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.

A few more highlights from the 2024 survey are:

• 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.

Vehicles used for special-needs transportation

• Type C school bus 64%

• Type A school bus 54%

• Van 35%

• Type B school bus 16%

• Type D school bus 18%

• Car 11%

• SUV 11%

• Taxi 6%

• Other 3%

See more in our February 2024 digital edition!