Student transportation in Ohio: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Ohio transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce before you act on them.
How does Ohio fund pupil transportation?
Under Ohio Revised Code 3317.0212, the state calculates 2 amounts. The first is the statewide transportation cost per student multiplied by qualifying ridership. The second is the statewide transportation cost per mile multiplied by miles driven. Districts receive the greater of the 2. The state pays at least 50% in FY27, or the district's state share if higher. Accurate rider and mile counts both matter.
Source: Ohio Revised Code 3317.0212
Who counts as a qualifying rider?
For FY26 and FY27, qualifying riders include resident students in preschool and regular education in grades K to 12 plus students in dual enrollment programs. They also include students attending community, STEM or nonpublic schools who receive bus service from the district. Knowing exactly which students ride, by stop and route, helps your district report every qualifying rider during count week.
Source: Ohio Revised Code 3317.0212
What is the T-1 report and how is ridership counted?
The T-1 report collects the actual number of pupils transported and the total daily miles traveled. Districts count riders during the first full week of October that school is in session for 5 days. The reported figure is the greater of the average morning count or the average afternoon count for that week. Daily ridership by route makes count week straightforward.
Source: Ohio DEW, T-1 reporting instructions for FY27
When is the T-1 report due?
The T-1 report is due by November 1 of every fiscal year. The Department of Education and Workforce notes that this date is set in Ohio Revised Code 3317.0212 and that it is not authorized to extend the deadline. Building in time after count week to review route data helps your team submit an accurate report on schedule.
Source: Ohio DEW, T-1 reporting instructions for FY27
What training do Ohio school bus drivers need?
Under Ohio Administrative Code 3301-83-10, new drivers complete at least 15 hours of pre-service classroom instruction before driving a bus with pupils on board. They also complete at least 12 hours of on-the-bus instruction before being assigned a bus. Drivers and aides take part in at least 4 hours of in-service training.
Source: Ohio Administrative Code 3301-83-10
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