Demand for special needs transportation continues to rise, according to respondents of School Bus Fleet's 2024 Special-Needs Survey, sponsored by AMF-Bruns of America. Last year, nearly 53% of school districts said their special needs ridership increased; this year, it's up again, at 59% reporting an increase.
More than half (59%) of respondents reported that the percentage of their passengers who have special needs increased compared with last year.
Source: SBF survey. Photo: SBF Canva
A few more highlights from the 2024 survey are:
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Average percentage of buses in fleet primarily transporting special-needs students: 33%
Average percentage of riders with special needs: 22%
Average percentage of special-needs riders who use a wheelchair: 5%
Average percentage of school-to-home special-needs bus stops: 72%
More than one-third (38%) of operators surveyed reported the shortage of drivers and aides as their greatest challenge this year.
Less than half (49%) of operators reported having aides/attendants on board all their special-needs buses.
More than three-quarters (84%) of operations surveyed have all their special-needs buses equipped with air-conditioning systems.
More than three-quarters (79%) of operations surveyed have mainstreamed some special-needs students on regular routes.
About 58% of survey respondents said they do not outsource SPED services, nor are they considering doing so in the next 12 months. Twenty-two percent said they do or would, and 20% were undecided. Of those who do or would, just over half use an alternative transportation service, while 39% use a contractor.
Nearly two-thirds (64.58%) of respondents said that all their special-needs buses have an electronic system to remind drivers to check for students after ending their route.
Most all (85%) of buses are equipped with video surveillance systems. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of operators surveyed have experienced small or large impacts from the nationwide school bus driver shortage on their special-needs routes.
The most-common vans used are the Ford Transit and the Dodge Caravan.
Type C and Type A school buses remain the top choices for transporting special-needs students.
Selecting a fleet technology partner can be complex, especially with evolving operational demands and limited resources. This white paper outlines seven key criteria to help school transportation leaders evaluate options and align technology with their needs. It offers a practical framework to support more informed decision-making.
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.
Brianna Pauwee, a product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user, drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus the story behind the new “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
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