Last November’s Thrive Global Impact Summit brought together several hundred entrepreneurs, investors, and senior executives in Silicon Valley for a day of debate...

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Polestar is a relatively young player in the automotive industry. Launched as a standalone brand by Volvo and its parent company, Chinese auto giant Geely in 2017, it has spent the past eight years trying to establish itself while missing several sales targets along the way. In August 2024, Polestar appointed a new CEO, Michael Lohscheller, to help steer the company toward profitability.

Now, Lohscheller has an interesting (to say the least) plan: he wants to win over Tesla customers who are fed up with Elon Musk’s politics.

Musk has been at the center of multiple controversies, many of his own making. Very recent events aside, he’s polarized consumers with his support of President Donald Trump. On top of that, he’s made his opinion of politics in other nations well known too. In December of 2024, for example, he openly endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party, while he has also made some controversial comments concerning the political landscape in the UK.

More: Polestar Pins Turnaround Hopes On Porsche Macan-Sized SUV

Lohscheller thinks this might play into the hands of Polestar. Speaking to Bloomberg News, he said that, “We get a lot of people writing that they don’t like all this. It’s important to listen closely to what they say. And I can tell you, a lot of people have very, very negative sentiments.” In fact, he was even more willing to condemn Musk’s support of the AfD.

“For Germany, somebody outside of Germany endorsing right-wing political parties is a big thing. You want to know what I think about it? I think it’s totally unacceptable. Totally unacceptable. You just don’t do that. This is pure arrogance, and these things will not work.” That said, he did temper his language by saying that Musk was very successful and that he’d done “incredible things with Tesla.”

While Lohscheller’s condemnation of foreign interference in national politics is pointed, it highlights an interesting contradiction. As CEO of Polestar, owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, he represents a brand tied to one of the world’s most politically influential nations. At a time when China’s role in global industries faces scrutiny, critics might question whether his rebuke of Musk’s “arrogance” fully aligns with Polestar’s own context.

On the flip side, Lohscheller sees an opportunity here to take advantage of disgruntled Tesla owners who want out of any association with Musk. He’s told his salespeople to specifically target such individuals in an effort to get them into a Polestar. Ultimately, whether they come from Tesla or any other brand, Lohscheller just needs customers in seats right now.

Polestar is actively burning through some $110 million a month. It’s surviving in part thanks to almost a billion in funding from banks. To turn things around, though, it’ll need to continue to cut costs while it introduces new models and, hopefully, gains market share. 

Nissan was one of the original proponents of electric vehicles as they introduced the Leaf in 2009. Despite a massive head start, the company doesn’t have much to show for it other than the Ariya.

That’s not to say the automaker didn’t try as we’ve seen numerous projects announced and then delayed or killed off entirely. The most memorable example is the Infiniti LE from over a decade ago but, more recently, the company delayed a pair of electric sedans that were slated to be built in Canton, Mississippi.

More: Nissan Delays US-Built Electric Sedans, Plans Rogue-Sized EV

The revisions continue today as Auto News is reporting Nissan has decided against building a subcompact electric crossover in Canton. The model was reportedly codenamed the PZ1L and it would have been larger than the Leaf, but smaller than the Rogue.

While it sounds like America will miss out on the model, the vehicle is still slated to be built at the company’s Sunderland plant in England. However, Nissan still has plans to build two other electric crossovers at their U.S. facility.

Nissan’s Brian Brockman told Auto News they want to focus on the other EVs that will be made in Mississippi. He went on to suggest they’ll be better suited for the U.S. market and sell in higher volumes.

While a number of questions remain, it’s believed slower than expected electric vehicle adoption played a role in the decision. President Trump’s return to the White House has also added a lot of uncertainty as he has promised to “end the Green New Deal” and “revoke the electric vehicle mandate.” He’s also expected to try eliminating the $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit, which would make EVs significantly more expensive.

Nissan teaser from 2021

Electric vehicles often face unfair scrutiny for fire incidents, fueled by a handful of high-profile cases. Despite data showing EVs are actually less prone to spontaneous combustion than gas-powered or hybrid models, public perception can be hard to shake. That said, police and firefighters in Salem, Oregon, aren’t blaming faulty engineering for the fiery demise of a red Model X outside a local Tesla dealership. Instead, they believe it was the result of an arson attack.

