Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Shuttlebee—whether you're a family looking for reliable transportation or an operator ready to grow your business. We've organized answers to the most common questions from both families seeking safe, dependable rides for their students and drivers interested in building a professional transportation business.
General
Let's start with the basics. These foundational questions help you understand what Shuttlebee is, how we're different from other transportation options, and who we serve. Whether you're completely new to student transportation platforms or comparing us to other solutions, this section provides the essential context you need.
What is Shuttlebee?
Shuttlebee is a student transportation platform that connects families with vetted local operators for small-group shuttles to school and summer camp. We provide the technology, training, insurance infrastructure, and coordination tools that make premium student transportation accessible and affordable.
Think of us as the bridge between families who need reliable transportation and professional drivers who want to build sustainable businesses serving their communities.
How is Shuttlebee different from rideshare or a traditional carpool?
Understanding what sets Shuttlebee apart helps you see why families choose us and stay with us year after year. We've designed every aspect of our service to address the shortcomings of other transportation options.
Consistency
Shuttlebee routes have the same dedicated driver every day—not a rotation of strangers. Your kids build a relationship with their driver, and you know exactly who's behind the wheel.
Professionalism
Our operators are credentialed transportation providers, not parents trading favors. They carry commercial insurance, pass extensive background checks, complete our training program, and treat this as their business.
Technology
You get real-time GPS tracking, automated arrival notifications, and direct messaging with your driver—visibility that rideshare only offers during the ride itself, and that carpools don't offer at all.
What ages does Shuttlebee serve?
We serve students of all ages, from elementary school through high school. Our operators are trained to work with the different needs of younger children (car seats, boosters, more hands-on supervision) and older students (more independence, different schedules).
Whether you have a kindergartener who needs extra care during pickup and dropoff, a middle schooler juggling after-school activities, or a high school student attending an early morning program across town, Shuttlebee operators understand the unique considerations for each age group and adapt their approach accordingly.
Is Shuttlebee a transportation company?
Shuttlebee is a technology and services platform. We don't employ drivers directly—we credential, train, and support independent operators who run their own transportation businesses. Think of us as the infrastructure that helps small operators deliver big-fleet quality service.
This model combines the best of both worlds: the personal touch and community connection of a local business owner with the reliability, safety standards, and technology you'd expect from a major transportation provider. Our operators are entrepreneurs who take pride in their work and build lasting relationships with the families they serve.
For Families
This section answers everything families need to know about using Shuttlebee—from finding your first route to understanding pricing, safety measures, and the daily ride experience. Whether you're exploring options or ready to get started, you'll find detailed answers here.
Getting Started
Starting with Shuttlebee is straightforward, but we know you'll have questions about the process. These answers walk you through everything from your initial route search to completing onboarding and getting your child ready for their first ride. We've designed the experience to be simple and transparent every step of the way.
How do I find a route for my child?
01
Enter Your Details
Start by entering your pickup address and school or camp destination in our route finder. The search takes just seconds.
02
View Available Routes
You'll see available routes in your area, pricing, and operator information. Each route listing shows pickup times, driver details, and current availability.
03
Join or Request
If there's no existing route, you can join our waitlist—we use demand data to prioritize new routes and recruit operators for areas with strong interest.
Find Your Route
How does the onboarding process work?
Schools and families work through our proprietary onboarding platform to organize small-group shuttles. We match families by neighborhood, destination, and schedule to form routes that make sense—no spreadsheet chaos, no group text logistics.
Once a route has enough students, we connect you with a credentialed operator and you're ready to roll. The entire process is designed to eliminate the coordination headaches that typically come with organizing group transportation.
Can I request a route that doesn't exist yet?
Yes. If we don't currently have a route to your school or camp, request it through our platform. When we see enough demand in an area, we recruit operators and launch new routes. Many of our routes started with a single family request.
Your request helps us understand where families need service most urgently. We track demand by school, neighborhood, and destination to make strategic decisions about expansion. The more families who request a particular route, the higher priority it becomes. In many cases, one family's request sparks interest from neighbors, and suddenly we have enough demand to make a route viable.
What information do I need to provide?
Initial Matching
To match you with a route, we'll need your pickup address, your child's school or camp destination, your schedule (morning, afternoon, or both), and basic contact information.
