News
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If you come across a published industry news story that matters to Ohio’s school transportation community, send it to OAPT — we want to help amplify timely, relevant coverage! Send to tsilverthorn@oapt.org
2026 National School Bus Illegal Passing Survey
Posted | MARCH 18, 2026
While school buses remain incredibly safe, we all know that students are most vulnerable when they are outside the bus in the “danger zone.” The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Ohio State Highway Patrol are assisting the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) in coordinating a national survey to document illegal passing of school buses. The data will help improve safety countermeasures at the state or national level.
We are requesting your assistance in this important project.
On Friday May 1, 2026, please have your district’s school bus operators observe and report any instances of motorists illegally passing their school buses, using this form under the Survey Instructions section. Even drivers who have no “pass-bys” on the day of the survey should turn in the form so that we can get accurate data on how many pass-bys occur per day per bus.
Please instruct drivers to pay particular attention to the instructions and safety precautions. As always, their primary duty is to the safety of their students. Please have your drivers pay particular attention to the bottom of the form where they are instructed to “report only illegal passes that occur while the bus driver is stopped with red warning lights flashing and stop arm(s) deployed in full compliance with our state training and procedures.”
Please collect your district’s results and report them no later than Friday May 8, 2026 using the survey link below
Thank you for your help with this important initiative.
Ohio bill proposes more cash for school busing
Posted | MARCH 9, 2026
A bill in the Ohio House would provide $88 million for school transportation and require school districts to provide tiers of time in which the private and charter schools they transport students to can start, among other provisions.
The bill would restore $45,000 grants for school districts to purchase buses, which was cut in the last budget. The cost of a new school bus is more than $100,000.
Celebrating Love the Bus: A Tribute to the Iconic Yellow School Bus
Posted | January 16, 2026
2026 NAPT Love the Bus
Schools and communities across the country come together to honor the iconic yellow school bus and the dedicated drivers who transport millions of students safely each day. February begins a month-long celebration and provides a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and raise awareness about the importance of school transportation.
By highlighting the vital role of school buses, Love the Bus month reminds us all of the essential service they provide, ensuring that every child can access education with safety and reliability.
ohio, lets support our own!
ODEW’s – Heather Free
Candidate for NAPT Region 3 Director
Posted | December 18, 2025
2026 NAPT Special Election: Candidate Information
The following candidate profiles are submitted by eligible NAPT members seeking election as Regional Director for Region 3.
Members are encouraged to review the Region 3 candidate information below (by clicking on each individual name). Only members within a respective region are eligible to vote in the election (i.e. only members from Region 3 are able to participate in the Region 3 election).
Region 3 Director Candidate(s):
Heather Free, Program Administrator, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (OH)
David Johnson, Executive Director, Iowa Pupil Transportation Association (IA)
Katrina Morris, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and Transportation Consultant, West Shore Educational Service District (MI)
abc 6 – Columbus | OAPT Coverage
Posted | December 12, 2025
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transport has highlighted the state’s school bus driver shortage, calling it a crisis. A recent survey revealed that 64% of nearly 200 participating school districts have had to eliminate, consolidate, or delay bus routes due to the shortage. Additionally, 75% of districts reported that administrators are doubling as bus drivers, and 84% cited retention and recruitment as major challenges.
Thomas Built bus – if you pass campaign
Posted | November 4, 2025
Passing a stopped school bus is reckless. But according to a study by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), more than 218,000 drivers do it every day. That’s more than just a number. It’s a real risk to kids. That’s why we’re saying what needs to be said.
Show your support by getting your limited-edition gear. All proceeds from campaign merchandise will go directly to one school or district helping raise awareness for driver and school bus safety. Know a school or district that’s making a difference? Nominate them to receive campaign funds – no purchase required. Every order and nomination helps spread the word about safer roads for students.
Pre-order now! Your gear will be sent after the campaign closes on Friday, November 21, 2025.
National school bus Safety week
Posted | October 20, 2025
October 20 – 24, 2025
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week.
Visit the NAPT website below for their National Poster Contest
