Expand Your NEMT Business With Student Transportation

Can you mix non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)  with student transportation? The answer is a simple yes. 

Student transportation has similarities with the NEMT industry, which also has drivers, operators, dispatchers, and creates routes (but for school transportation routes are fixed). This is why it makes sense for NEMT businesses to tap into this niche and provide transportation services for students with limited mobility. 

You could expand your NEMT business by partnering with a local school transportation system. This will benefit your community, diversify revenue streams, and decrease downtime. 

Contents:

• Why Student Transportation?
• Regulations and Requirements for Student Transportation
• Future Outlook: The Evolving Transportation Needs for Students
• Conclusion

Why Student Transportation?

NEMT is a means of transportation for people who have mobility needs. When students are involved, it is the same non-emergency medical transport, but instead of taking patients to their appointments, it takes students to schools, basically ensuring that their rights to education are fulfilled. According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, nearly 240 million children worldwide have disabilities. Many of them have mobility issues, but it is vital for them to continue going to school to continue their education and socialization. 

Traditional school buses have limited free space, and many communities do not properly equip vehicles to transport children with special mobility needs. Children in wheelchairs would have difficulty getting on and off such vehicles, and the same goes for students who need crutches or walkers. Additionally, some children may be ambulant but need special medical equipment for their day-to-day lives.

Safety is always the primary consideration when it comes to transportation. It is especially important when it comes to students going to and from school. This is why more stringent regulations are being implemented for student transportation operators, and, traditionally, NEMT providers, who are already used to strict regulations, can fit the bill.

Taking into account all of the above, NEMT as a student transportation service is an excellent solution to issues plaguing students with chronic conditions and special needs.

 

Regulations and Requirements for Student Transportation

Do schools have to provide transportation? In the U.S., public schools are not lawfully required to have school buses. 

Every state has a policy regarding school transportation. Some have mandates that school districts must provide transportation or at least have guidelines for the operations of a transportation system. Many states provide districts with funding to provide student transportation services.

Regulations are different per state and district. Many offer school buses for free, while some are permitted to collect fees. 

Today, more than half of all students get to school through private transportation, and 37% use school buses. Around 11% of students live close enough to walk or bike to school. 

Over the years, new types of school transport have emerged:

• HopSkipDrive - a ridesharing service that arranges rides for students on private vehicles. It supplements the traditional school buses catering to children with individualized education programs or who are in foster care. 

• Zum - a company with a fleet of vehicles of different types, some of which cater to students. 

So, the use of NEMT in the student transportation ecosystem is not necessarily out of the box. It’s a good endeavor to maximize your NEMT fleet. However, they will be subject to the approval and monitoring of the school district and state in which they operate. 

Companies operating as student transportation services are also subject to certain policies. 

School Bus Regulations for Operators

When commercial motor vehicles are used as school buses (i.e., ferry children from home to school and back again), they are classified under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). 

Vehicles should have proper registration, taxation, and appropriate safety restraints for children. 

Operators need to take out liability insurance. The bigger the transportation capacity, the higher the liability insurance. 

School Bus Regulations for Drivers

Most states and school districts have specific driver qualifications for school transportation. Here are some of the basics:

• Driver’s license
• Drug testing
• Background check

Drivers also need to undergo training in transporting students. 

As many would say, school buses are the extension of a student’s time in school. With that in mind, the driver is also like a teacher. The students on the bus are expected to follow the driver’s instructions as they do a teacher in the classroom. The driver, too, is responsible for taking care of all the students in their vehicle. 

Bus Rules for Students

Students, too, must follow specific rules when they are on the bus. For example, they must wait and will only be dropped off at their designated stops. They need to be there on time each morning. 

While on the bus, students must sit properly and face forward at all times. Bags and other items must be on their lap or under their seat.

 

Future Outlook: The Evolving Transportation Needs for Students

Student-centric NEMT is great for children with special needs, and just like traditional non-emergency medical transportation services, it can greatly benefit from modern software solutions . 

The fixed route software for student transportation builds predetermined routes that vehicles follow for their trips. This route is established with a specific path and schedule. It gives parents peace of mind knowing they will always know where their children are and where they stop on the way home. 

Adding medical transportation providers with proper NEMT technology is advantageous to the school transportation system for the following reasons:

1. Routing and Scheduling

Routes are built easily and consider various factors to make sure timing is correct and there are no delays. It is a fantastic system for managing strict school schedules, which is essential when children cannot be late for school. It is also cost-effective for operators who want to streamline their routes and reduce fuel expenses. 

2. Dispatching

This system ensures proper dispatching of real-time problems and transportation issues. This way, vehicles can avoid traffic incidents, and replacement vehicles can be sent out when an issue arises. Dispatching is one of the most important features for your growing NEMT business. 

3. Application for Passengers and Their Parents

With the app for passengers, parents can see the location of the vehicle and know when they need to meet their kids after school in case there are any traffic delays, etc. RouteGenie, for example, is modern software that automates critical transportation operations. 

Conclusion

Your NEMT business should not be limited to providing transportation services only to passengers going to and from medical appointments. You should strongly consider diversifying into student transportation to help kids reach their educational facilities. Advanced software can be used in various types of transportation services, including school bus systems. Get your RouteGenie demo today to see how it can help you to become more advanced with your operations!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I expand my NEMT business to a student transportation service?

To expand your NEMT business to the student transportation service, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, purchase appropriate insurance coverage, and secure reliable vehicles. You may also need to establish contracts with local schools and parents.

How can I ensure safety in student transportation?

To ensure safety in student transportation, it is important to conduct background checks on drivers, maintain regular vehicle inspections, adhere to safety regulations, implement proper training protocols, and establish communication channels with parents and schools.