RENO, Nev. — The second day at STN EXPO West saw the return of the four-and-a-half-hour seminar “So, You Want to be a Transportation Supervisor?”, presented by transportation professionals and industry veterans Alexandra Robinson, Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, Timothy Purvis and Pamela McDonald.

The seminar began Saturday with introductions from the attendees, during which they shared how many years they have worked in transportation and the variety of roles they have held within the industry. This year, the most experienced sat in the room, representing a total of 1,400 years in the industry, across 72 participants.

“It’s about passion, purpose and connection,” said Vann-Jackson, chief support services officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma, as she highlighted the importance of building relationships within teams.

Attendees at the session were encouraged to build a vision and lead with relationships. One suggestion provided by Vann-Jackson was to get to know employees. “People don’t want to be pulled along; they want to follow. You have to be a leader, and you achieve this by building relationships,” said Vann-Jackson.

She emphasized that one small change can make a big difference. Instead of calling employees into the office, meet them where they are, such as in the break room. Informal settings create comfort and encourage honest conversations. Asking about their lives, and what makes them happy. What do they enjoy outside of work? These types of conversations can create a sense of trust and loyalty.

On the other hand, McDonald, a retired transportation director for Orange Unified School District in Southern California with over 34 years of experience, addressed the importance of promoting and building relationships.

McDonald emphasizes that relationship building shouldn’t stop at the bus yard but rather expand to build connections across other district departments, visiting other school sites, or introducing oneself to board members. Whether it’s recognizing the school nurses on Nurses’ Day with a proclamation or sending retirement or birthday cards, small gestures can go a long way in strengthening interdepartmental relationships.

Nashawn Craig, assistant director of transportation for Taylor Schools in Michigan, started driving a school bus five years ago when he was 19. He slowly moved up from there, becoming a dispatcher and now an assistant director. However, he said, he was very close to his school bus driver when he was younger.

“I’ve always just had a love of school buses,” he shared with STN during the session. “It’s just been a thing for me. And my bus drivers when I was younger, they cared about me more than anybody. And that kind of stuck with me. So, I wanted to be that person for other people within the industry.”

Craig, a first-time STN attendee, said he attended the session to hear more about others’ stories, what people have done in similar situations and recommendations they have.

“I’ve only been the assistant director since July 1, so I’m looking to see what other people have gone through, hear their stories, what resources that they use,” he shared. “So that way, when I eventually move up into a director position, that I have things and people to talk to and relate to and resources.”

During the seminar, Purvis, owner and principal consultant for Pupil Transportation Information, dove into the transformative role of data-driven decision making, encouraging district leaders to leverage data as a strategic asset rather than just a compliance measure.

Purvis emphasized that key performance indicators (KPIs), which are the backbone of data-driven management, are essential tools that public and private sectors alike are embracing to boost efficiency.

The seminar concluded with former executive director of transportation in New York City and in San Diego, California, and current industry consultant Alex Robinson addressing a fundamental question: What does a healthy organization feel like?

“If you hesitate when asked whether a child is safe riding a particular school bus with a specific driver, then that driver shouldn’t be behind the wheel,” said Robinson. She challenged attendees to reflect on their own feelings about their workplaces.

Ultimately, Robinson emphasized that the strength of any organization lies in its people and their shared commitment to growth and excellence. Recognizing the symptoms of dysfunction, embracing hard truths, and fostering leadership development are all part of the journey toward building a healthier workplace.

Three attendees from Sweetwater County School District #1 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, also attended the session, looking to absorb as much information as possible.

Josh Henderson has been in the district for six years, starting as a driver, transitioning to a trainer and CDL third-party tester, before becoming a route coordinator. He shared that last school year the district director resigned, and Henderson threw his name in the hat, along with another internal employee, who received the position. He said the class provided him with a lot of knowledge about what goes into being a director and what the future would hold in terms of that position.

He said he’s a people person and really connected with the stories relating to fostering department culture and engaging with staff. First-time attendee Amanda Vincent who started at Sweetwater County School District #1 as a school bus aide 19 years ago, then transitioned to a driver, then a dispatcher, and now she does over the road and in town field trips and specialize in specials transportation routes, shared that she came to the session to learn how to have that open communication between staff members.

Related: Magician Teaches Transportation Directors About Connection at STN EXPO West
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RENO, Nev. – A Sunday Green Bus Summit session at STN EXPO West featured the opinions of two transportation directors and a fleet maintenance supervisor that use propane in their bus fleets.

Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird, charted how the California Air Resources Board will require heavy-duty NOx emissions to meet the standards of 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027. The propane school buses offered by Blue Bird and its drivetrain partner ROUSH CleanTech exceed these standards at 0.02 g/bhp-hr, he said. He also reviewed the safety and abundance of propane autogas as well as the ease of fueling.

Panel moderator Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas for the Propane Education and Research Council, asked the three transportation employees who made up the rest of the panel about their experiences with propane school buses.

Peninsula School District in Washington is the third bus fleet that Director of Transportation Dawnette Wright has transitioned to propane. She advised building trust by bringing in vendor partners to answer questions and educate both drivers and mechanics. Her diesel bus total cost of ownership (TCO) is $1.10 per mile while her propane bus is 56 cents per mile. She shared that the $50,319 she saved in one year by using propane buses will enable the hiring of another staff member.

Casey Jebens, director of transportation for Sherwood School District in Oregon, has 40 buses, about half of which are propane. He noted that as a former driver-trainer, he understood the importance of obtaining both stakeholder and staff buy-in on such a project. It wasn’t a hard sell, however. With Sherwood being a small town near Portland, student health due to low air quality around diesel buses was a concern. Fuel cost effectiveness and maintenance ease sealed the deal.

“When the cost to run your propane bus is about half that of your diesel bus, it pencils out very quickly,” he added.

Wright and Jebens underscored the need to communicate with and rely on fuel vendor partners to accommodate unique district needs, access wet fueling via a mobile tanker if needed, and perform necessary maintenance as part of the contract.

Related: Propane ‘Easy Button’ to Replace Diesel School Buses, STN EXPO Panel Claims
Related: Propane Bus Grant Provides Funding Opportunities for Missouri Districts
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Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Raymond Manalo, Jr., explained that San Juan Unified School District near Sacramento, California is both urban and rural and transports about 1,000 students with special needs. Desiring to diversify the bus fleet and recognizing the lack of support for electrification at the federal government level, the district has recently added 35 propane buses to its fleet. Drivers are skeptical but undergoing expert training and ROUSH CleanTech is training technicians. Wet fueling is taking place as infrastructure is still being planned.

Although there are hurdles in introducing propane autogas to a district that hasn’t experienced it before, Manalo expressed optimism for success through training and partnerships. Shop modifications and specialized training would be more intense with electric buses than with propane, he commented, drawing from his experience as vehicle maintenance manager at nearby Twin Rivers Unified School District, which made headlines for its enthusiastic electric school bus adoption.

All the panelists agreed that there were no significant issues sending their propane buses on the road for regular routes. Jebens said that if anything, older diesel buses elicit more reliability concerns. He added that education helps familiarize the community with the new vehicles as well.

Wright and Jebens expressed appreciation for the cleanliness of propane buses due to lack of particulate matter as well as their quietness, two factors that reduce student behavior incidents.

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RENO, Nev. – The morning began with a presentation of the Innovator of the Year award to Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility and a CEO “Tech Talk” by Zonar CEO Charles Kriete.

Attendees gathered in-depth information and hands-on experience during sponsored Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit sessions throughout the day. More sessions took place on school bus Wi-Fi, passenger safety, clean bus implementation, funding sources and mock casualty exercises.

An all-day electric circuitry training was led by David Roper, a veteran automotive instructor who works with Clean Cities in Southern California.

The evening’s Ride & Drive + Live Technology Demonstrations took place outdoors and provided not only opportunities for vendor connection but also the chance to get up close and personal with the latest in clean bus technology.

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RENO, Nev. — Innovator of the Year Gaurav Sharda expressed his gratitude when he accepted the award Sunday morning during the opening session at STN EXPO West.

Sharda joined Beacon Mobility as the vice president of HR technology in October 2021 and currently serves as chief technology officer. But his technological and human resources background far exceeds his time at Beacon. He grew up in India, receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering, electronics and communications before moving to the U.S. in 2009. He then obtained a master’s degree in computer engineering at the University of Iowa.

When looking at award nominations, STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin said the selection process is not taken lightly and the individuals selected embody the spirit of the award. The Innovator of the Year award, presented in conjunction with the National School Transportation Association, looks at a broad spectrum of “amazing” individuals who represent school transportation, safety, innovation, thought leadership and people.

