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6/25/2025
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Governor signs bill that allows up to 10 passengers in a pupil transportation vehicle
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STATE HOUSE — Gov. Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa that allows more passengers on vans that are used to transport public school pupils. The measure goes into effect immediately.
The law (2025-H 5420, 2025-S 0636), which is supported by the Department of Education and the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association, amends the definition of a “Pupil Transportation Vehicle” to a vehicle constructed to seat not more than 10 passengers including the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight passengers.
“Although this bill makes a very small change from eight to 10 passengers, it’s a small change with big ramifications,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the House Committee on Education. “Several school districts utilize these vehicles, and this bill would allow districts to transport more students, reducing the number of van trips and saving the districts money. It would also help the environment by cutting down on pollution from fewer trips.”
There are currently more than 100 bus routes in the state that have between eight and 14 passengers in them. If these routes switched to a van, it could save districts money in their transportation costs.
“Because of the lack of flexibility, districts and statewide transportation must use larger minibuses, which cost about $26,000 more per year to operate than a van, in addition to not being as fuel-efficient,” said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol). “Based on current ridership, the statewide transportation system would be able to convert 30 minibuses into 10 passenger vans, which would leave the districts over $780,000 per year. Additionally, many existing van routes may be consolidated as the capacity increases, providing the opportunity for additional savings.”
The legislation will also help to alleviate the school bus driver shortage, since the vans don’t require a commercial driver’s license to operate, making it easier to get drivers.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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