Key facts
- 80% of US districts report transportation operations impacted by bus driver shortages.
- 73% of US districts report transportation operations impacted by budget shortages.
- US school bus driver numbers fell from over 223,000 in August 2019 to 202,000 in August 2025.
- Over half of school district leaders reported diesel fuel costs exceeding budgets in the 2025-26 school year.
- Ohio districts paid families in lieu of transportation for over 22,000 students.
- Legislation in Ohio caps school district funding increases, reducing revenue by at least $1.7 billion over three years.
School districts across the United States are grappling with significant challenges in providing student transportation, a situation exacerbated by a shortage of bus drivers and budget constraints. This has led many districts in states like Arizona, New York, and Ohio to reduce or propose reductions in transportation services, impacting families and potentially student academic outcomes.
Experts attribute many of these issues to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many bus drivers seeking other employment. Between August 2019 and August 2025, the number of US school bus drivers decreased by 9.5%, from over 223,000 to 202,000. Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft is often seen as more lucrative and less demanding than driving a school bus, which requires specialized training and managing children.
Public education systems are also affected by broader economic factors, including inflation and rising gas prices. More than half of school district leaders reported that their diesel fuel costs exceeded their budgets for the 2025-26 school year, with some districts using reserve funds or transferring money from other programs to cover the overruns. Additionally, declining birth rates and an increase in school choice, including private schools and homeschooling, have led to decreased enrollment, resulting in less funding for districts.
Districts face difficulties in reducing bus routes because students remain dispersed, and cutting routes would necessitate longer travel times for students, potentially affecting attendance. Some districts are exploring alternatives like student-focused rideshare companies, but federal safety regulations, such as the 1974 School Bus Safety Amendments, require smaller vehicles carrying 11 or more passengers to meet the same safety standards as traditional school buses. While some advocate for repealing these regulations to increase flexibility, others argue they are crucial for student safety.
In Ohio, the bus driver shortage is particularly acute, with many districts struggling to fill vacant positions. Transportation costs per student have increased, while enrollment has declined. The state also mandates that public schools transport students attending charter and private schools. To cope, some Ohio districts have labeled thousands of students as 'impractical to transport,' allowing them to pay families instead of providing bus service. Recommendations have been made to phase out this designation and establish a clear statewide policy ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all eligible students.
Columbus City Schools, for example, transports a large number of students and is considering reducing services for high school students due to high costs. Meanwhile, a recent Ohio law capping school district funding increases from property value hikes is expected to reduce school revenues significantly, raising concerns about the state's commitment to fully funding transportation costs.