Family Profile
Once matched, you'll complete a family profile with emergency contacts and any special requirements—whether that's car seat specifications for younger children, communication preferences, or afternoon activity schedules.
All information is kept secure and shared only with your assigned operator. We take privacy seriously and never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Pricing & Payment
Understanding the cost of transportation is essential for family planning. These questions cover everything about Shuttlebee pricing—what you'll pay, what's included, how it compares to alternatives, and our policies on discounts, cancellations, and commitments. We believe in transparent, predictable pricing with no surprises.
How much does Shuttlebee cost?
Most families pay between $400–700 per month per student, depending on route distance and schedule. You'll see exact pricing for your specific route when you check availability. This is typically 70–80% less than daily rideshare costs.
To put that in perspective, if you were using rideshare for the same route twice daily, you'd likely spend $1,500–2,500 per month. Carpooling seems free but carries hidden costs in time, coordination stress, liability concerns, and the social obligation to reciprocate. Shuttlebee delivers professional service at a fraction of rideshare pricing.
What's included in the monthly price?
Everything. Your monthly rate covers daily transportation (per your school or camp calendar), real-time GPS tracking, SMS notifications, direct driver messaging, and your dedicated driver assignment. No signup fees, no surge pricing, no hidden charges.
Real-Time GPS Tracking
Follow your driver's location throughout the route with live map updates.
SMS Notifications
Automated alerts when pickup is approaching, if running late, and when dropoff is complete.
Direct Messaging
Secure communication channel with your driver for schedule changes or questions.
Dedicated Driver
The same professional operator every single day builds trust and consistency.
Is there surge pricing or seasonal rate changes?
Never. Your rate is your rate. Unlike rideshare, we don't charge more when it's raining, during rush hour, or the first week of school. Rates are set based on route distance and schedule, and they stay consistent.
We understand that families need to budget reliably. You'll never open the app on a rainy Monday morning to discover your transportation cost has tripled. The price you see when you enroll is the price you pay, month after month. This predictability is one of the most appreciated features among our families.
Are sibling discounts available?
The cost of each route is divided among the families participating, and routes with fewer stops generally cost less. How families split that cost is up to them—we provide the total and stay out of the negotiations.
If your group decides to adjust the split for families with multiple children on the shuttle, we're happy to support whatever arrangement works. Some groups divide evenly per family regardless of headcount, others go per student, others land somewhere in between. Your route, your call.
Is summer camp pricing different?
Summer routes are priced based on the specific camp schedule and duration. Some camps run shorter days or fewer weeks, which affects monthly pricing. You'll see summer options when you search for your camp.
Schedule Flexibility
Many camps have different pickup and dropoff times than the school year, and we adjust routes accordingly.
Variable Duration
Whether it's a one-week specialty camp or a full 10-week summer program, pricing reflects the actual service period.
Continuity Option
Families often keep their school-year operator for summer, simply switching from school to camp destination. This continuity means your child already knows and trusts their driver.
What's the cancellation policy?
Enrollment is session-based—a week of camp, a semester, or a full school year depending on the program. Our operators finance vehicles and maintain compliance based on committed routes, and that commitment is what allows them to deliver reliable service.
You won't get a message in October saying your driver found something better—and your driver won't lose the route because other families decided to drop out. Session-based commitment keeps routes stable for everyone. For families, it means your route is locked in: no worrying mid-year whether service will disappear. The consistency works both ways.
This mutual commitment is what makes Shuttlebee different from casual carpool arrangements that can fall apart when one family backs out. Everyone depends on everyone else, and that structure creates the reliability you need.
Is there a long-term contract?
Enrollment is a commitment to the session—a week of camp, a semester, or a school year depending on the program. We don't think of it as a contract so much as a mutual agreement: you're committing to the route, your driver is committing to you, and the other families on the shuttle are committing to each other.
That's what makes the whole thing work. When everyone honors their commitment, routes stay stable, drivers can plan financially, and families enjoy uninterrupted service. It's a community approach to a community need.
Safety & Trust
Nothing matters more than your child's safety. These questions address our comprehensive approach to vetting, training, monitoring, and supporting drivers. We've built multiple layers of safety into every aspect of Shuttlebee—from initial background checks through ongoing oversight. You'll see exactly what makes our operators trustworthy and how we maintain those standards over time.