“It’s a people business,” he said, adding that when selecting the winner, nominations are graded based on how the individual is looking out for the students and how to benefit students and the communities that they serve.

“This individual is without a doubt one of the most humble, generous, forward-thinking, people-centric individuals that I’ve met,” Corpin shared. “He has taken some of the things at Beacon Mobility and really made it integrate with partners using AI and technology and created an app that allows the drivers to communicate within the ecosystem.”

He noted that Beacon Mobility CEO Judith Crawford had nominated Sharda. “And after we saw him, we thought, ‘Wow, what an amazing individual.’’

Sharda noted when accepting the award that it was such a humbling moment. He thanked members of STN, NSTA and individuals on his team who were part of the journey.

“I’ve learned a lot from everybody and the entire Beacon Mobility team,” he told the STN EXPO West attendees. “I’ve got a few people supporting today here, and just doing things to serve our drivers or serve our customers and create the best experience for all the riders we serve on a daily basis.

Related: Magician Teaches Transportation Directors About Connection at STN EXPO West
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“It’s been an exciting journey, a very humbling journey, and learning with each passing day,” he continued, adding that it wouldn’t have been possible without support from vendor partners.

He said that he is very grateful for all the people who have gone along for the journey, and noted this is just the beginning of what’s possible in terms of AI and technology.

“We are in the infancy stages,” he said. “I think we can do a lot more for our drivers, for our buses, for our customers, the riders and special needs. It’s a big part of their day, their lives, and we want to use technology to create the best rider experience and provide a caring, reliable and connected experience.”

Read more about Sharda in the July issue of School Transportation News and listen to his STN podcast interview.

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RENO, Nev. – Zonar CEO Charles Kriete promoted technology-driven solutions to the many challenges facing school transportation such as school bus driver deficits, illegal passings, onboard student bullying and budget squeezes.

“The path forward is a connected data system,” he declared during his CEO Tech Talk Sunday morning at STN EXPO West. He explained that elements, including AI-powered video leading to actionable insights, telematics, route optimization, and real-time parent connection, can be used to help inform school district personnel and vendor partners for a smoother overall operation.

He explained Zonar’s all-in-one solution with optimized routing, turn-by-turn driver directions, electronic vehicle inspection, electric school bus monitoring, GPS, stop arm cameras, real-time diagnostics, internal cameras, maintenance data, student ridership tracking, a parent app and more.

The company listened to what student transporters wanted and is leveraging AI to optimize operations, Kriete underscored.

“Not artificial intelligence, actionable intelligence,” he quipped. “Data is a very valuable thing but there’s a lot of time spent trying to convert that data into something useful.”

Safety and efficiency are paramount, he summed up. He encouraged attendees to remember that they are in the business of student access to education and must keep that as the priority.

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When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

Also: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan

If you’ve driven an EV you’ll have an opinion on regenerative braking. Some drivers prefer next to none, saying they plan ahead and think allowing the car to sail on when you lift off the gas is better for efficiency. Others love one-pedal mode, where the regen effect is so strong you barely need to touch the brakes at all, but new rules announced in China suggest regulators there aren’t one-pedal fans.

Related: Volvo Warns 12,000 Owners To Halt One Pedal Driving Immediately

A new national standard for passenger cars has just been introduced in China and it has implications for EV drivers who love to do all of their going and slowing using just their right foot. Under the terms of GB 21670-2025, drivers must not be able to set their EVs to a default mode that can bring a car to a complete stop simply by lifting off the gas pedal, though it seems the function isn’t being outlawed altogether.

Safety Concerns Take Priority Over Efficiency

The legislation has nothing to do with improving the driving range of the nation’s EVs, and is more focused on improving safety, according to a report from China’s The Paper. You might reasonably think that one-pedal mode is safer because it cuts out the delay between lifting your foot off the throttle and placing it on the brake pedal.

However, studies have shown that drivers can become so reliant on the regenerative braking effect delivered when lifting off that they develop a delayed reaction in applying the brake pedal in emergency situations when more braking force is needed than the regen alone can provide.

New Rules on Brake Lights and ABS

The laws governing one-pedal mode don’t come into force until January 1, 2027, but some other changes announced as part of the same safety standard become compulsory 12 months earlier, including one that might raise eyebrows.

