2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report

In June 2026, Zonar and School Transportation News surveyed 128 transportation professionals across the United States to understand where student transportation departments stand heading into the 2026-2027 school year. Showcasing fleet sizes from under 50 buses to 300 or more, and spanning roles such as transportation directors, operations managers and fleet leads, the result is a clear picture of the workforce gaps, budget pressure and technology decisions shaping the season ahead.

Inside the report:

• • • Why driver staffing remains the defining pressure of the back-to-school season
    • The real distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the first day
    • How flat and shrinking budgets are reshaping technology decisions for 2026
    • Where the 64% who are still investing are putting their technology dollars this year
    • Who actually holds final purchase approval, and how long the process takes
    • The moves that close preparation gaps before the first bus rolls

Download the complimentary report to see how your fleet compares.