How are drivers vetted?
Every Shuttlebee operator completes our comprehensive credentialing process, which includes multiple layers of background screening and verification. We don't take shortcuts when it comes to the safety of the children in our care.
Background Checks
State and national background checks plus child abuse clearances ensure operators have clean records.
Driving Records
Motor vehicle record review and medical examiner's certification verify fitness to drive.
Compliance Verification
Drug and alcohol compliance (where required) and commercial auto insurance verification complete the picture.
Vehicle Safety
Vehicle safety inspection ensures the shuttle itself meets our rigorous standards.

Drivers must pass all screenings before they can accept any route assignments. There are no exceptions or provisional approvals.
What training do drivers complete?
All operators complete Shuttlebee University, our proprietary training program covering every aspect of professional student transportation. This isn't a quick online course—it's comprehensive preparation for the responsibility of transporting children.
1
Kickoff Module
Program requirements, business setup, regulatory pathways
2
Module 1: Foundations
Safe transport of minors, duty of care, Shuttlebee support ecosystem
3
Module 2: Compliance
State regulations, required credentials, vehicle inspection standards
4
Module 3: Driver Skills
Pre-trip inspections, defensive driving, emergency procedures, passenger management
5
Module 4: Technology
Platform training, GPS tracking, parent communication, daily logs
6
Module 5: Risk Management
Insurance requirements, telematics, safety protocols
7
Final Certification
Written assessment and practical evaluation before certification
Are vehicles inspected?
Yes. All vehicles must meet our safety standards and pass required state inspections (semi-annual or annual depending on jurisdiction). We verify insurance, passenger limits, and car seat/booster readiness for younger children.
Beyond meeting legal requirements, we look at overall vehicle condition, maintenance history, and age. Shuttles need to be reliable, clean, comfortable, and equipped for the age range they'll serve. A vehicle approved for high school students might not meet our standards for elementary routes if it lacks proper car seat accommodation.
What insurance do operators carry?
All Shuttlebee operators carry commercial auto insurance with passenger coverage that meets or exceeds state requirements for student transportation. We verify coverage before any operator enters our network.
This isn't personal auto insurance or rideshare coverage—it's true commercial passenger insurance designed for transporting children. The coverage includes liability protection, passenger medical coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. We re-verify insurance at every renewal period to ensure continuous coverage.
Can I meet the driver before my child's first ride?
Absolutely. We encourage families to meet their operator before service begins. Your operator can arrange an introduction at your convenience—it's a chance to ask questions, see the vehicle, and help your child feel comfortable.
Many families schedule a brief meet-and-greet a few days before the first pickup. Your child can see where they'll sit, understand the routine, and put a face to the name. For younger children especially, this introduction makes the first day much smoother. Some operators even keep small welcome items in the vehicle—a reassuring touch that helps kids feel special and excited about their new ride.
How are drivers monitored after they start?
Certification is just the beginning. We maintain ongoing oversight through multiple systems that track performance, compliance, and safety in real-time.
1
Telematics Monitoring
Real-time tracking of speed, acceleration, braking, and route adherence provides continuous safety oversight.
2
Compliance Tracking
Automated reminders and renewal tracking ensure credentials never lapse.
3
Annual Re-Credentialing
Every operator must pass renewed background checks and complete refresher training annually.
4
Performance Review
Continuous safety performance review and family feedback inform operator standing.
If issues arise, we address them immediately. Safety is never negotiable.
The Ride Experience
Once you're enrolled and your child starts riding, what's the day-to-day experience actually like? These questions walk through the daily ride experience—from consistency and group size to the technology that keeps you informed. Understanding what to expect helps both you and your child feel confident and prepared.
Will my child have the same driver every day?
Yes. Route consistency is core to Shuttlebee. Your child rides with the same dedicated driver in the same vehicle, building familiarity and trust over time.
This consistency is more than convenience—it's a safety feature. Your child knows their driver's face, vehicle, and routine. They're not scanning the pickup area looking for a stranger's car. You're not wondering each morning whether the right person will show up. That daily familiarity creates security for children and peace of mind for parents.
