do so.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville City Schools is cutting its special-needs bus routes to reduce costs, according to WAFF.
The news source reports that some parents whose children have special needs received a letter informing them that they will have to find another way for their kids to get to and from school.
The letter indicates that the state Department of Education allows a local board to make a payment to parents in lieu of transporting students where it is impractical to do so. The letter also notes that the school system does not have enough special-needs students to warrant the cost of transporting them.
Parents had until Feb. 19 to submit an acceptance form to be reimbursed for travel expenses beginning on March 8.
A spokesman for the school district told the news source that parents who have concerns with the transportation changes should contact the district’s special-education department.
More Special Needs Transportation

What More Than Two Million Rides Reveal About School Transit
More than two million student trips. Nearly 28million miles. Here's what that data reveals about the future of alternative student transportation.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches New Safety, Driver Consistency Features for 2026-27 School Year
The company’s free ride recording, live ride tracking, and consistent driver assignments aim to improve safety and continuity for diverse student transportation needs.
Read More →
The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)
Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained
Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.
Read More →What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]
Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.
Read More →
First Student Boosts Student Support in Wichita & Texas
First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.
Read More →2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →

