Student transportation in California: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from California transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the California Department of Education before you act on them.
How does attendance affect funding in California?
California funds most public schools on average daily attendance (ADA) instead of enrollment, according to the California Department of Education. ADA is the total days of student attendance divided by the total days of instruction. The Local Control Funding Formula calculates base grants per unit of ADA. For school districts, the state uses the greater of current year ADA, prior year ADA or the average of the 3 most recent prior years. Strong daily attendance supports the district budget over time.
Sources: CDE, attendance terminology and laws and CDE, LCFF calculation
How is home-to-school transportation reimbursed?
Education Code 41850.1 gives school districts and county offices of education a transportation allowance equal to 60% of the home-to-school transportation expenditures they report in the annual Unaudited Actuals submission. Capital and nonagency costs are excluded. Because the allowance follows reported costs, clear coding of transportation expenses throughout the year makes the year-end submission simpler.
Sources: CDE, home-to-school transportation and California Education Code 41850.1
Does my district need a transportation plan?
Yes, if your district receives the home-to-school transportation allowance. Under Education Code 39800.1, districts with an adopted plan update it by April 1 each year. The plan must prioritize transportation for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 6 and for students who are low income. Routing data that shows who rides and where makes the yearly update faster.
Source: CDE, home-to-school transportation
What certification do California school bus drivers need?
Drivers hold a Class A or B commercial license with passenger and school bus endorsements plus a School Bus Driver Certificate. The California Highway Patrol gives the written and driving tests, which include first aid. Initial certification requires 20 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours behind the wheel under Education Code 40082. Drivers then complete 10 hours of training each year under Education Code 40085.
Source: CDE, school bus driver training matrix
See how BusRight works with California districts
You Might Be Interested
