Frequently Asked Questions

Sunrise combines nearly four decades of student-focused experience with specialized expertise in special education transportation. Our values of Safety, Dignity, Reliability, and Community guide everything we do. We emphasize clear communication, strong district partnerships, and consistent, on-time performance.

Yes. We support districts with routing design, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. Our goal is to help districts optimize routes, manage costs, and improve the day-to-day experience for students and families.

District leaders can reach out through the Contact Us form, submit a Book a Vehicle inquiry, or call our main office at (630) 442-0799. A Sunrise representative will follow up to discuss your needs and next steps.

Route assignments, stop locations, and pick-up/drop-off times are managed by your school district. Please contact your school’s main office or the district’s transportation department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Sunrise specializes in individualized transportation for differently abled students. Working with your school district, we develop routes and service plans that address accessibility needs, door-to-door support, and any specialized equipment or assistance required to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity.

Delays can occur due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. Your district will typically communicate broader delays through its communication channels. For day-to-day questions, please contact your district’s transportation office so they can coordinate directly with Sunrise on your behalf.

Lost items are usually kept on the assigned vehicle or at the local Sunrise branch location. Please reach out to your school or district transportation office with your child’s name, route, and a description of the item. They will work with our team to help locate and return it when possible.

Yes. Sunrise provides charter transportation for school field trips, athletic events, community outings, and other group travel. Availability and vehicle types may vary by location.

To request a quote, please complete the Book a Vehicle form on our website or email charters@sunrisebus.com with your trip details (date, times, pick-up and drop-off locations, and estimated number of passengers).

Safety is our top priority. All drivers and monitors receive thorough background checks, drug and alcohol screening, and specialized classroom and behind-the-wheel training, including training focused on transporting passengers with special needs. Our buses, vans, and SUVs are maintained on strict schedules and equipped with modern safety and AI monitoring technologies.

Yes. Our drivers maintain all required state and federal certifications, which may include commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) with appropriate endorsements. They participate in ongoing refresher courses and in-service trainings to reinforce safe driving and student care practices.

Our fleet includes traditional yellow school buses, smaller buses, vans, and SUVs equipped with accessibility features such as wheelchair lifts and securement systems. Vehicle selection is based on the needs of each student population and district.

Vehicles undergo daily pre-trip inspections by drivers, along with regular preventative maintenance and safety inspections by our certified mechanics. We follow and exceed state and DOT requirements to help ensure every vehicle is road-ready each day.

Yes. Sunrise is frequently hiring school bus drivers, monitors, mechanics, and operations staff at locations across our service areas. We welcome individuals who are committed to safety, reliability, and serving their communities.

Visit the Careers page on our website to see current openings and submit an application. Our recruiting team will follow up with qualified candidates to guide them through the next steps. You can also follow Sunrise on social media for hiring updates and recruiting events.

Work schedules at Sunrise Transportation vary by position but are designed to align with operational and school-related needs. Many roles follow predictable schedules that correspond with the school calendar, while others support year-round operations.

Depending on the position, hours may include morning and afternoon shifts, standard daytime business hours, or flexible schedules. There may also be opportunities for additional hours through field trips, athletics, special routes, maintenance projects, training, or administrative support.

Specific schedules and availability expectations are discussed during the hiring process to ensure a good fit for both the employee and the team.

School bus driving offers consistent schedules that generally follow the school calendar. Many driver positions offer split shifts that align with school schedules, making them appealing to individuals seeking part-time work with mornings and afternoons free in between.

*** Availability varies by location. ***

We offer comprehensive paid training that includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel experience, safety procedures, and ongoing professional development. Our goal is to ensure every driver feels confident, prepared, and supported.

No prior CDL is required to apply. Sunrise provides paid training to help qualified candidates obtain their CDL and necessary endorsements, along with instruction on student management and special needs care.

For driving roles, Sunrise looks for a consistent licensing history because it helps demonstrate experience and eligibility for regulated transportation work. In most cases, applicants should have:

• 21+ years of age
• A valid driver’s license held for at least 3 consecutive years
• A driving record that meets company, state, and contract standards

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies (recent moves, out-of-state license history, etc.), apply or contact recruiting.

Benefits may include competitive pay, paid training, referral incentives, safety bonuses, and access to benefit programs based on position and location. Specific offerings vary by role and region.

Yes. Because Sunrise transports students, screening is an important part of hiring and ongoing compliance. For driving roles, candidates should expect:

• Background screening aligned to state/federal and contract requirements
• Drug testing requirements as applicable (including DOT regulated testing for safety-sensitive roles)
• Verification of licensing history and eligibility

Your recruiter will explain what applies to your role and location and what documentation you may need.

For general inquiries, please use the Contact Us form on our website or call our main office at (630) 442-0799. For charter-specific questions, reach us at charters@sunrisebus.com.

You can stay connected by singing-up for our newsletter, visiting our Blog, and following Sunrise Transportation on social media for updates, safety tips, and community highlights.