How many kids are on each shuttle?
Shuttlebee operates small-group shuttles, typically 4–8 students per vehicle depending on the operator and route. This keeps ride times reasonable while making routes economically sustainable.
Small Enough
Groups are small enough that your driver knows each child personally and can maintain a calm, safe environment.
Large Enough
Groups are large enough to create social connection—many kids form friendships with their shuttle-mates that extend beyond the ride.
Balanced
The size allows operators to run sustainable routes while keeping prices affordable for families.
How does GPS tracking work?
You can see your driver's real-time location in the Shuttlebee app throughout the route. You'll also receive automatic SMS notifications when pickup is approaching, if the driver is running late, and when your child has been dropped off.
The GPS tracking isn't just for your convenience—though it certainly helps with morning timing. It's also a safety and accountability tool. You know exactly when your child got on the shuttle and when they arrived at school. No more wondering whether they made it safely or worrying during unexpected delays. The transparency transforms transportation from a leap of faith into a trackable, verifiable service.
Can I message my driver directly?
Yes. The Shuttlebee platform includes direct messaging between families and drivers. Need to coordinate a schedule change, ask a question, or flag something? You can reach your driver without sharing personal phone numbers.
This secure messaging channel maintains appropriate boundaries while enabling necessary communication. If your child has a doctor's appointment and needs to skip the afternoon ride, you can message your driver that morning. If there's a school event affecting pickup timing, coordinate in real-time. The system keeps a record of all communications, which benefits both families and operators.
What happens if my driver is sick or has an emergency?
Every Shuttlebee operator completes business continuity training as part of their certification. That means they don't just have a backup plan—they're required to have one before they ever accept a route.
1
Backup System
Whether it's a trusted substitute driver, a reciprocal arrangement with another operator, or a family member who's been vetted and credentialed, your operator has a plan in place.
2
Immediate Notification
If something comes up, you'll be notified immediately through the app with details on the situation and who's covering.
3
No Scrambling
You won't be left scrambling or making last-minute arrangements. The continuity plan activates automatically.
This is what we mean when we say Shuttlebee brings big-fleet reliability to small operators. The independent driver with one van shouldn't mean single point of failure—and with us, it doesn't.
What if my child's school or camp schedule changes?
Communicate schedule changes to your driver through the app as soon as you know about them. For recurring changes (early dismissal days, activity schedules), work with your driver to establish a modified routine.
Most schools have occasional early dismissals, late starts, or half days. Your operator expects this and can typically accommodate schedule variations as long as they have advance notice. For regular changes—like your child staying for chess club every Thursday—you and your driver can establish a standing arrangement that becomes part of your normal routine. Communication is key: the earlier you share schedule information, the easier it is for everyone to adapt.
What about school closures or weather delays?
Drivers follow your school or camp's schedule. If school is closed or delayed, your driver will communicate any route changes through the app. You won't be charged for days school is cancelled.
Regional Considerations
Because shuttles often cross school district lines, we consider closures across all districts in the area—not just your child's school. Roads may be unsafe in one part of the route even if your school is technically open.
Driver Discretion
The final call on safe driving conditions rests with your operator. Our drivers are trained to prioritize safety, and they have the authority—and the responsibility—to delay or cancel service if road conditions are dangerous.

A good driver won't risk your child's safety to keep a schedule, and we back them on that decision.
Schools & Camps
Shuttlebee works with all types of schools and camps—public, private, charter, magnet, religious, specialized programs, and summer camps. These questions explain how we partner with educational institutions, what types of schools we serve, and how camps can offer Shuttlebee as a transportation solution for families.
Does Shuttlebee work with schools directly?
Yes. Schools and camps can partner with us to help families organize transportation. We work with administrators to identify interested families, coordinate onboarding, and establish dedicated routes.
For schools without bus service—or schools where bus service is limited—Shuttlebee provides a turnkey solution. We handle the complexity of matching families, vetting operators, and managing daily operations. Schools simply connect interested families with our platform, and we take it from there.
Can Shuttlebee serve private schools?
Absolutely. Many of our routes serve private, independent, and faith-based schools that don't offer traditional bus service. If your school isn't currently served, request it—we prioritize routes based on family demand.
