Student transportation in South Carolina: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from South Carolina transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated November 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the South Carolina Department of Education before you act on them.
Who owns South Carolina's school buses?
The Department of Education owns, fuels and maintains the state's school bus fleet of about 5,700 buses, which carry about 335,000 students each school day. The State Board of Education controls school bus transportation.
Sources: South Carolina Department of Education, school bus safety release and S.C. Code Title 59, Chapter 67
How does the state fund school transportation?
The state pays the operating and replacement costs of state-owned school buses, replacing a share of the fleet each year. Districts that contract for transportation receive state aid based on the average per-pupil cost of operating state buses. Clear records by route help every number your district submits match the work your buses do.
Source: S.C. Code Title 59, Chapter 67
Which students does the state transport?
The state isn't obligated to transport students who live within 1.5 mi of school. Stops are generally set within 0.3 mi of a student's home.
Source: S.C. Code Title 59, Chapter 67
Who hires drivers and sets routes?
District trustees hire and supervise school bus drivers and submit bus routes to the state for approval. Drivers must be certified by the state and pass regular physical exams.
Source: S.C. Code Title 59, Chapter 67
Can private school students ride state school buses?
No. A 2008 Attorney General opinion found that districts may not carry private school students on state-owned buses, even at no added cost.
Source: S.C. Attorney General opinion, Sept 23, 2008
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