FTAFinal Rule

School Bus Operations

TransportationEducation

Summary

This federal regulation sets new safety and operational standards for school buses run by public transit agencies. The rules aim to improve how school bus systems are managed, operated, and maintained to better protect students and ensure reliable transportation to schools.

Key Points

  • 1Establishes minimum safety requirements for school buses operated by public transportation systems, including maintenance schedules and safety equipment standards
  • 2Requires transit agencies to report data on bus breakdowns, delays, and safety incidents to help identify problems and improve service
  • 3Sets staffing and training requirements for bus drivers and mechanics to ensure they have proper qualifications
  • 4Applies to school bus systems operated by public transit agencies nationwide, affecting thousands of buses and the students who ride them daily
  • 5Gives transit agencies time to update their operations and create compliance plans to meet the new standards

Key Dates

Published

July 1, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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