Authorities were alerted to the fire at a Tesla store at approximately 3:45 a.m. on the morning of January 20. While they were able to extinguish the burning Model X, they were not able to save it from total destruction.

Read: Cybertruck Went Up In Flames At Tesla Dealership In Georgia Hours Before Vegas Blast

It’s unclear where the blaze started, but an image shared online by Salem police shows that much of the Model X’s rear end has melted and the rear window has shattered. There’s no word on whether the Tesla’s battery pack also caught fire or not.

The police suspects that this was a case of arson as the glass front door of the Tesla store was also smashed out. There’s a good chance the store was equipped with plenty of surveillance cameras, and any evidence will be used to identify and catch the perpetrators.

The Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit has been tasked with investigating the inferno and is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477.

This isn’t the only Tesla to meet a fiery fate in recent weeks. On December 31, a Tesla Cybertruck parked at a dealership in Georgia caught fire in the early hours of the morning. In that case, authorities suspect the blaze originated in the vehicle’s battery pack, although investigations are ongoing.

Image Credit: Salem Police Department

An all-electric version of the Range Rover is just around the corner, but an electric Land Rover Defender is not on the agenda for the British brand – at least not for the current-generation model.

Jaguar Land Rover has been building the current L66- generation Defender since 2019 offered with several different petrol and diesel engines, including a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Given the growing demand for high-end EVs, it could make sense for an electric version to be launched as a potential rival to the also electric Mercedes-Benz G580.

Electrifying the Current Defender? Not So Simple

According to JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lennard Hoornik, electrifying the current Defender (built on the D7x platform) is far more complicated than it sounds. In an interview with Autocar, he explained that the existing platform simply isn’t suitable for an electric powertrain without major compromises, meaning we may have to wait until next decade for its replacement

Read: What Do You Want To Know About The Land Rover Defender With The Inline-Six?

“Electrifying the current ‘L663’ car, on its D7x platform, is not what we want,” Hoornik said. “The L663 is brilliant at what it does, and we do have a [four-cylinder] plug-in hybrid version already, but it’s not easy to find the extra space you need within that chassis for batteries, given the axle packaging and capability that it needs.”

Space, Space, and More Space

Hoornik went on to emphasize how difficult it is to fit the necessary EV components into the existing Defender’s architecture. The problem isn’t just about stuffing in batteries where they’ll fit; it’s also about maintaining the Defender’s off-road capability, which requires careful packaging of its axles and other components.

JLR has committed to offering electric models for each of its newly-formed subbrands, including Range Rover, Discovery, Jaguar, and Defender. “[We] remain committed to that,” Hoornik said, “but finding the space on the current Defender platform is really, really hard, so we will need to use something different.” He said that “the EV will need to come at quite a significant step in the evolution of the Defender.”

While Hoornik didn’t specify if this significant step will come with a new generation of Defender, that would be the most likely route the brand takes. Either that or it may have to build a distinct Defender EV sitting atop a unique architecture, selling it alongside the current ICE model.

Tech advocates tell us driverless cars will be safer than human drivers and that even today’s more primitive driver assist tech prevents accidents. But the first few weeks of 2025 have delivered multiple news stories reminding us why almost all of the currently available systems still need a driver overseeing them by law.

The latest of those concerns Chevy’s Equinox EV, whose adaptive cruise control might not activate the brakes when the SUV is confronted with a hazard, the NHTSA says. The report indicates that the EV has no problem sensing the need to slow down, but an incorrect software calibration means the brakes might not get the message.

Related: US Escalates Ford BlueCruise Probe After Fatal Mach-E Crashes

Around 2,890 all-wheel drive models not fitted with GM’s fancy Super Cruise system will need to drop by their local dealership to have the software updated, though strangely unsold cars will be updated remotely.

Front-wheel drive versions of the electric SUV and all-wheel drive ones whose owners did pony up for Super Cruise aren’t included in the recall. All new examples of the Equinox built since early December were produced with the new software included.

But what about those other drive-assist stories I alluded to at the top of this post? First, we heard the NHTSA was looking into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon remote parking feature after receiving reports of EVs not noticing posts and parked cars while driving unoccupied. And this week the agency escalated its probe into Ford’s BlueCruise system in the wake of two fatal accidents involving Mustang Mach-Es being driven at night.

The Equinox – which was recalled more than once during 2024 – isn’t the only Chevy EV making recall headlines this week. The automaker’s electric Silverado truck and its GMC Sierra twin have also come under the NHTSA spotlight. Five examples of the 2024 pickups might not have had a rear seatbelt securing bolt tightened and will need to be checked out at a service center.

Rivian is aiming to persuade hybrid and ICE vehicle owners to make the leap to one of its EVs. To sweeten the deal, it’s offering discounts of up to $6,000, but like most deals, there’s a catch. It’s not as simple as just walking into a Rivian dealership and driving away. You’ll have to jump through a few (admittedly minor) hoops to snag those savings.

The Discount Breakdown

For those looking to get into the R1T or R1S with the Dual motor configuration and Max battery pack, the starting discounts are $3,000 in the U.S. or C$4,300 in Canada. Want a little more power? If you’re eyeing the Dual motor with Max battery and the Performance Upgrade, you can snag a discount of up to $4,500 in the U.S. or C$6,500 in Canada.

Read: Biden Admin Finalized Rivian’s $6.6 Billion Loan Before Trump Took Office

But the real sweet spot comes with the Tri-motor models, where the discounts are maxed out at $6,000 in the U.S. and C$8,600 in Canada.

How to Qualify

To get these savings, Rivian says you need to request a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle, though you don’t actually have to trade it in. The catch? You have to place a new order for an eligible R1 model through Rivian’s online store between January 21 and March 31, and take delivery of the vehicle on or before March 31. So, yes, not much time to think this one through. And just to add a few more conditions, demo vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, and custom builds are not eligible for discounts.

The Price of Entry

If you’re looking to actually buy one of these discounted vehicles, you’ll need to dig deep into your pockets. You see, while there are plenty of eligible R1S and R1T models available now through Rivian’s inventory, they are all relatively high-spec models, none of them are cheap.

The least-expensive R1S models we’ve found are a pair of R1S Dual motor models with the Max battery, each priced at $89,900, or available to lease for an estimated $1,099 per month. Depending on where you live, Rivian may have to charge a transfer fee of $350 or $800 to transport the selected vehicle to a nearby retailer.

Prices for eligible R1T Dual models also start at around $90,000. If you’ve got your eye on the Tri-motor version, be prepared to fork out more—prices in inventory range from $100,900 to $111,300 for the highest-priced models.

In other words, Rivian’s discounts might look enticing, but you’ll still be spending a pretty penny to take one of these EVs home. Still, for those itching to switch to an electric vehicle, the savings might be worth the leap, provided you’re okay with the price tag and the tight deadlines.

Vans are no longer just the humble workhorses of the road—they’ve been hitting the gym and trading in their steel-toed boots for a pair of sportier sneakers. Opel’s British arm, Vauxhall, has introduced a GS trim for the facelifted Vivaro, bringing fresh styling and interior upgrades to the table. This sporty-looking LCV is available with both turbodiesel and fully electric powertrains, with the diesel option offering the most muscle.

The GS trim was first introduced in 2022 as part of Vauxhall’s response to the growing demand for sportier vans in the UK. Now, it returns as part of the facelifted Vivaro lineup, competing with similar offerings like the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.

More: Stellantis To Convert Used Diesel Vans To Electric For Less Than €20k

The GS trim gives the Vivaro a more aggressive appearance thanks to a bespoke bodykit. This includes an aerodynamic front bumper extension, side skirts with integrated front mudflaps, a reworked rear bumper, and a piano-black roof spoiler. It also rides on newly designed black 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels and features the GS emblem prominently on the tailgate. The trim is available in two paint colors named Quartz Silver and Mercury Grey, and comes in both Panel Van and Doublecab body styles.