Private & Independent Schools
Premium education deserves premium transportation. Many private schools have students commuting from across multiple districts.
Faith-Based Schools
Religious schools often draw from wide geographic areas, making coordinated transportation especially valuable.
Specialized Programs
STEM schools, arts academies, and specialty programs benefit from consistent, reliable transportation for students traveling longer distances.
What about magnet schools or charter schools?
Same answer. Any school where families need transportation—especially schools that draw students from across a wide geographic area—is a fit for Shuttlebee.
Magnet and charter schools often face unique transportation challenges. They serve students by lottery or application rather than neighborhood boundaries, meaning kids might live anywhere in the region. Traditional school bus service often doesn't cover these schools, leaving families to figure out logistics on their own. That's exactly the problem Shuttlebee solves. We organize small-group routes that make sense geographically, connecting students who happen to live in the same area even if they attend school across town.
Do you offer summer camp transportation?
Yes. We run dedicated routes to day camps, sports camps, enrichment programs, and summer activities. Many families stay with their school-year operator and simply switch destinations when summer starts.
This continuity is great for everyone. Your child already knows and trusts their driver, so summer transportation feels like a natural extension of the school year routine. Operators appreciate the year-round income stream, which helps them maintain their business during months when school routes are idle. And families avoid the hassle of finding new transportation arrangements every time camp season arrives.
For Operators
This section is for drivers and small fleet owners interested in building a student transportation business with Shuttlebee. You'll learn about the application process, training requirements, business potential, ongoing support, and what it takes to become a certified operator in our network.
Getting Started
Becoming a Shuttlebee operator means building a real business with consistent routes, professional training, and ongoing support. These questions cover who can apply, what the process looks like, how long it takes, and what to expect as you move from interested candidate to certified operator earning income from your first routes.
Who can become a Shuttlebee operator?
We're looking for professional, safety-focused drivers and small fleet owners who want to build a student transportation business. You'll need a clean driving record, the ability to pass background checks and child clearances, and a vehicle that meets our standards.
Individual Owner-Operators
Many operators start with a single vehicle, building personal relationships with families on their routes. This entrepreneurial path offers flexibility and direct connection to the families you serve.
Small Fleet Owners
If you already operate multiple vehicles or plan to scale, we provide training and support for managing a small fleet. Growth from one vehicle to several is a common trajectory.
Both paths are welcome. What matters most is your commitment to safety, professionalism, and building lasting relationships with families.
What's the application process?
Submit Application
Complete our online application with your basic information, driving history, and business interest.
Initial Review
We review your eligibility for state-specific transportation requirements and verify you meet baseline criteria.
Training Invitation
If you meet initial criteria, you'll be invited into Shuttlebee University for comprehensive training and credentialing.
Certification & Launch
Upon completing training and passing assessments, you're certified and ready to accept route assignments.
How long does onboarding take?
Most operators complete the full onboarding process—application, training, credentialing, and certification—within 2–4 months, depending on how quickly you complete modules and how long state background checks take in your jurisdiction.
The timeline varies based on factors outside our control, like how quickly your state processes background clearances or schedules vehicle inspections. What we control is the training pace, and we've designed it to be thorough without being unnecessarily slow. You can work through modules on your own schedule, and our team is available throughout to answer questions and keep things moving.
Is there a cost to join?
Contact us for current program details and fee structure. We're transparent about all costs involved in becoming a certified operator—from application fees through training and credentialing expenses.
Like any professional credential or business license, there are costs associated with proper training and compliance. However, these are investments in a sustainable business. The certification you earn opens access to steady, well-paying routes that make the initial investment worthwhile.
Training & Credentialing
Shuttlebee University is where operators learn to deliver professional student transportation. These questions detail what the training covers, which credentials you'll need, how we help with paperwork, what happens after certification, and the ongoing education that keeps operators at the top of their game.
What is Shuttlebee University?
Shuttlebee University is our proprietary training program that prepares operators for professional student transportation. It covers everything from safety and compliance to business operations and technology tools.
