It’s not just the bus that’s changing. It’s the entire system. School districts nationwide are reimagining what it means to get students to school. They are facing complex realities, including rising chronic absenteeism, growing special populations, outdated routes, and aging vehicles. But one thing is clear. School districts are not standing still.
In our newly released Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report, EverDriven, in partnership with Hanover Research, shares insights from more than 500 education leaders. What we found is a powerful and unified movement toward flexible, technology-driven, and student-centered transportation.
What’s Fueling the Push to Modernize
Behind every route and ride is a student. For too many of them, that ride is unreliable, inaccessible, or does not exist at all. This is especially true for students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or receiving special education services. Without dependable transportation, these students face higher barriers to attendance, stability, and success. Districts are responding with urgency.
“When student transportation is frictionless, education becomes more equitable. 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.” – Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven
Where Districts Are Headed
Here’s a snapshot of what is happening in districts across the country:
- 98% of districts are prioritizing transportation modernization
- 49% have already begun implementing solutions, with another 47% planning to start within five years
- 95% expect their transportation budgets to grow, with an average increase of 26%
- 68% say technology will play a significant or critical role in their transportation strategy
- 88% report equity gaps in transportation access across student groups
What’s Driving the Shift
Modernization is not just about innovation. It is about necessity. District leaders cited persistent pain points like high maintenance costs, inefficient schedules, and compliance challenges. More urgently, they are navigating the day-to-day realities of coordinating transportation across a growing population of students who do not fit standard routes.
Safety continues to be a top priority, but so is the need for flexibility, adaptability, and transparency. Whether it is a child moving mid-year or a family facing sudden housing instability, schools need systems that can respond in real time.
How Districts Are Responding
Many districts are already putting new systems in place. They are choosing solutions that work better for today’s students, especially those furthest from opportunity. This includes:
- Real-time GPS tracking systems (52%)
- AI-assisted routing software (48%)
- Driver monitoring (47%)
- On-board cameras (39%)
- Collision avoidance technology (37%)
- Emergency response tools (37%)
- Alternative Student Transportation models (37%)
Looking ahead, most districts plan to expand investments in collision avoidance systems, safety training programs, and AI-powered logistics.
A New Era of Student Transportation
The report paints a clear picture. Modern student transportation is no longer optional. It is a key part of how schools are addressing equity, safety, and attendance.
“We’re witnessing a transformation in student transportation,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “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.”– Mitch Bowling, CEO, EverDriven
At EverDriven, we are proud to support that transformation. Since 2015, we have transported more than 111,000 students, including over 47,000 experiencing homelessness and 32,000 with disabilities.
Read the Full Report
Download The Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety to explore the full landscape of district investments, emerging technologies, and actionable strategies shaping the road ahead.
Courtney Pallotta is an energetic, customer-driven marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading go-to-market strategy, branding, product marketing, demand generation, and customer advocacy for startup and growth-stage companies. As CMO at EverDriven, she leads the GTM team in delivering modern, student-centered transportation solutions that meet every student’s unique needs.
Courtney has built and scaled marketing functions across some of the most dynamic enterprise technology categories, from data warehousing and analytics to cloud infrastructure, data privacy, and SaaS. She has taken companies from stealth through IPO, led acquisitions, launched open-source platforms, and consistently built marketing engines that drive pipeline and market position. Along the way, she has developed a deep belief that the best marketing is both simple and authentic, and that listening to customers is the foundation for great products and lasting communities.
Outside of EverDriven, Courtney serves as a Board Member at the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, where she mentors the next generation of business leaders.
