What’s going well in school transportation today

This year’s State of School Transportation Report has given new insights regarding the school bus driver shortage, challenges with chronic absenteeism, and the pain points that keep transportation and school district staff up at night. But despite the frustrations many school districts face, this year’s respondents quickly identified silver linings, too.

In this article, we’ll zero in on what’s going well in school transportation.

The adoption of technology that increases route efficiencies

One of the top responses from school leaders was about the use of technology. While every school district is unique, many respondents listed new technology as positively impacting student transportation in 2023. Whether that technology belongs to the school district or a supplemental transportation provider, these products can increase route efficiency and improve communication between schools, drivers, students, and caregivers.

John Sides, Director of Transportation, agreed.

“Our routing software and parent apps are strong, and we are proficient at changing routes at the drop of a hat, which is unfortunately necessary due to driver shortages.”

- John Sides, Director of Transportation

An all-hands, positive approach to transportation

Another common response? The positive attitude, commitment, and flexibility of school and transportation staff. These employees work as a team, often fulfilling responsibilities well outside their job descriptions so more students can attend school.

Said Katie Delano, a director of transportation services: “A transportation team that works to support the mission: Students are our why! They cover, we reroute hourly if needed, we wash buses and clean our offices, shop, and grounds together.” 

We’ve also heard countless stories about outstanding mechanics who keep school buses safe and on the road. One transportation supervisor, Shanti Wilson, went so far as to call her mechanic a miracle worker.

“My team of drivers are great, and they work well with the constraints of the driver shortage. Also, my maintenance personnel is top-tier; his ability to keep our aging fleet running is nothing short of a miracle.”

- Shanti Wilson, Transportation Supervisor

The introduction of out-of-the-box campaigns

Finally, this year, survey respondents provided anecdotes about the unusual ways they’re solving challenges like the school bus driver shortage. From advertising for drivers all over town to hosting “drive-the-bus” events, no idea is off the table so long as it helps more children get to school.

Robert Young, a transportation director, reported his school district offers the same bonuses ascent advertisement letters to parents. In addition, his district parked the school bus in different spots around town with an advertisement for drivers on the side.

Another director of transportation lauded an attendance bonus for drivers as having a positive impact. 

The bottom line? Even as challenges mount, school and transportation staff are dedicated to ensuring students get to school consistently and safely. Lorri Smith, a transportation director, summed up what’s going well perfectly:

“Communication. Thinking outside the box. Creativity. Teamwork.”

- Lorri Smith, Transportation Director