Kickoff Module
Program requirements, business setup, regulatory pathways (PUC, DOT, DMV depending on your state)
Module 1: Introduction
Safe transport of minors, duty of care, the Shuttlebee support ecosystem
Module 2: Safety & Compliance
State regulations, required credentials, vehicle inspection standards
Module 3: Driver Skills
Pre-trip inspections, defensive driving, emergency procedures, passenger management
Module 4: Technology
Using the Shuttlebee platform, GPS tracking, parent communication, daily logs
Module 5: Risk Management
Commercial auto requirements, how telematics supports safety and insurance eligibility
This isn't just checking boxes—it's building the foundation for a professional business that families trust with their children.
What credentials will I need?
Requirements vary by state, but typically include driver-level credentials, business-level filings, and vehicle compliance. We guide you through every requirement.
Driver-Level
  • State and national background checks
  • Child abuse clearances
  • Medical examiner's certificate
  • Drug and alcohol compliance (if required)
  • Clean motor vehicle record
Business-Level
  • PUC/PUCT/PSC authority (where applicable)
  • DOT/DMV filings for commercial carriers
  • EIN or sole proprietor registration
Vehicle-Level
  • Semi-annual or annual safety inspections
  • Car seat/booster readiness
  • Passenger limit compliance
  • Commercial auto insurance verification

Don't worry—our team guides you through every requirement step by step. You won't navigate state bureaucracy alone.
Does Shuttlebee help with credentialing paperwork?
Yes. We manage and assist with all required documentation. Our team helps you submit applications, complete filings, and prepare for compliance reviews. You won't be left to navigate state bureaucracy alone.
Every state has different requirements, different forms, and different agencies involved. Some require PUC authority, others need DOT registration, still others handle everything through the DMV. We know these systems inside and out. Our team has successfully guided operators through credentialing in every state where we operate, and we'll do the same for you. We track your progress, send reminders about upcoming deadlines, and help troubleshoot if anything gets stuck.
What happens after I complete training?
01
Final Assessment
You'll complete a written test and evaluation (mock ride-along or virtual) demonstrating your readiness.
02
Certification
Operators who pass receive their Shuttlebee Certified Driver credential—your professional certification.
03
Marketplace Access
Gain access to the Shuttlebee Marketplace where you can view and claim available routes in your area.
04
Route Priority
Newly certified operators get priority consideration for school route assignments based on location and availability.
Is there ongoing training after certification?
Yes. We support continuous improvement through multiple channels that help you stay sharp, compliant, and growing your business.
  • Real-time telematics monitoring and feedback on driving performance
  • Compliance renewal reminders so credentials never lapse
  • Annual re-credentialing requirements keep standards high
  • Access to our Small Business Accelerator Cohort for growth-focused operators
The Small Business Accelerator Cohort is an 8–10 week program covering finance, growth strategies, negotiation, and building business resilience. It's designed for operators who want to level up from running routes to running a real business.
Business & Earnings
Let's talk about the economics. These questions cover earning potential, how routes get assigned, pricing decisions, business support resources, and whether you can run Shuttlebee routes alongside other work. Understanding the business model helps you evaluate whether this opportunity fits your financial goals.
How much can I earn as a Shuttlebee operator?
Earnings depend on your routes, capacity, and schedule. As a benchmark, here's what typical operators earn:
Based on typical route pricing of $500–600 per student per month.
These figures represent gross revenue before expenses like fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Most operators find that with efficient route planning and reliable vehicle maintenance, they can build a sustainable business that generates strong income for modest time investment.
How do I get assigned routes?
Certified operators gain access to the Shuttlebee Marketplace, where you can view and claim available routes in your area. We also match operators with routes based on location, availability, and capacity.
As you build a track record, you'll get priority for new routes. Operators with excellent safety ratings, strong family feedback, and consistent performance are first in line when new schools or camps come online. Your reputation becomes your competitive advantage.
Do I set my own prices?
Pricing is established in coordination with Shuttlebee to ensure rates are fair for families and sustainable for operators. We help you understand the economics of your routes and set rates that work.
Fair for Families
Rates need to be affordable enough that families choose Shuttlebee over expensive alternatives.
Sustainable for You
Rates need to cover your costs and provide meaningful income for your time and expertise.
Market Appropriate
Rates need to reflect route distance, time commitment, and local market conditions.
We bring market data and financial modeling to help you price routes intelligently. You're never flying blind on pricing decisions.
