Report: 98% of School Districts Want Modern Transportation
EverDriven's newest report features insights from 500+ school district leaders, highlighting how districts are tackling chronic absenteeism and equity gaps by turning to technology-enabled, student-centered solutions.
The Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report reveals urgent investments in tech-enabled, student-first solutions.
Photo: EverDriven
2 min to read
Ninety-eight percent of school districts across the United States are taking steps to modernize student transportation, according to EverDriven’s newly released Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report. The study highlights how districts are addressing safety, equity, and chronic absenteeism through technology and flexible service models.
Key Findings
98% of districts are prioritizing transportation modernization.
95% expect transportation budgets to rise in the next five years, with an average increase of 26%.
49% have already begun implementing new solutions, while 47% plan to within five years.
68% say technology will play a significant or critical role in their strategy.
88% report transportation equity gaps among student groups.
Ad Loading...
“When student transportation is frictionless, education becomes more equitable,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Districts across the country are modernizing student transportation to be student-centered, meeting the diverse needs of learners with technology, flexibility, and safety at the forefront. Every child deserves not just a ride to school, but a reliable, dignified path to opportunity.”
Challenges Driving Change
Districts reported persistent challenges tied to absenteeism and equity, with gaps particularly noted in non-regulated states. Operational pressures are also contributing to the push for modernization, including:
High maintenance costs (25%).
Inefficient routes and schedules (24%).
Regulatory compliance requirements (23%).
Additional concerns include student safety (20%), scheduling across diverse student groups (20%), adapting to population shifts (19%), and improving family communication (19%).
Modernization Efforts
Districts are implementing a range of technology-enabled strategies to improve safety and efficiency. Current and planned initiatives include:
Ad Loading...
GPS tracking systems (52%), AI-assisted routing software (48%), and driver monitoring systems (47%).
Onboard camera systems (39%) and collision avoidance technology (37%).
Parent and student communication apps (44%) and emergency communication tools (37%).
Alternative student transportation models, already adopted by 37% of districts, providing right-sized vehicles outside traditional bus routes.
Planned investments over the next five years include collision avoidance systems (36%), safety training programs (35%), and AI-powered logistics (34%).
“We’re witnessing a transformation in student transportation,” Bowling said. “Districts are reimagining what it means to serve every student with dignity, reliability, and safety. From AI-powered routing to inclusive mobility options, this report shows how schools are turning innovation into impact.”
Background and Methodology
This report was developed in partnership with Hanover Research and is based on feedback from more than 500 U.S.-based district leaders, including superintendents, chief business officers, and transportation directors.
Since 2015, EverDriven has transported more than 111,000 students, including over 47,000 experiencing homelessness and more than 32,000 with disabilities, maintaining a reported 99.99% safety record.
Stop bidding everything and try a simpler way. Here's how cooperative purchasing can streamline purchases while maintaining compliance. Sourcewell breaks down the process in this episode of The Route, sponsored by IC Bus.
The alternative transportation company expands its services to traditional yellow buses with the launch of a new division focused on helping school districts optimize their routes.
Roberts, 35, serves as the lead IT application engineer for vehicle electrification at First Student, where he helps shape scalable, real-world EV infrastructure to support student transportation.
Swazer, 29, serves as director of transportation at Puyallup School District, where he champions student wellbeing and inspires the next generation of industry leaders.
Dubas, 38, serves as sales manager and safety advocate at IMMI, where she advances school bus occupant protection through industry education, OEM collaboration, and proactive safety policy efforts.
Moore, 32, grew up around the school bus, leading him to the classroom and eventually inspiring high-performing teams while bringing operations in house (twice).
Baran, 38, serves as transportation supervisor at Odyssey Charter School in Delaware, where he leads daily operations with a focus on safety and professional growth.
Maybee, 36, leads transportation operations for Denver Public Schools, where he is advancing equity, efficiency, and cross-department collaboration to improve student access.
Higgins, 38, serves as director of industry engagement at TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking), where she equips school transportation professionals with the tools to recognize and report human trafficking.
