The Equitable Access to Transportation Advisory Council (EATAC) today announced 10 key recommendations to improve transportation access for America’s 54 million students, following the release of a comprehensive survey highlighting significant gaps in youth transportation services.
The results of the survey, which gathered insights from policy experts, program directors, and advocates across child welfare, education, and transportation sectors, revealed that 93% of respondents identified resource shortages as a primary barrier to equitable access, while 87% emphasized the need for flexible transportation services.
“Access to reliable transportation is fundamental to educational success,” said Vanessa Davis, EATAC founding member and Co-Manager of Foster Youth in Action. “Drawing from my experience in foster care and youth advocacy, I’ve seen how transportation barriers can derail academic progress, particularly for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Through EATAC, we’re working to ensure every student has dependable access to their school and after-school activities, regardless of their circumstance.”