From next year, new EVs brake lights must illuminate when deceleration caused by energy recovery exceeds 1.3 m/s². This addresses a common concern among drivers following behind EVs, who might not realize a car is slowing significantly without conventional brake light cues.

Also joining the list of must-haves: anti-lock braking systems, which will become mandatory on new EVs in China from 2026. That’s relatively late compared to other markets, as ABS became compulsory in the US in 2011 and in the EU back in 2004.

When mainstream automakers finally embraced electric vehicles, many of their early efforts felt half baked. The issues varied by make and model, but a number of them had lackluster ranges, high prices, and an assortment of quirks.

Ford managed to avoid these pitfalls with the Mustang Mach-E, which launched in 2021 and was quickly named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. We were also impressed with it as I originally called it a “good EV and a great crossover.” I went on to praise the styling, comfortable ride, impressive performance, and long range.

What’s New For 2025?

Fast forward four years, and the Mustang Mach-E is approaching middle age. However, the car doesn’t feel overly dated thanks to a series of updates over the years. The latest were announced last fall and saw the electric pony car equipped with BlueCruise 1.5 and a newly standard heat pump. The latter helps to optimize energy consumption in cold climates for more range.

Those are welcome developments and that’s just scratching the surface as the rotary shifter has been replaced by a new column-mounted stalk. It’s a nice change, although there are odd cubbies where the shifter used to reside.

Other updates are less notable, but the Premium trim gains ventilated front seats due to customer feedback. The model also sports an updated color palette, revised wheels, and a new Sport Appearance Package.

The latter is available on the Premium trim and it sees the crossover outfitted with the front fascia and grille from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Buyers will also find black accents, red Brembo front brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss black wheels. Rounding out the highlights are sport pedals and red contrast stitching.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

These build on earlier improvements, which saw the model benefit from faster DC recharging times and a new lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The Mach-E also got a new Rally trim and a performance upgrade for the GT.

Given all the improvements over the years, it’s surprising the 2025 model is cheaper than its predecessor. Back in 2021, pricing began at $42,895. Today, it starts at $37,995 before a $1,995 destination fee. That’s pretty remarkable, but there’s a big caveat as the Mach-E is no longer eligible for federal tax credits.

Still Great, But Its Age Is Starting To Show

Despite the passage of time, the Mach-E still feels competitive. It still looks great, offers impressive performance, and has plenty of space for four adults. The model also offers a comfortable ride, excellent steering, and a hushed demeanor.

Unfortunately, the interior is starting to feel dated and the quality still leaves something to be desired. That being said, even the entry-level model comes equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a six-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are leather-like ActiveX upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Higher-end variants up the ante with heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Customers can also get a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system as well as multi-color ambient lighting.

The new model comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Centering. There are also Automatic High Beam headlights, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Other highlights include a 360° camera system, Evasive Steering Assist, Front/Rear Parking Sensors, and Intersection Assist.

A Powertrain For Everyone

The 2025 Mustang Mach-E is available with three different battery packs that have capacities of 73, 88, and 91 kWh. They allow for ranges of between 240 and 320 miles (386 and 515 km).

Customers will also find an assortment of rear- and all-wheel drive systems. Rear-wheel drive models have outputs of 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS) and 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS), while dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants develop 325 hp (242 kW / 330 PS), 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) or 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS). The various outputs allow for 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between 3.3 and 5.6 seconds.

Those numbers are still pretty competitive today as the 2026 Toyota bZ will be offered with 57.7 and 74.7 kWh battery packs that provide up to 314 miles (505 km) of range. The model also has upgraded outputs of 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which will allow for 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) times of as little as 4.9 seconds.

A bigger threat is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. That makes it hugely appealing, even if its outputs of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) and 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) aren’t anything to write home about. It’s also hard to knock the ranges of 285 and 319 miles (459 and 513 km).

Speaking of the bowtie brand, they also offer the larger Blazer EV for $44,600. While it’s more expensive, the model is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit and that knocks it down into Mach-E territory. It offers front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive as well as outputs ranging from 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) to 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS). Customers can also expect up to 334 miles (538 km) of range.

All of this means the Mach-E is still pretty competitive, although not quite the standout it used to be. Of course, that’s what happens with age, and a facelift is likely coming soon.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Climate change is increasing the risk of dangerous floods. But people often balk at the cost of flood insurance, especially since many doubt they need protection.

