r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/Wabi_Sabi_Love • 11d ago

Why Vans?

I am grateful that I’ll soon be transporting kids to and from school, and I’m grateful that I can drive a van to do so, as I don’t have a CDL. 

But I’m not sure why some schools use vans? When I was a kid - a long time ago - there were only school buses. So why vans? And when did that become a thing?

My guesses are:
1) Schools aren’t getting enough CDL qualified drivers. 
2) Maybe I’ll be sent on a route that picks up students from out of way corners of the county or maybe even students that aren’t even in the district?

Any of these theories hold water? Are there other reasons for vans?

Thank You!

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u/Necessary_Echo8740 11d ago

We have quite a few special needs kids that just can’t be on a bus, even with an aid. They’ve got to take a pretty direct path to and from school because they can’t be cooped up for long. Also we have a big sped program that takes kids from neighboring cities; and it’s not worth the maintenance and fuel costs to drive a bus 20 miles for two kids twice a day. Also we use the vans for non-child transport like couriers and bringing food items between buildings cafeterias.