98 percent of school districts are actively modernizing their student transportation, new report claims

A new report from EverDriven, a provider of alternative student transportation, has found that 98 percent of school districts in the U.S. are actively modernizing their student transport. 

EverDriven surveyed more than 500 district leaders about their transportation plans and found that almost half (49 percent) have already started implementing modernizing solutions and 47 percent plan to start within the next five years. 

The company specializes in transportation solutions for students with special needs, those experiencing homelessness, and other non-traditional riders, operating in 34 states across the U.S.

Most leaders (68 percent) said that technology will play a significant role in their strategy, with many prioritizing technology focused on student safety. 

School districts are looking at a number of modernizing solutions including real-time GPS tracking systems (52 percent), AI-assisted routing software (48 percent), and driver monitoring systems (47 percent). Onboard camera systems and collision avoidance technologies (39 percent) were also popular, as were parent and student communication apps (44 percent).

Districts are also looking to address unequal access to transportation, with 88 percent reporting access gaps. Other common concerns included high maintenance costs, with 25 percent of districts reporting this concern and 24 percent reporting concerns around inefficient routes and schedules. 

Other common concerns included student safety (20 percent), coordination of schedules across diverse student groups (20 percent) and improving communication with families (19 percent).

“We’re witnessing a transformation in student transportation,” comments Mitch Bowling, CEO at 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.”

The news follows shortly after EverDriven announced a major investment, expanding its product engineering hub and tripling its technology workforce. EverDriven will add new roles across product development, UI design, engineering, and quality assurance.