US School Districts Cut Bus Service in 9 States as Driver Ranks Fall 9.5%
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 29
US School Districts Cut Bus Service in 9 States as Driver Ranks Fall 9.5%
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 29
Summary
School systems in at least nine states have reduced or proposed cutting student transportation this year, as districts struggle to keep children getting to class.
A 2025 AP-NORC report found 80% of districts saw transportation hit by driver shortages and 73% by budget shortfalls; school bus driver employment fell to 202,000 in August 2025 from more than 223,000 in 2019.
Fuel and funding pressures are worsening the squeeze: more than half of district leaders said diesel costs ran over budget in 2025-26, while declining enrollment and school choice have reduced tax revenue.
Ohio shows the strain most clearly, with 34 districts filling fewer than 10% of vacant driver jobs, transportation costs averaging $1,273 per student, and more than 22,000 students deemed impractical to transport.
Districts are testing student-focused rideshare options, but federal school bus safety rules limit flexibility, leaving officials to balance access against classroom spending and student attendance risks from longer rides.