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SEARCHThe updated NSTSP book is now complete, the final result of the most recent National Congress on School Transportation, which set new best-practice standards for the industry.
The work of 11 writing committees and over 200 state delegates has concluded into the now-final industry manual, outlining key specs, standards, and minimum best practices for the industry to follow.
Photo: NCST/School Bus Fleet
The 2025 National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Manual (NSTSP) is now available and can be accessed on the NCST website here.
Copies of the physical book are being distributed soon. If you want to request one and have not ordered it, the printer has made a few extra copies available, which can be ordered online here. Otherwise, view the entire digital document (and past NSTSPs) on the NASDPTS website here.
This manual is the result of the 2025 National Congress on School Transportation (NCST), which happened last May. There, delegates from 48 states gathered to discuss and decide new minimum standards for the pupil transportation industry. With recommendations spanning 11 sections, all industry professionals can find the final guidance on these topics:
General Operations
School Bus Specifications
Specially Equipped School Buse
School Bus Inspections
Activity Bus Operations
School Transportation Security & Emergency Preparedness
Students with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs
Infants, Toddlers & Pre-School Children
Emerging Technologies
Alternative Fuels
Several states adopt the NSTSP manual in full, while others adopt portions of it. It is intended to be a trusted resource for industry professionals across multiple sectors to reference.
“The NSTSP manual is like the Bible,” said Sue Shutrump, a retired PT/OT supervisor and consultant. “As an expert witness, I refer to it all the time. It’s the industry-standard, our guiding light.”
Because the 2020 NCST was cancelled due to COVID, this new guide is the first one in 10 years.
Catch up on key themes from the NCST from delegates who were there on the ground in this episode of The Route:
Mike LaRocco, Indiana's state director and NCST chair, said that information on the next NCST will be released in the spring of 2026.
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