While the styling components are likely compatible with other Stellantis van models, such as those from Citroen, Peugeot, and Fiat, the GS trim remains exclusive to the UK-spec Vauxhall Vivaro for now.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in a tear-resistant “hand-crafted eco-leather” material with the GS logo on the seatbacks and red contrasting stitching. Equipment includes an infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, and a heated driver’s seat.

Powertrain Options: Diesel or Electric

Under the hood, the Vivaro GS offers a choice of three powertrains. On the diesel side, there’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available in two outputs: 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) paired with a five-speed manual transmission or 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) mated to an eight-speed automatic. The latter option is the most powerful diesel variant in the Vivaro lineup, though it doesn’t come with any chassis upgrades.

For those considering the electric option, the Vivaro Electric GS is equipped with a single electric motor producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) rather than the newer and more powerful setup found in other Stellantis EVs. It’s powered by a 50-kWh battery pack, providing a WLTP-certified range of up to 209 miles on a full charge.

The Vauxhall Vivaro GS is now on sale in the UK. Pricing starts at £39,990 ($49,500) for the diesel version and £48,940 ($60,500) for the electric model. These prices exclude taxes but include the UK Government’s Plug-in Van Grant for the electric version.

Vauxhall

Volvo is dusting off its Cross Country badge to add some overlanding appeal to its little EX30. These new spy shots show a gnarlier-looking version of the junior electric SUV testing in the snow ahead of a launch in the first half of this year.

The Cross Country badge first appeared in the mid-1990s, when a pre-SUV Volvo applied it to a V70 wagon with a suspension lift and some tougher-looking body trim. Although the name has been used on and off since then on cars like the V60 wagon, Volvo doesn’t currently sell any Cross Country SUV models.

Related: New Volvo EX30 Getting The Cross Country Treatment For 2025

As with previous cars wearing the badge, the EX30 Cross Country will offer a little more off-road ability, but its true mission is to simply look like it’s a heap more capable in off-highway situations.

These images show a small increase in ground clearance compared with the 171 mm (6.7 inches) offered by the existing EX30, black plastic trim on the nose, arches, and tail, a roof rack, and a new set of 18-inch alloys.

Look familiar? If it does that’s because Volvo previewed the Cross Country in June 2023, revealing images of an EX30 dressed exactly like this. It said at the time that 18-inch rims wrapped in off-road tires would be optional, while buyers not ticking that box would get 19s and road-biased rubber. Volvo also promised skid plates to protect the EV’s battery and motor.

Back in ’23, Volvo said the Cross Country would be available to buy in MY25 trim during the 2024 calendar year, but it was a definite no-show during the last 12 months, meaning a debut must be imminent. The introduction of all EXs to the US was pushed back a year to 2025 so that Volvo could relocate production from China to Belgium to avoid tariffs.

There’s no indication from the automaker regarding how much the EX XC will cost or which powertrains it will be mated with. But to be true to the off-road theme Volvo might restrict it to the 422 hp (428 PS) bi-motor, all-wheel drive setup from the EX30 Twin Motor Performance that starts at $44,900. A single-motor EX is also available in other markets and comes to the US later, sending its 268 hp (272 PS) to just one axle.

Images in the gallery below were released by Volvo in June 2023.

Images: SH Proshots

Citroen is resurrecting its most famous car as an EV. A new report claims Citroen is at the early stages of bringing back the iconic 2CV as a charming, low-cost electric vehicle to battle models like the Dacia Spring, and the result could launch in 2028 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the original.

More than 3.8 million units of the 2CV, nicknamed the tin snail for its shape and slothful performance, were built between 1948 and 1990. It’s universally recognized and much loved, but somehow the model missed out on being rebooted during the same late 1990s, early 2000s retro boom that gave us cars like the New Beetle Mini, Fiat 500 and Dodge Challenger. And in 2019 Citroen said it wasn’t interested in making a new 2CV.

Related: Citroen Partners With Caselani To Turn Berlingo Into A Modern 2CV Van

But Autocar claims a senior Citroen source confirmed the project is happening, although it’s at the early stages. The report also says Citroen has been moved to act after watching rival Renault score a bullseye with the new 5.

