North America's school bus DRT industry is experiencing transformative growth as schools seek more flexible, efficient, and tech-savvy transportation solutions. As traditional school bus systems face operational challenges, such as limited data collection, driver shortages, and rising safety expectations, DRT solutions present an adaptable alternative. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of DRT's role in modernizing school transportation across the United States and Canada, focusing on infrastructure readiness, technology, policy support, and regional variations in adoption.

In the United States, a combination of policy support for electrification, established technology infrastructure, and a broad acceptance by schools, parents, and operators has accelerated DRT uptake, with numerous start-ups entering the sector. Canada, in contrast, faces lower adoption rates due to a limited start-up ecosystem. However, Canada's landscape may present substantial growth opportunities as policy incentives expand and the need for cost-effective, flexible transport solutions grows.

• What role does policy support play in transforming the school bus transportation landscape in North America and creating new opportunities?
• How do advances in AI-driven routing and real-time tracking technology enhance the operational efficiency and safety of DRT school buses and drive growth?
• How can the demand for flexible, scalable transport options contribute to the growth of school bus DRT in urban areas?