Special Needs School Bus Transportation
Special Needs School Bus Transportation
Cathay Express Transportation
Ensuring a child with special needs arrives at school safely, comfortably, and on time is not just a logistical concern—it is a critical part of their education and well-being. In New York City, where distances, traffic, and individualized educational requirements vary widely, dependable special needs transportation is essential.
At Cathay Express Transportation, we understand that school transportation for students with disabilities is far more than a daily commute. It is a service that must be delivered with precision, patience, and dignity. Our mission is to provide safe, compliant, and individualized school transportation solutions that support students, families, and educational institutions alike.
Learn more below about how our Special Needs School Transportation services can support your students and programs.
Why Choose Cathay Express Transportation for Special Needs School Transportation
Cathay Express Transportation has built a reputation for reliability, compliance, and compassionate service throughout New York City. We work closely with schools, parents, and transportation coordinators to ensure every route meets both regulatory requirements and individual student needs.
Our team understands the complexity of transporting students with IEP accommodations and medical or mobility considerations. We approach every route with careful planning, trained personnel, and a strong focus on student safety and consistency.
Serving Students Across New York City
We proudly provide Special Needs School Transportation throughout all five boroughs of New York City. Whether a student attends a DOE public school, charter school, or private or religious institution, our fleet and staff are equipped to deliver tailored transportation solutions.
We operate through MAS-authorized transportation as well as private-pay arrangements, allowing schools and families flexibility in how services are structured and funded.
Our Special Needs Transportation Services
Our school transportation programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of student requirements while maintaining strict compliance with State and Federal regulations.
All drivers and attendants undergo:
DOE fingerprinting and comprehensive background checks
Special needs transportation training
Defensive driving certification
Drug and alcohol screening
Ongoing refresher and compliance training
Our vehicles are maintained to strict NYS DOT standards and include:
Wheelchair lifts, ramps, and certified securement systems
Interior cameras for accountability and remote monitoring
Child-check systems to ensure no student is left onboard
Real-time GPS tracking and two-way communication
Matrons or aides onboard when required by IEP or contract

Our services include:
Regular school bus routes for students with IEP accommodations
Wheelchair-accessible school buses equipped with lifts, ramps, and securement systems
Small-capacity vans, SUVs, and sedans for one-on-one or small-group transportation
Daily contracted routes for ongoing school programs
Supplemental and emergency coverage for route shortages or service interruptions
Each route is planned with attention to travel time, student tolerance, supervision requirements, and school schedules.
Common Transportation Challenges We Help Schools Solve
Schools across NYC face increasing complexity in meeting transportation needs for students with disabilities.
Cathay Express Transportation routinely assists with:
Students requiring individual or very small group transportation
Students living outside established or existing bus routes
Transportation to specialty, out-of-district, or therapeutic programs
Rising demand for wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Coverage when current providers are unavailable, understaffed, or underperforming
Short-notice or temporary route gaps
Our scalable fleet and dispatch coordination allow us to respond quickly while maintaining service quality.
Safety, Compliance, and Student Care First
Student safety is the foundation of our transportation operations. Every Cathay Express driver and aide is carefully vetted, trained, and monitored to meet or exceed regulatory standards.
A Transportation Partner You Can Trust
At Cathay Express Transportation, we believe that students with special needs deserve transportation that is not only safe and compliant, but respectful and reliable. We work as a true partner with schools, districts, and families to ensure continuity of care and peace of mind.
If your school or program is seeking dependable Special Needs School Transportation in New York City—through MAS or private pay—we welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs and develop a customized solution.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and availability.