The EV-only 5’s retro charm and temptingly low price has made it a hit with buyers, who have snapped up far more of them in the car’s native France than they have of Citroen’s own new, small EV, the e-C3. And to rub salt in the wound, the 5 was recently crowned Europe’s Car Of The Year, relegating the C3/e-C3 to third place in the process.

Now imagine a reskinned e-C3, an EV using the same Stellantis Smart Car platform also found on models like the Fiat Grande Punto, but displaying some classic 2CV styling cues like bug-eye headlights, a curving roofline and maybe even covered rear wheels. It’s easy to see the appeal, both to Citroen and to buyers. And since the original 2CV was also available as a van, there’s potential to attract commercial customers, too, with some rear bodywork mods.

What other classics would you you like to see automakers resurrect as EVs? How about a BMW 02, Fiat X1/9, Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Citroen Mehari? Leave a comment and let us know.

Note: the images at the top of this page and in the gallery below are by Dejan Hristov and are neither related to nor endorsed by Citroën. You can read more about his hypothetical 2CV reboot by clicking here.

Lebanese volunteers are anxious to get back to sea turtle conservation on southern beaches that were off-limits to civilians when fighting escalated between Israel and Hezbollah.

(Image credit: Tamara Saade for NPR)

President Trump signed a "national energy emergency" that gives his administration new powers to boost fossil fuel development around the country.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

With the increased usage of non-yellow vehicles transporting students, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) released a position paper that stated in no uncertain terms, vans and other alternative transportation vehicles should not be used in place of school buses.

“Using vehicles other than school buses compromises student safety and heightens the potential for disastrous crashes with student injuries and fatalities,” stated the guidance issued Wednesday. “Thus, alternative transportation should be avoided except when completely necessary to meet specific students’ school transportation needs and when proper oversight and safety regulations are established.”

Still, NASPDTS recognized that many school districts nationwide are actively using vans and alternative transportation services. NASDPTS said the the purpose of the document is to serve as a guide in response to the “ever-expanding” need for alternative transportation services for student populations and as a resource for districts looking to utilize non- yellow vehicles.

The paper referenced the congressional School Bus Safety Amendments of 1974 [Title II –  School Bus Safety of Public Law 93-492] of that resulted in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) issuance of safety standards that applied to all school buses built starting in April 1977. It also created regulations for school bus driver training and licensing to ensure that school buses would be a safer means of transportation than a standard passenger vehicle.

NASPDTS also quoted a 2002 NHTSA research document on School Bus Crashworthiness. “American students are nearly eight times safer riding in a school bus than with their own parents or guardians in cars. The fatality rate for school buses is only 0.2 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) compared to 1.5 fatalities per 100 million VMT for cars,” the report reads in part.

NASDPTS listed multiple safety features of the yellow school bus, including its high visibility iconic yellow color, compartmentalization of students in padded and high seat backs, large vehicle size that reduces crash forces on passengers, emergency exits, rollover protection, child restraint systems, stop arms, and other FMVSS standards that increase the safety of students onboard the bus.

“According to NHTSA, these standards and regulations are why students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of a car,” stated the report, noting the safety records of school buses versus other vehicles. “The impressive safety standards indicate that the school bus should always be the first option for transporting students, with every effort to make that form of transportation occur.”

A definition of alternative transportation was “defined as the transportation of students in any vehicle that is not a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)-defined school bus, Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB), Commercial Motor Coach, or Transit Bus defined by the Federal Transit administration (FTA).” The position paper noted that the increased demand for these van and passenger car vehicles is due in part to high demand for transporting students protected by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and students with disabilities who have individualized education programs, the ever-present driver shortage, and “less stringent” driver and vehicle requirements. To meet this demand, a growing market has emerged.

As also noted by the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s statement on this topic last year, NASDPTS expressed concern about the lack of safety requirements for alternative vehicles as well as the individuals driving them. These concerns include drivers not being required to possess a CDL, which could then enable them to bypass federally required criminal background checks, regular physical fitness examinations, and annual alcohol and drug testing, extensive training, certification and “continuous reviews for disqualifying driving infractions.”

