In June 2026, Zonar and School Transportation News surveyed 128 transportation professionals across the United States to understand where student transportation departments stand heading into the 2026-2027 school year. Showcasing fleet sizes from under 50 buses to 300 or more, and spanning roles such as transportation directors, operations managers and fleet leads, the result is a clear picture of the workforce gaps, budget pressure and technology decisions shaping the season ahead.

Inside the report:

• Why driver staffing remains the defining pressure of the back-to-school season
• The real distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the first day
• How flat and shrinking budgets are reshaping technology decisions for 2026
• Where the 64% who are still investing are putting their technology dollars this year
• Who actually holds final purchase approval, and how long the process takes
• The moves that close preparation gaps before the first bus rolls

Download the complimentary report to see how your fleet compares.

Fill out the form below and then check your email to get the report.

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Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) is the next generation in nationwide radio systems with instant group calling and dispatching. Modern PoC radio systems are transforming school transportation communications with improved student safety and more efficient operations and logistics. This white paper will review how PoC works and the key benefits, the different types of PoC devices and systems, and integration options that are available.

Key takeaways from this informative white paper:

• How PoC systems work utilizing multiple 4G/5G/LTE cellular networks
• How GPS and fleet dispatching works and the key benefits
• How large school districts can manage and operate their own PoC system
• The different types of PoC devices, including handheld and mobile radios
• The significant difference between different PoC vendors and systems
• How to easily add PoC radios and wide area coverage to existing two-way radio systems

Fill out the form below and then check your email to access the guide.

The post (Free White Paper) Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) for Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

Student transportation fleets have a new take on an age-old problem: driver shortages. Millions of CDL holders are out there, so filling seats isn’t as big of an issue as filling seats with safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations. Retaining them isn’t easy, either.

How can a school fleet navigate this new world of driver shortage and retention problems? As you read this Driver Shortage Playbook, you’ll learn why traditional school bus driver recruitment strategies are no longer effective and how today’s fleets are adapting.

• Understand why financial incentives and fast hiring practices fail.
• Find out why a focus on quality over quantity benefits you both.
• Take away practical strategies for expanding your talent pool.
• Why career pathing for school fleet drivers is so important.
• And other ways to improve retention, safety, reliability and compliance.

Fill out the form below and then check your email to get the report.

The post (Free White Paper) The Driver Shortage Playbook appeared first on School Transportation News.