Transportation to school and academic outcomes: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

School transportation may have important implications for academic success, but few studies examine how these variables are related. This systematic review is the first that synthesizes research linking school transportation with academic outcomes. Using the PRISMA framework, the authors conducted a literature search across multiple data sources and screened articles for the following eligibility criteria: 1) Design is quantitative or mixed methods; 2) Sample consists of primary or secondary school students; 3) Variables include school transportation and academic outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened each study for inclusion criteria. Two reviewers also independently rated each study on methodological quality in five dimensions using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Throughout the process, reviewers consulted to resolve any discrepancies between ratings. The search revealed 249 abstracts that were screened for inclusion criteria. This resulted in 61 relevant articles after duplicates were removed. After screening, reviewers determined that 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Most took place in the United States, although studies were also conducted in Canada, Croatia, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. Thirteen studies met all MMAT methodological quality standards. Longer travel times and transportation challenges were associated with adverse academic outcomes except when they provided access to higher-quality schools. School bus transportation had a mixed relationship with academic outcomes. The authors conclude that research points to the importance of transportation as it relates to academic success, especially for students of color and those from low-income households.

KEYWORDS:

• School transportation
• primary school
• secondary school
• academic outcomes

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for funding and support provided by The Alabama Transportation Institute, which made this project possible. We also thank the University of Alabama School of Social Work Office of Research for their ongoing support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Alabama Transportation Institute.