The Equitable Access to Transportation Advisory Council (EATAC) has unveiled 10 key recommendations aimed at improving transportation access for America’s 54 million students. This follows the release of a comprehensive survey revealing critical gaps in youth transportation services. The survey, which involved input from policy experts, program directors, and advocates across child welfare, education, and transportation sectors, found that 93% of respondents identified resource shortages as a major barrier to equitable access, while 87% stressed the importance of flexible transportation services.
“Reliable transportation is essential for educational success,” said Vanessa Davis, a founding member of EATAC and Co-Manager of Foster Youth in Action. “From my experience in foster care and youth advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand how transportation barriers can hinder academic achievement, especially for the nation’s most vulnerable children. Through EATAC, we’re working to ensure every student has dependable access to school and after-school activities, no matter their situation.”
The following are EATAC’s key recommendations for state policymakers and transportation administrators:
- Develop Dedicated Vulnerable Student Transportation Services
Establish specialized transportation programs for foster children to guarantee consistent access to school and extracurricular activities, while advocating for clearer federal guidelines on funding responsibilities. - Create Community Transportation Hubs
Set up safe, supervised transportation hubs in underserved neighborhoods where students can wait for buses or transit services, ensuring a secure environment. - Launch Rural and Urban Transportation Programs
Implement flexible transportation solutions, such as rural vehicle services and expanded urban transit passes, to better serve students in both rural and city areas. - Implement GPS Tracking and Communication Systems
Introduce GPS tracking for school buses, allowing parents and schools to monitor routes in real time and ensuring timely updates on delays or changes. - Expand Carpool and Rideshare Partnerships
Partner with youth-friendly rideshare platforms and organize school-based carpools to fill transportation gaps in areas with limited options. - Create Tiered, Income-Based Pricing Models
Develop a sliding scale fee structure for supplemental transportation services, making options more affordable for low-income families in areas lacking traditional bus services. - Implement Bullying Prevention Programs
Provide training for transportation staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students traveling to and from school. - Promote Safer Routes and School Zones
Advocate for improved infrastructure and traffic-calming measures around schools to enhance student safety. - Address Transportation Workforce Barriers
Streamline licensing processes and offer incentives to address driver shortages, while pushing for updated laws and policies to increase youth transportation availability. - Advocate for Increased Funding and Research
Encourage increased funding for transportation services and support research into the link between transportation access and educational outcomes.
These recommendations build on EATAC’s recent report, Transportation as an Opportunity Lifeline, which highlights the transportation challenges facing vulnerable student populations. EATAC, comprised of 10 experts from sectors including transportation, child welfare, education, and technology, was established to address and promote transportation equity in education.