Does Shuttlebee help with the business side?
Yes. For operators running their own transportation business, Shuttlebee University includes business readiness training covering the fundamentals you need.
Business Structure
Understanding LLC vs. sole proprietorship, obtaining your EIN, and setting up properly from day one.
Pricing & Rate Setting
How to calculate costs, set sustainable rates, and communicate value to families.
Financial Management
Basic bookkeeping, tracking expenses, managing cash flow, and preparing for taxes.
Contracts & Agreements
Understanding service agreements, family contracts, and your legal responsibilities.
Advanced programs cover DOT compliance mastery, financing support, logistics optimization, and fleet management strategies for operators ready to scale.
Can I run Shuttlebee routes as a side business?
Many operators run school routes alongside other work—the schedule (morning and afternoon, school days only) can complement other commitments. That said, reliability is non-negotiable.
If you commit to a route, families are counting on you every single day. Morning pickup can't be skipped because you have a meeting. Afternoon dropoff can't be late because your other job ran over. If you can structure your other work around a consistent 7–9am and 2:30–4:30pm schedule (typical school hours), then yes, Shuttlebee can work as a side business. But the route always has to come first during those windows.
Requirements & Standards
What exactly do you need to become and remain a Shuttlebee operator? These questions cover vehicle requirements, insurance specifications, credential timelines, and ongoing maintenance of your operator status. Understanding these standards helps you assess whether you're ready now or what you need to prepare.
What vehicle do I need?
Vehicles must meet our safety and passenger standards. Specific requirements vary by state, but here's what we look for across the board.
Passenger Capacity
Appropriate seating for your routes—typically 6-8 passengers for small-group shuttles.
Safety Inspection
Current state safety inspection and good mechanical condition throughout.
Age & Condition
Vehicle must be reliable, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. We assess overall condition, not just age.
Equipment
Car seat/booster capability for younger passengers and compliance with accessibility requirements where applicable.
Insurance
Commercial auto insurance meeting state requirements for passenger transportation.
Most operators use minivans, SUVs, or passenger vans. What matters is that the vehicle safely accommodates your route capacity and creates a comfortable experience for students.
What insurance do I need?
You'll need commercial auto insurance with passenger coverage that meets state requirements for student transportation. Shuttlebee is building insurance infrastructure to help operators access affordable coverage—talk to us about options in your state.
Commercial passenger insurance is different from personal auto insurance or even rideshare coverage. It's specifically designed for the business of transporting passengers, with higher liability limits and specific protections. Yes, it costs more than personal insurance. But it's also what families expect and what protects you properly if anything ever goes wrong. We work with insurance providers who understand student transportation and can offer competitive rates for qualified operators.
What if I don't have all my credentials yet?
That's fine—most new operators don't. Shuttlebee University walks you through exactly what you need and helps you obtain each credential. We guide you step by step through background checks, clearances, state filings, and inspections.
Don't let missing credentials stop you from applying. As long as you can pass background checks and meet basic eligibility, we'll help you get the rest. Our team has successfully guided operators through every state's credentialing maze, and we know how to navigate the process efficiently.
What are the ongoing requirements to stay active?
Certified operators must maintain good standing across multiple areas. We make it easy by sending reminders before anything expires.
Valid Credentials
Background checks, clearances, and medical certification must remain current.
Vehicle Compliance
Current vehicle inspection and commercial auto insurance without lapses.
Performance Standards
Good standing on safety metrics, reliability ratings, and family feedback.
Annual Renewal
Complete annual re-credentialing including refresher training modules.
We send reminders before anything expires so you're never caught off guard. Staying compliant is straightforward when you have a system.
Support & Growth
What happens after certification? These questions explore the ongoing support Shuttlebee provides, opportunities to grow from one vehicle to a small fleet, advanced training through our Small Business Accelerator Cohort, and the resources available to help your transportation business thrive long-term.
What support does Shuttlebee provide after I'm certified?
Certification is just the start. Ongoing support includes multiple layers that help you succeed as a professional operator.
Real-Time Monitoring
Telematics tracking provides continuous feedback on driving performance and safety metrics.
Technology Support
Full support for the platform and app—if you have questions or issues, we're here to help.
