School districts can now use private bus companies for special education routes

The US Federal Transit Administration updated its rules for school bus operations. This means local school districts can now use private bus companies for special education routes, which was previously restricted.

For decades, federal rules made it difficult for school districts to contract out special education transportation to private companies. This often forced districts to maintain their own fleets and staff, even if it was inefficient. The rule change removes a barrier that kept private operators out of a specific, often high-cost, segment of school transportation.