A new national study adds to what many school transportation professionals already know: consistent transportation can have a measurable impact on student success, particularly for students with specialized transportation needs.

According to EverDriven's report, “Consistent Transportation Is a Lifeline for Vulnerable Students,” 76% of parents and guardians said reliable transportation makes their child more successful in school. In comparison, 77% of teachers reported losing instructional time each week because of transportation-related lateness or absenteeism.

The study surveyed 812 parents, teachers, and district administrators connected to students with additional needs, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, students experiencing housing instability, students in foster care, and those requiring out-of-district transportation. Researchers also conducted 15 in-depth interviews across 10 states.

The findings suggest transportation reliability affects more than attendance. Teachers and administrators reported that students who arrive through consistent transportation services are calmer, better prepared to learn, and experience fewer behavioral disruptions throughout the school day. Nearly seven in 10 parents said a reliable ride leaves their child noticeably calmer, while 65% of administrators said consistent transportation improves student readiness and behavior.

The report also highlights the operational consequences when transportation falls short. More than three-quarters of teachers said transportation issues cost them instructional time each week, with 71% estimating they lose at least one full day of instruction weekly due to transportation-related lateness or absenteeism. More than half said they regularly repeat lessons or hold catch-up sessions for students affected by transportation disruptions.

The District-Wide Impact of Reliable Transportation

For district leaders, the research points to implications outside of daily operations and student behavior. Seventy-six percent of administrators said transportation challenges have negatively affected attendance metrics tied to district funding, while 71% reported that transportation reliability affects timely delivery of IEP-related services. More than half also said transportation issues have impacted their ability to meet McKinney-Vento or foster care obligations.

Despite ranking specialized transportation among their top priorities, many districts continue to face service gaps. Only 13% of administrators surveyed said all qualifying students currently have transportation arranged, while 59% said half or fewer eligible students are receiving service. Researchers describe the gap as an opportunity for districts to expand access rather than a lack of commitment.

The study also found transportation reliability may influence enrollment and family trust. Sixty-two percent of parents said transportation plays a major role in school selection decisions, and nearly three-quarters of administrators reported seeing transportation reliability affect enrollment, transfers, or withdrawals.

"When transportation is reliable, day after day, it becomes something students and families can build their routine around," said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven, in a statement announcing the findings. "This research confirms what we hear from districts and caregivers constantly: consistency is one of the clearest levers we have to help the students who need the most support succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.”

According to the report, predictable transportation, including consistent drivers, vehicles, and pickup times, can improve attendance, reduce student anxiety, and support academic performance, positioning transportation as a strategic component of student success rather than solely an operational function.