Questions also arise such as are vans being serviced regularly? Are they outfitted with the latest safety equipment? Are they undergoing similar vehicle inspections as school buses?

The guidance for drivers of alternative transportation vehicles included recommended background checks, child protective clearances, emergency training procedures, vetted license and driving history credentials, annual training, drug and alcohol testing, regular physicals to ensure medical fitness to transport students, restriction of use of mobile devices, special training if transporting a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Vehicles themselves should be equipped with signage to identify it as a student transportation vehicle, be regularly inspected to ensure proper functionality and safety and include necessary safety equipment.

Federal laws clarify that a vehicle transporting 11 or more persons, including the driver, is classified as a bus and then as a school bus, “if it is used, or intended for use, in transporting students to and from school or school-related activities.” The paper continued that federal law also prohibits school districts and county and state governments from renting, leasing or purchasing new 11-15 passenger vans that don’t meet FMVSS school bus or multifunction school activity bus standards for the purpose of transporting students to and from school or school related activities.

While the position paper looks to state and local government to regulate the use of a vehicle after its sold, it notes examples of van manufacturers providing written notification to their dealers on the prohibition of selling such vehicles to school districts. In some cases, a federal certification label of “Not School Bus” is affixed. NASDPTS also noted that this regulation does not currently extend to used vans.

The paper continued that vehicle dealers might be ignorant of these regulations or ignore them. Either way, a “non-conforming” full-sized van that has not been built to meet FMVSS school bus safety standards and is involved in a crash could leave the operating school district or transportation company liable for damages and could impact insurance coverage, depending on the policy. NASPDTS also noted that NHTSA has investigated and subsequently fined dealers that it found violated the law and sold vans to school districts, an action NASDPTS said it supports and encourages people to report sale or lease violations.

A letter from NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to chief state highway officials on Dec. 2, 2010, included observations on the lack of certain safety features on vans, as well as recommended alerts on safety related hazards to be sent to owners of passenger vans and vehicle inspectors.

“In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all [state] commissioners that pre-primary, elementary and secondary schools should not use 12 or 15-passenger vans for transporting students because they do not provide the same level of safety as school buses meeting NHTSA’s safety standards,” the letter stated.

While NASDPTS recognized that a school bus may not always be the most feasible method of transportation, it emphasized the importance of preventing the use of non-conforming vans through strict state requirements that vans meet school bus structural and safety standards.

The NASDPTS paper included an analysis of state laws regarding the use of alternative vehicles. A survey to all 50 states asked if the state has “school transportation laws regarding the use of 12 and 15- passenger vans for travel to and from school?” Twelve states said no, with the rest saying yes. The survey also asked if there were state laws regarding the use of 12- and 15- passenger vans for travel to and from school-related events, to which 13 states said no.

NASDPTS added that states should “enact regulatory measures to enforce compliance with the revised statutes.” They also noted that school districts are sometimes unaware of these regulations and that a combined effort between “state and local student transportation officials, state associations, insurance companies, van manufacturers, automobile dealers, and rental car companies” to inform districts on laws regarding the purchase of vans to transport students as well as safety liabilities is recommended.

NASDPTS President Mike Stier thanked President-Elect Tyler Bryan and his committee for their extensive work on the paper.

Related: TSD Panel Offers Necessary Considerations When Selecting Alternative Transportation
Related: January 2025 Magazine Digital Edition
Related: Delaware’s Bryan Named President-Elect of NASDPTS
Related: NAPT Statement Provides Recommendations for Alternative Transportation

The post NASDPTS Publishes Paper Espousing Safety of School Buses Over Alternative Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER — EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, is proud to announce its expansion into Minnesota, offering cutting-edge technology and simplified operations to school districts and non-profits across the state. This expansion marks EverDriven’s entry into its 34th state.

With nearly 700 school district contracts nationwide, EverDriven continues to redefine student transportation by addressing critical challenges such as bus driver shortages, long commute times, and the unique needs of vulnerable student populations. This expansion into Minnesota ensures students with unique needs, disabilities, or experiencing homelessness have access to safe, reliable rides to school.

