WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Traveling during the winter months is a challenge, and school bus drivers and the students they serve are no exception. D.C. school bus leaders said it does require more work but the job always gets done. In temperatures below 20 degrees, D.C. school bus drivers spend nearly half an hour going through a checklist "It's extremely important that the staff that we hire are checking the vehicles, driving in a safe capacity, and in following all the necessary protocols to make sure that those students are getting not only the educational value, but the sustenance that they may need as well," said Eric Chapman, deputy terminal manager for the New York Ave. school bus location.  Commanders, Lions NFL playoff ticket prices break record ahead of Saturday’s game That checklist includes turning the bus on to get the heat rolling in, and checking under the hood and the outside and inside of the bus, so nearly 3,000 special needs students across 500 routes safely get to and from school each day. (Ya-Marie Sesay/DC News Now) “Those students that have an IEP [Individualized Education Program] requiring transportation, as well as those students that may have a physical disability as well they may be in a wheelchair where they're then used on a lift. Part of that check is we're checking things from the lights, the oil, [anything] that you would normally do in your car if it needs additional fuel,” said Chapman.  Sub-freezing temperatures, sunshine forecast for Trump inauguration The winter months do require a few more tasks due to the weather with help from the fleet and mechanics team.  “There's a fleet team that's present. If a person needs to be jumped, if there's any mechanical issues,” he said.  Chapman added that ensuring students have a good experience on their way to and from school is fulfilling. “In order to get them to school for that breakfast and for those things that they're not getting at home. This transportation, getting them there is the key to that,” he explained.