Modern Solutions for a Growing Student Transportation Challenge
Every school day, thousands of students struggle to reach the classroom—not because they lack motivation, but because they lack transportation. A new report from EverDriven and Hanover Research makes one thing clear: traditional systems alone can’t keep up. A more flexible, technology-driven approach is necessary to serve all students equitably.
The report, The Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety, captures the challenges and priorities school districts face in 2025. Whether it's combating absenteeism, closing equity gaps, complying with new mandates, or serving a rapidly changing student body, the conclusion is the same—modernization is essential.
Much of that modernization centers around vulnerable students. Over 60% of districts report increases in students needing specialized transportation. Nearly half have seen growth in McKinney-Vento populations—students dealing with homelessness or unstable housing. These students often need individualized transportation strategies that traditional routes simply can’t deliver.
And district leaders are responding. Almost half have already started implementing modernization strategies. Many are turning to Alternative Student Transportation partners that offer small-capacity vehicles, skilled drivers, and built-in technology for safety and efficiency. Most expect budgets to grow to support this shift.
Districts are investing in technology, expanding transportation choices, and moving toward systems that are:
Technology is the connective tissue of this new approach. GPS systems provide real-time oversight. AI optimizes routing and reduces time on the road. Parent communication platforms build transparency. Driver education programs and monitoring systems create a culture of safety. These tools are quickly becoming standard practice, not optional upgrades.
Technologies that will be most beneficial for specialized groups:
EverDriven has been a key force in this transition. With over 12 million trips completed and a 99.99% safety record of trips within the past year completed without incident, they’ve helped more than 111,000 students—including thousands experiencing homelessness and disability—get to school safely and reliably. Their model proves that modern transportation can be as personal as it is scalable.
CEO Mitch Bowling puts it simply: “Transportation is a bridge to opportunity. Our job is to make sure no student is left waiting on the wrong side.” That’s what modern student transportation is really about—meeting each student’s needs with agility, empathy, and smart tools that work.
What sets these partnerships apart is their focus on impact. According to the report, 88% of districts acknowledge gaps in transportation access. Contracted providers help fill those gaps by delivering tailored service models raising attendance, improving compliance, and building community trust.
©2025 EverDriven All Rights Reserved
Download the full report and see how districts are using technology and Alternative Student Transportation to build a smarter, more equitable future.
everdriven.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
