Ohio school districts continue to struggle with a statewide shortage of bus drivers as lawmakers and education leaders debate how the state’s student transportation system should operate in the future. A recent Ohio Pupil Transportation Workgroup report called for a “comprehensive system change” to address long-standing transportation challenges while recommending immediate steps to improve the current system.
Workgroup Recommendations
The workgroup’s stated goal was to “transport as many students as possible to and from their school of choice safely and consistently — regardless of where they are enrolled.” However, members disagreed on how Ohio should achieve that goal, with differences emerging between public school advocates, private school representatives, and lawmakers.
The workgroup included representatives from public school districts, private and religious schools, career centers, educational service centers, and members of the Ohio General Assembly from both political parties. Three members — Shauna Murphy of Cincinnati Public Schools, Josh Biederstedt of Patrick Henry Local Schools, and state Sen. Catherine Ingram, D-Cincinnati — said they did not support the final recommendations.
Transportation Challenges
Current transportation requirements in Ohio date back to 1966, when state law required traditional school districts to provide transportation for district students as well as students attending chartered nonpublic schools. Districts are required to provide transportation unless it is considered “impractical to transport” under six factors outlined in state law. In those cases, families may receive payments instead of transportation services.
The workgroup said that system has limitations. “The payment in lieu of transportation process is imperfect, and for many families a payment does not solve the daily school transportation problem,” the report stated. The group said the issue can be especially challenging for families facing poverty or parents with inflexible work schedules.
During the 2025-2026 school year, more than 22,000 Ohio students were classified as “impractical” for transportation, according to the workgroup. Nearly all of those students were enrolled in community schools or chartered nonpublic schools.
Bus Driver Shortage
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce data shows that, on average, only 14.68% of vacant school bus driver positions were filled during fiscal year 2025. In 34 Ohio districts, 10% or fewer of vacant bus driver positions were filled, according to state data.
Education leaders say compensation is a major factor affecting recruitment and retention. Jeff Wensing, head of the Ohio Education Association, told the Ohio Capital Journal that lower education funding levels have made it harder for districts to offer competitive wages and maintain transportation operations.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
