Ensuring that policymakers understand the essential role student transportation plays in communities across the United States remains an important objective within the school transportation industry. Every day, school bus professionals safely transport millions of students, and we continue to provide the safest form of transportation to the classroom. Yet despite its importance, some challenges facing the pupil transportation industry may not be readily apparent to policymakers and the general public.

Recently, NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn and I had the opportunity to spend time with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) at our home base in Lansing. While the secretary’s visit offered an opportunity to showcase our workforce and operations, it also served a larger purpose: engaging a key federal partner in meaningful conversations about the future of student transportation and the policies that impact our ability to serve students safely and efficiently.

As an industry, we continue to face significant workforce challenges. While pupil transportation has always adapted to an evolving landscape, today's workforce environment requires thoughtful solutions that support safety while helping employers attract and develop the next generation of student transportation professionals.

During our conversation with Secretary Duffy, Macysyn, and I had the opportunity to discuss several workforce challenges facing student transportation operators across the country, including NSTA's continued advocacy for the “Under the Hood” exemption. As you may know, NSTA has previously applied for the extension of this exemption because the current CDL "Under the Hood" testing requirement continues to present a notable barrier to entry for many school bus driver candidates.

Recently, NSTA highlighted that we are seeking a five-year renewal of this exemption to provide long-term certainty for school transportation providers and support ongoing driver recruitment efforts. This request was made through a formal application to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which was submitted in June.

As you know, FMCSA is an agency housed within the U.S. DOT, and having an audience with the Transportation Secretary provided a great opportunity to outline our perspective. Overall, we were encouraged by our conversation with Secretary Duffy, who expressed an understanding of the workforce challenges facing the industry and offered support for pursuing practical solutions that maintain safety while reducing unnecessary barriers to entry.

We also had a productive conversation with Secretary Duffy regarding Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, CDL licensing, and the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and the Department of Transportation's interest in strengthening the program through ensuring integrity within their various database systems.  

As these discussions move forward, NSTA is committed to ensuring that any enhancements to these various platforms recognize the unique operational environment of school transportation and the extensive training school bus drivers already receive. Safety has always been the cornerstone of our industry, and we share USDOT's commitment to preparing highly qualified professional drivers.

Secretary Duffy, Congressman Barrett, Macysyn, and I also discussed the epidemic surrounding the illegal passing of stopped school buses, an issue that continues to place students at risk every day. Motorists who ignore stop arms create dangerous situations for children as they board and exit their buses, making this one of the most vexing safety challenges facing our industry. Our conversation highlighted the importance of the Brake for Kids Act (H.R.2348/ S.2812) and the role it can play in increasing awareness, strengthening enforcement efforts, and encouraging greater accountability for motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.

We also discussed the use of technology, public education campaigns, and partnerships with lawmakers, the court system, and law enforcement to address this persistent problem. Protecting students during these critical moments requires a commitment from legislators, transportation providers, law enforcement agencies, and the driving public alike. We appreciate the attention both Secretary Duffy and Congressman Barrett gave to this issue and their willingness to engage in discussions about practical solutions that can improve student safety nationally.

The conversations we have with elected officials and federal leaders matter because they help connect policy decisions with day-to-day operations. When leaders can see firsthand the professionalism, commitment, and expertise that exist throughout the student transportation industry, they gain a better appreciation and understanding of both the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead.

NSTA will continue advocating on behalf of private school bus operators and the students we serve. Together, we can ensure that student transportation remains safe, reliable, and sustainable for generations to come.

If you have questions about NSTA advocacy items or would like to share feedback from your personal journey, please feel free to contact me at president@yellowbuses.org.

Remember, with NSTA, you never travel alone.