What happens when a traditional school bus isn’t the best fit for a student’s needs? In this episode of The Route, SBF editor Amanda Huggett sits down with EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling to discuss the growing role of alternative student transportation.

From serving students with disabilities and housing challenges to tackling driver shortages and out-of-district trips, Bowling explains how smaller vehicles and tech-enabled solutions are complementing — not replacing — the yellow bus. He also shares insights on safety standards, new legislation like California’s SB 88, and how districts can pilot alternative options with confidence.

Key topics discussed:

- Why Alternative Transportation

- Growth & Demand

- Safety Standards & Regulations

- Challenges in Alternative Transportation

- Technology & Communication

- Turning Skepticism Into Trust

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠IC Bus.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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