Student transportation in Delaware: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Delaware transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated November 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the Delaware Department of Education before you act on them.
How does Delaware fund school transportation?
The state pays 90% of a route's cost and the district pays 10%. Contractor routes are paid on route mileage and a state-set hourly driver rate.
Source: Town Square Delaware, 2021
Who approves bus contracts in Delaware?
Under Title 14, Chapter 29, contracts need local board and DDOE approval, contractors carry minimum insurance and drivers are drug and alcohol tested.
Source: 14 Del. C. ch. 29
Do private school families get transportation help?
Families of nonpublic nonprofit students can receive a transportation allowance when home is at least 1 mi (K-6) or 2 mi (7-12) from school, subject to appropriation. The private school administers the payments.
Source: 14 DE Admin. Code 1150
Is Delaware changing how routing works?
DDOE issued RFP DOE26002 in 2025 for 1 cloud-based routing system for all 19 districts, with a 10-year term.
Source: DDOE RFP DOE26002
See how BusRight works with Delaware districts
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