Compliance Tracking
Automated renewal reminders and compliance tracking keep you in good standing.
Operator Community
Access to a network of fellow operators who share best practices and support each other.
Business Resources
Ongoing business development resources, training updates, and growth guidance.
Accelerator Program
Small Business Accelerator Cohort for operators ready to scale their business.
Can I grow from one vehicle to a small fleet?
Absolutely. Many operators start with a single vehicle and expand as they build their reputation and route base. Shuttlebee University includes advanced modules on fleet management, and our team can help you plan for growth.
The path from solo operator to small fleet owner is well-trodden. As you prove yourself with one route, you'll get opportunities to take on additional routes. At some point, you can't personally drive every route, so you hire qualified drivers (whom we help you credential) and manage multiple vehicles. We support operators at every stage of this growth journey.
What is the Small Business Accelerator Cohort?
An 8–10 week program for operators ready to level up their business. It's designed to help you run a sustainable, scalable transportation business—not just drive routes.
Financial Management
Advanced bookkeeping, understanding profit margins, building financial reserves, and planning for growth investments.
Growth Strategies
How to expand from one vehicle to multiple, hiring and managing drivers, optimizing route coverage.
Resilience Planning
Building business continuity plans, managing risk, creating backup systems that ensure reliability.
Negotiation Skills
Working with schools, pricing conversations with families, building partnerships that support your business.
Building Bankability
Establishing business credit, accessing financing for vehicle purchases, demonstrating financial stability to lenders.
Coverage & Availability
Where does Shuttlebee currently operate, and how can you access service in new areas? These questions explain our current coverage, expansion plans, how to request service in your location, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring Shuttlebee to underserved markets as founding operators.
Where does Shuttlebee operate?
We've served families in the Philadelphia area and expanding our reach to Charlotte, NC. We're actively expanding to the Raleigh-Durham Triangle, Atlanta, Northern New Jersey and Northern Virginia.
Our expansion strategy focuses on markets where families need transportation solutions for schools without bus service, where student populations are spread across wide geographic areas, and where we can recruit quality operators. We grow deliberately to ensure we can maintain our standards and support both families and operators properly.
What if Shuttlebee isn't in my area yet?
Join our waitlist. We use demand data to prioritize new markets and recruit operators. The more families who request service in your area, the faster we can launch.
Every waitlist request helps us understand where transportation needs are most acute. When we see concentrated demand in a specific area—maybe 20 families requesting service to the same school, or strong interest across multiple schools in one region—that signals it's time to recruit operators and launch service. Your request literally helps shape where we expand next.
Can I bring Shuttlebee to my area as an operator?
Yes. If you're in a market we haven't launched yet, you could be our founding operator. We're actively recruiting qualified operators to anchor new markets.
Founding operators play a special role in new markets. You're not just running routes—you're establishing Shuttlebee's reputation in your community, building the initial route network, and potentially growing with us as the market expands. We provide extra support to founding operators and prioritize their success because their success determines whether we can scale in that market.
Do you serve both school year and summer?
School Year Routes
August–June dedicated routes to schools, following district calendars and schedules throughout the academic year.
Summer Camp Routes
June–August routes to day camps, sports camps, enrichment programs, and summer activities with flexible scheduling.
Many families and operators maintain their relationship year-round, just switching from school to camp destinations. This continuity benefits everyone—families get consistent service, kids keep their familiar driver, and operators maintain year-round income. It's one of the structural advantages of our model.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help. Our team is here to answer any questions we haven't covered—whether you're a family exploring transportation options, a school administrator interested in partnering, or a driver evaluating the operator opportunity.
Reach out to our team and we'll get back to you promptly with the information you need.
Ready to Get Started with Shuttlebee?
For Families
Find safe, reliable transportation for your student. Search for routes in your area or join the waitlist to bring Shuttlebee to your school.
For Operators
Build a professional student transportation business with training, support, and access to consistent routes.
Shuttlebee connects families with vetted local operators for small-group shuttles to school and camp. We provide the technology, training, insurance infrastructure, and coordination tools that make premium student transportation accessible and affordable.
Transportation shouldn't be this hard.
Whether you're a family looking for a better option or an operator ready to grow, we'd love to hear from you.