Reliable transportation is a stronger driver of student success than districts may realize, according to new research from student transportation provider EverDriven.
The study surveyed 812 parents, teachers and district administrators connected to students with additional needs. The results suggest that transportation consistency directly affects attendance, classroom readiness, instructional time and even district funding.
Student readiness starts before the school day
The study found that reliable transportation helps students arrive at school better prepared to learn.
Key findings include:
- 76% of parents said reliable transportation makes their child more successful in school.
- 69% of parents said a reliable ride leaves their child noticeably calmer.
- 44% of students arrive calm and ready to learn after a smooth transportation morning, compared with just 8% after a difficult one.
The findings indicate that predictable transportation routines can improve students’ readiness to participate in classroom learning, particularly for children with additional needs.
Predictable routines can also reduce safety risks. Research finds that 49% of children with autism attempt to “elope,” or wander away from a safe place, according to the National Autism Association. This underscores the importance of consistent drivers, vehicles and pickup routines that help students feel secure during the school day.
Transportation disruptions affect instruction
The research also highlights the operational impact on schools. Among teachers surveyed:
- 77% lose instructional time each week due to transportation-related issues.
- 71% said that transportation-related lateness and absenteeism result in the loss of at least one full day of instruction each week.
- 54% reported having to repeat lessons or provide catch-up instruction due to missed class time.
These disruptions affect attendance and also create instructional challenges for educators. District leaders should consider how transportation impacts enrollment, as 62% of parents view it as a major factor in school selection, and 74% of administrators said transportation reliability affects enrollment, transfers and withdrawals.
The findings indicate that reliable transportation significantly influences academic readiness, instructional continuity, family confidence, compliance and district performance.
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