A new national report underscores what many school transportation leaders already know: when the ride to school is safe and consistent, students are more likely to show up.

According to EverDriven’s newly released 2026 Safety and Operations Report, 99.99% of more than 2.6 million student trips were completed without an accident, highlighting the role reliability and safety play in supporting attendance and student outcomes.

The findings come as districts continue to navigate driver shortages, tighter budgets, and growing demand for specialized transportation, particularly for students with disabilities and those experiencing housing instability.

“Reliable transportation doesn't happen by chance. It requires the right systems, standards, and accountability at every step,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “We've built our model to deliver that consistency at scale, combining rigorous driver vetting, real-time visibility, and operational oversight. That’s why 99.99% of trips run without incident, and more than 83% of rides for students with disabilities are served by the same driver — building trust, reducing stress, and helping students arrive ready to learn.”

Reliability’s Role in Attendance

The report points to a direct connection between transportation reliability and student attendance, an ongoing challenge for districts nationwide. Missed pickups, inconsistent service, or late arrivals can contribute to chronic absenteeism.

EverDriven’s performance metrics show:

• About 97% of trips arrived within an acceptable window.
• 90.36% arrived within five minutes of scheduled drop-off.
• 83.62% of rides for students with disabilities were served by the same driver.

For students with specialized needs, consistency, like having the same driver, can significantly reduce stress and improve readiness for the school day.

During the reporting period (March 2025 through February 2026), EverDriven transported more than 30,000 students across 37 states, including over 16,000 students experiencing housing instability and more than 10,000 in special education programs.

These student populations often face the greatest barriers to consistent attendance, making dependable transportation a critical support service.

“Transportation is the bridge to opportunity,” said Megan Patton, director of transportation for Pittsburgh Public Schools in Pennsylvania. “By diversifying our transportation options with trusted partners like EverDriven, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that every student, regardless of their situation, has a safe way to get to and from school each and every day.”

Safety Model Emphasizes Oversight and Technology

The report outlines a layered safety model that combines driver screening, training, and technology. According to the report, 100% of rides are tracked in real time via GPS, and about half of vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle cameras.

The company also reported zero critical incidents, zero fatalities, and zero incidents of sexual misconduct during the period. Driver requirements include background checks, ongoing training, and specialized preparation for transporting vulnerable student populations.

For school transportation departments, the findings reinforce the importance of reliability alongside safety. Consistent service can reduce disruptions, ease administrative burdens, and build trust with families, particularly as districts explore supplemental or alternative transportation models.

As the report notes, dependable transportation does more than move students. It helps ensure they arrive “safe, calm, and ready to learn,” supporting both attendance and long-term academic outcomes.