“As we grow, we’re excited to bring our solutions to new communities and create opportunities for students and their families,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “We look forward to partnering with school districts across Minnesota to ensure every student, regardless of their circumstances, has a dependable way to safely get to school and unlock their full potential.”

Data from a 2024 report from Minnesota Alliance With Youth shows a decline in attendance rates post-pandemic, affecting local student outcomes and graduation rates. Further, Playworks Minnesota describes chronic absenteeism as a serious issue in Minnesota schools, with one in four students regularly missing class. Accessible transportation solutions, like those offered by EverDriven, play a critical role in addressing chronic absenteeism by reducing barriers to attendance.

EverDriven’s entry into Minnesota includes key offerings such as its industry-leading District Portal, EverDriven Camera Solution, and enhanced VIP app for parents and school staff, ensuring safety and transparency at every turn.

“Our technology and services aim to alleviate some of the transportation challenges districts face today,” said Bowling. “Our EverDriven Camera Solution provides high-resolution interior and exterior recordings with secure access for authorized personnel, while the upgraded VIP app and District Portal offer GPS-enabled trip updates, driver information, and streamlined operations for districts and schools. EverDriven ensures a secure and efficient experience from start to finish.”

Minnesota’s school districts are now positioned to benefit from EverDriven’s tailored approach, which includes specialized services for students with unique needs, those under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, foster care, and out-of-district placements. By partnering with EverDriven, districts gain a trusted ally in reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring every student has access to learning opportunities.

To learn more about EverDriven and how its solutions are transforming student transportation, visit https://www.everdriven.com/technology/.

About EverDriven

EverDriven is the leader in Alternative Student Transportation for school districts nationwide. With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven has established itself as a nationwide leader in safety and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Announces Expansion into Minnesota appeared first on School Transportation News.

A kindergartener is in the hospital after being struck by a truck while exiting his school bus in Missouri, reported KFVS News.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday Jan.13, when the 6-year-old, who was not identified at this writing, was getting off the school bus and was hit by a passing vehicle.

According to the news report, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) responded to the crash. Officers said via the article that a 19-year-old man was driving his truck southbound when he tried to stop, but his vehicle began sliding. That’s when he hit the 6-year-old.

When EMS arrived at the scene of the incident, Stg. Clark Parrott from the MSHP reportedly stated the child was conscious and alert.

The child’s father told local news reporters his son had a broken pelvis and a broken femur due to the incident. Additionally, the child had a small bleed on his brain that doctors were keeping an eye on.

Related: 5-Year-Old Hit by Car While Running to Catch School Bus in Utah
Related: 8-Year-Old Pedestrian Hit by School Bus Near San Antonio, Texas
Related: Missouri Student Struck, Killed By School Bus
Related: 9-year-old Boy Struck by SUV While Waiting for School Bus

The post Missouri Child Hit by Pickup Truck While Getting Off School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Transportation Director (TD) Summit is coming to North Carolina for the first time during the debut of STN EXPO East in Concord, located in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

The TD Summit begins on Friday, March 21 with a Transportation Director leadership discussion on the unique operational challenges of the student transportation industry, facilitated by STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin. This late afternoon event will also include a networking mixer with appetizers and drinks.

On Saturday, participants will be transported to Topgolf for a full day of networking with a special presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker, Scott Welle. He will present an exclusive training to directors on the role and responsibilities of being a leader in this industry and empowering strategies to model best practices.

While at Topgolf, participants will enjoy golfing, food and drinks while discussing their operational needs and challenges with vendor partners. Following the event, participants will be transported back to Embassy Suites for the Road to the Championship Networking Reception, a fun-filled, basketball-themed evening to network with conference attendees.

To attend this exclusive event, applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent. They must be actively involved with leadership decisions at their operations, providing input on purchasing decisions, driver training and creating policies and procedures.

Applicants must be able to attend both days of the Summit. The STN EXPO East Early Bird Savings ends on Feb. 14, register by the deadline to save $100 off full conference registration. Register, browse conference agenda and explore unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.

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