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Home > Media > EdConnection > Oct. 28, 2025 > Prepare for school transportation software program transition
Bus driver giving a fist bump to a student as they walk on the bus

Prepare for school transportation software program transition

10/28/2025

Anticipated launch in 2026 for new Drives platform 

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is excited to announce that the Drives platform, which will replace the State Foundation Payment System (SFPS), is in the final stage of development and will be rolling out in 2026. Developers will be migrating all SFPS data into the new Drives system in December. In the meantime, it is imperative to check the information that is currently in the SFPS system for accuracy before the migration takes place.

  • Driver roster: Remove any drivers who are not currently employed by the district, school, or company. Only active school bus and motor van drivers should be included in driver rosters; bus monitors/aides who do not drive a school transportation vehicle should be removed (even if the individual holds a pre-service training certificate).
  • Bus inventory: Review bus inventory. Any vehicle no longer owned should be removed. Contact the Department for assistance.
  • Drivers in training: Enter and submit all completed training records for school bus or motor van drivers currently in training, as well as those anticipated to start onboarding soon, to the pre-service office no later than Wednesday, Dec. 17. This date is critical as the SFPS system will be shut down for the migration starting Friday, Dec. 19. The migration period should be completed by Jan. 5. No certificates will be processed during the migration period.

If a crash takes place during the migration period, the Ohio State Highway Patrol should be notified within 48 hours as required by law. If the accident results in a fatality, injury, or vehicle or property damage in excess of $1,000, Ohio law allows 15 days following the accident to submit the T-10 in Drives. Please keep all documentation and submit the T-10 once the new Drives system is active. 

If a school bus or motor van contractor is used for school transportation, please share this information with them as they may not receive communications in the same manner as school districts and schools.