Student transportation in New York: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from New York transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with NYSED before you act on them.
What is New York's new Attendance Index?
The Reimagine Phase of New York's accountability system began in the 2025-26 school year. In that phase, a new Attendance indicator replaces the Chronic Absenteeism indicator at the elementary/middle and high school levels. Students are placed in 4 attendance levels based on the share of instructional days they attend, and the index weights those levels into a single score. Every on-time ride helps students stay in the higher levels.
Sources: NYSED, attendance indicator fact sheet and NYSED, Reimagine Phase amendments
How is New York Transportation Aid calculated?
Non-capital Transportation Aid equals approved transportation expenditures multiplied by the selected sharing ratio plus a sparsity factor. The combined ratio cannot be less than 6.5% or more than 90%. Approved expenditures generally cover transporting pupils to and from school once daily, using district-owned buses, contract buses or public service vehicles. Expense records tied to clear route data make the claim easier to support.
Source: NYSED State Aid, how Transportation Aid is calculated
Which students must a district transport?
Non-city school districts must transport all children in grades K to 8 who live more than 2 miles from the school they legally attend. They must also transport all children in grades 9 to 12 who live more than 3 miles from that school. Both rules apply up to a distance of 15 miles. Transportation outside these limits needs voter approval.
Source: NYSED State Aid, transportation requirements
When are nonpublic school transportation requests due?
Parents must submit written requests for transportation to a nonpublic school by April 1 before the next school year. Districts use these requests to plan routes and contracts for the coming year. Logging requests as they arrive and mapping them early helps your team build efficient routes before summer.
Source: NYSED, nonpublic school transportation
What training and drills does New York require?
Under Commissioner's Regulation 156.3, new drivers complete a basic course in school bus safety practices of at least 30 hours. Drivers receive at least 2 hours of refresher instruction 2 times a year. Each bus holds at least 3 emergency drills a year, with the first in the first 7 days of school.
Source: NYSED, Commissioner's Regulation 156.3
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