Keep Reading: Kelli Goterba Named 2026 Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year
2027 Special-Needs Transportation Survey Now Open: Share Your Insights
School Bus Fleet's annual special-needs transportation survey returns. Share your insights on ridership, staffing, fleet operations, and challenges by Dec. 4, 2026.
October 26, 2026
If you transport students with special needs, we want to hear from you! Please fill out our survey by the end of 2026.
Credit:
BusesForSale/School Bus Fleet
1 min to read
How is special-needs student transportation evolving, and what challenges are school transportation operations facing?
We are seeking input from school transportation professionals for our 2027 Special-Needs Transportation Survey, sponsored by AMF-Bruns of America.
The annual survey explores trends in special-needs student transportation, from changing ridership and staffing needs to fleet equipment, training, and operational challenges.
This year's survey covers several areas (some new!), including:
- Ridership and transportation arrangements: Changes in special-needs student populations, wheelchair use, and transportation services.
- Staffing and training: Driver compensation, onboard aides, training challenges, and transportation personnel's involvement in individualized education program (IEP) discussions.
- Fleet operations and equipment: Vehicle types, student tracking technology, video surveillance, and other onboard systems.
- Transportation challenges: Driver shortages, outsourcing, alternative transportation services, funding, and other operational pressures.
Your responses will help School Bus Fleet identify emerging trends, compare findings with previous years, and provide a clearer picture of the state of special-needs student transportation.
All survey responses will remain confidential, and no identifying information will be included in the published report.
The survey closes Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
Want to see how the industry responded last year? Check out the 2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey Report for insights into ridership trends, technology adoption, and operational challenges.
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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.
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