A Modern Solution for a Growing Challenge
Even as the school year wraps up, the challenges aren’t going away — especially chronic absenteeism. In 2023, nearly one in three (28%) students nationwide were chronically absent. Missed days at school affect more than just academic consistency, they compound disengagement and make students up to four times more likely not to graduate high school, according to the US Department of Education.
The question isn’t if the issue impacts your district — it’s how much. While many factors contribute to absenteeism, transportation is one of the most immediate and solvable within your control.
Yes, the school bus remains essential to your fleet, but it can’t always meet the full range of student needs in today’s educational landscape. Alternative Student Transportation offers a modern, flexible model that districts nationwide use to provide students with accessible rides to school.
Alternative Transportation Accommodates Students’ Unique Needs
Not all students fit neatly within district routes and boundaries. Alternative transportation shifts the focus to the student — providing tailored solutions that can meet their unique needs. Whether a student lives in temporary housing, has varying pick-up and drop-off locations, or lives outside standard routes, alternative transportation seamlessly supplements the school bus to ensure these students get to school safely, reliably, and on time.
“Students experiencing homelessness deserve a consistent education, and it starts with reliable rides to school…The best feeling is continually putting a smile on the face of a student who may be having a hard time at home.” – EverDriven CGO Danielle Press
Additionally, alternative transportation gives families and districts peace of mind with full trip transparency. Districts can manage transportation requests, tracking, and reports through EverDriven’s TripCentral, while families receive real-time updates — including driver information and ETAs — through the RideAware app.
Unrivaled Consistency That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Students thrive on routine – and that includes their transportation to and from school. For students struggling with attendance, inconsistent transportation is often the first barrier to showing up.
EverDriven pairs most students with the same driver each day, creating not just logistical consistency but also familiarity, emotional safety, and trust. In many cases, the driver is one of the few consistent adult figures in a child’s day, reinforcing school as a safe and welcoming space.
These seemingly small moments add up — and over time, they help students re-engage with their education and community to help them thrive academically and socially.
Removing Barriers for Students Experiencing Homelessness
When students experience homelessness, reliable transportation is often a hurdle they need help overcoming. In a recent EverDriven survey, nearly half (49%) of districts reported an increase in their McKinney- Vento student population, underscoring the need for solutions that address both accessibility and attendance.
“Breaking the cycle of poverty starts with ensuring every child can access their education. By investing in reliable, consistent transportation solutions, we can help students stay in school, graduate, and build a brighter future.” – EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling
Alternative transportation bridges this gap by providing consistent, flexible rides that keep students connected to their school of origin. When transportation is no longer a barrier, students continue learning, stay engaged, and remain part of a supportive school community.
By adopting modern, student-centered transportation solutions, your district can take meaningful steps toward boosting attendance and ensuring every student has a consistent path to success both inside and outside the classroom.
AJ Kamara is a sales leader who has built and led teams across SMB, commercial, and enterprise environments, and who believes that strong culture and strong results are two sides of the same coin. As Regional Sales Director at EverDriven, he leads a team of Account Executives partnering with school districts to ensure every student has safe, reliable access to education. AJ’s career spans individual contributor, management, and director roles across some of the most dynamic companies in the technology and talent space. He has led sales teams focused on HR technology, work management software, and legal talent solutions, developing deep expertise in SMB, mid-market, and commercial selling motions along the way. He is also a recognized voice in the broader leadership and sales community, having been featured in industry publications, spoken at public events, and hosted conversations on entrepreneurship, resilience, and inclusive leadership. What distinguishes AJ as a leader is his approach to the people side of the job. He stays close to the work, partnering on complex deals, shaping methodology, and turning ambiguity into repeatable execution, while investing deeply in the individuals on his team. His goal isn’t just performance today; it’s momentum for what comes next. Outside of work, AJ is grounded by his family, whose influence shapes how he leads and how he shows up for the people around him.
