New Law Lets Schools Save Big on Transportation: Braun Bill Replaces School Buses with Vans and Cars

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed Senate Bill 5009 into law, a bill sponsored by Senator John Braun that provides schools with more flexible and cost-effective transportation options for students. The legislation allows school districts to use state funding for alternative transportation, such as district-owned passenger cars and vans, when traditional school buses are not the most cost-efficient option.

Currently, student transportation is funded through the Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS), which typically covers the use of school buses. However, transporting only a small number of students in a large bus is often an inefficient use of resources. Senate Bill 5009 addresses this by allowing school districts to use smaller vehicles when they are more practical and cost-effective.

“When we talk about finding ‘efficiencies’ in state government to cut costs, ensuring taxpayer dollars for K-12 education are spent wisely is at the top of the list,” Braun explained. “Allowing schools the flexibility to use passenger cars and vans to transport a handful of students may have a relatively small impact on the bottom line, but it makes a lot more sense than paying for only one or two kids to ride a bus that seats 80.”

The new law ensures that safety will not be compromised in the process. Drivers will continue to meet the same training requirements as they do now, and students will be required to wear seatbelts and adhere to safety protocols while traveling.

“This new policy will not compromise student safety,” Braun emphasized. “Drivers still need to meet the same training requirements they do now. Students will need to use seatbelts and follow safety procedures.”

Senate Bill 5009 gives school districts the ability to use the most cost-effective transportation option for each situation. The hope is that the savings from using more appropriate vehicles will help redirect funds to other critical areas of education.

The new law will take effect on July 27, 2025. However, the Superintendent of Public Instruction has until September 1, 2026, to develop specific rules and guidelines for transporting students in vehicles other than traditional school buses. This timeline allows time for schools to adjust and for the development of safety measures for the new transportation options.

By providing flexibility in student transportation, this new law is expected to help school districts save money while maintaining the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. It is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the state’s education system and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the most effective way possible.