SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report sheds light on bus fee, ad rules

Twelve states allow — and one state mandates — school districts to charge fees for home-to-school transportation, according to a report from the Florida Legislature’s research arm that examines revenue generation. Thirteen states allow advertising on the inside and/or outside of school buses.

December 20, 2011
Report sheds light on bus fee, ad rules

A new report found that 13 states allow advertising on the inside and/or outside of school buses. Pictured is a Houston Independent School District bus with a college ad.

2 min to read


A new report from the Florida Legislature’s research arm delves into revenue generation in school transportation — namely bus fees and advertising — across the U.S.

“Increasingly, states are examining ways to supplement traditional sources of revenue for student transportation,” the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) report notes.

Ad Loading...

OPPAGA found that 12 states allow — and one state mandates — school districts to charge fees for home-to-school transportation.

Hawaii is the one state that sets a uniform amount that parents are required to pay for student transportation.

Three of the states that allow school bus fees — California, Iowa and New Jersey — have established a maximum amount that districts can charge parents.

On the topic of advertising, 13 states allow it on the inside and/or outside of school buses, according to the report.

Florida is one of five states that allow ads on the inside of school buses (although the Florida Association for Pupil Transportation said it isn’t aware of any districts in the state that do it) and one of 34 states that prohibit ads on the outside of school buses.

Ad Loading...

Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature considered but didn’t pass a bill to allow school bus exterior advertising. There are several such bills in the hopper for the 2012 legislative session, including HB 19.

To view the full OPPAGA report, go here.

 

More Management

the contractor of the year award logo on an orange background with confetti
Managementby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year

We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 2, 2026

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.

Read More →
two men stand in front of a school bus in tennessee
ManagementJanuary 30, 2026

A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose

Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
Headshots of Heather Free, Regional Director for NAPT Region 3, and Frank Marasco, Regional Director for NAPT Region 6, displayed with NAPT election results graphic.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 28, 2026

NAPT Announces Two New 2026 Regional Directors

NAPT announced the results of its 2026 special election, naming new regional directors for Regions 3 and 6.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
School Bus Fleet graphic about building better school board relationships, featuring a blurred boardroom meeting.
Managementby Bret E. BrooksJanuary 28, 2026

Building Stronger Partnerships: How School Transportation Can Improve Relationships With School Boards

Strong communication and trust between transportation leaders and school boards are essential to safe, effective operations. Here’s how to build a better partnership.

Read More →
Graphic for NAPT Love the Bus Month reading “Education, Delivered,” with a yellow school bus icon, heart graphics, and the text “February 2026” on a light background.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 27, 2026

NAPT Releases 2026 Love the Bus Toolkit

Get ready to promote our industry's favorite month of the year! Gear up to recognize Love the Bus Month with these new resources.

Read More →
headshot of eric boule and text next to it that says "five questions with eric boule micro bird" and the school bus fleet logo
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

5 Questions: Inside Micro Bird’s Market Growth

Let’s check in with the Canadian manufacturer with a new U.S. presence! Hear first-hand about Micro Bird’s expansion and the company’s long-term North American vision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two young students wait at a bus top while a school bus drives up with text reading "Biz Briefs."
Managementby StaffJanuary 21, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: Tech Updates & Industry Recognition

From software updates to AI video search, major contracts, and global ratings, here’s the latest school bus supplier and OEM news.

Read More →