(Image credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

For this second installment of the Sea Camp series, we explore the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It's the largest of five gigantic garbage patches in the sea. These patches hang out at the nexus of the world's ocean currents, changing shape with the waves. These areas were long thought to have been uninhabited, the plastics and fishing gear too harmful to marine life. But researchers have uncovered a whole ecosystem of life in this largest collection of trash. Today, with the help of marine biologist Fiona Chong, we meet the tiny marine life that calls this place home.

Also, exciting news!! WE HAVE A NEWSLETTER! It lets you go even deeper with the marine research each week of Sea Camp. Sign up here!

Interested in hearing more sea stories? Tell us by emailing shortwave@npr.org!

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

(Image credit: Oxford Scientific)

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician and the “World’s Only Amazement Artist,” demonstrated through magic tricks and puzzle solving that “moments of amazement” can provide opportunities for real connection.

“We fall in love with how difficult a problem is, but what if we tried to simplify it?” he queried at the Transportation Director Summit on Saturday morning. He presented a series of brainteasers with simple solutions, like the college student who suggested letting the air out of the tires of a truck stuck under an overpass.

The transportation directors, managers and vendor partners gathered in the room at The Chateau at Incline Village to discuss examples of novel solutions that they or their teams had come up with in their districts. These included developing an in-house student behavior management class with input from teachers, having a vendor refuel buses to avoid driver overtime and accidental school bus damage at the gas station, and inviting district administrators to work a day as a school bus driver so they gain empathy before making detrimental rules.

While some problems may have simple solutions, Petz confirmed that the jobs transportation directors perform is not at all simple. He posed a word problem: A plane is going down and some passengers need to be thrown off to reach the weight limit. He provided sheets with fictional passengers’ ages, weights and employment status and had the tables discuss who should be thrown off the plane. The exercise showed that everyone comes to different moral and ethical conclusions.

Big decisions cannot be reduced to numbers on a page, he said, which is why leaders must get curious about their employees and clients. He shared a story of a room he once  observed, where a company leader celebrated huge revenue numbers while the team members seemed disengaged.

“Think about those people we serve and how we can serve them better,” Petz stated.

Throughout the day, he called attendees on stage to assist in magic and card tricks, enrapturing the crowd. He demonstrated the need to maintain a poker face in certain difficult situations, like when speaking with a difficult administrator or employee, by passing out playing cards to participants and using their facial cues to guess the correct cards.

Another way to connect with team members is to get vulnerable and share scary or “scarry” — referring to scars many of us still carry — stories. Attendees shared harrowing or gory tales with their tables and then the whole room as Petz explained that such exercises teach us so much about the people we see and work with every day.

“As leaders, we have to put ourselves out there,” Petz stated. He held up a $20 bill and asked who wanted it. Nearly every hand in the room went up but only two people got out of their seats and came forward to get it.

“You become a leader by title, but that doesn’t make you a leader,” Petz said. “Purpose is what drives your passion to do more than what you have to do.”

He recounted a stellar experience at a grocery store, when all employees enthusiastically told him about each department and sent him off with food samples. The CEO later told him, “I empower my people to make decisions that are best for each customer.”

“How do you empower your people?” Petz asked, adding that the ideas discussed during his presentation can help attendees not only better connect with others at the conference, but also their district team back home.

He lastly led attendees through a mimed event in which the audience supported the illusion of a magic trick, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the right moments so that the recipient had an unforgettable moment.

“The simplest of moments are significant for those who we serve,” Petz summed up.

Related: STN EXPO East Offers Sports Lessons for Transportation Leadership
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Related: Donning a Leadership Cap
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Jon Petz will present his keynote “Significance … In Simple Moments” Monday morning at Peppermill Resort Casino.

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RENO, Nev. — The National School Bus Inspection Training Program developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, formerly the director of maintenance for the South Carolina Department of Education, trains technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Friday’s agenda included six hours of classroom instruction, including preparation for a written exam. On Saturday, attendees traveled to Washoe County School District’s south transportation facility, practiced identifying defects on real school buses and got an overview of electric school bus high-voltage identification.

The class was taught by school district fleet maintenance professionals and representatives from Long Beach (California) Clean Cities, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

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RENO, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician, led dozens of transportation supervisors and vendor partners in discussions about creating genuine team connections.

Another group was bused Saturday to nearby Washoe County School District for the hands-on portion of the National School Bus Inspection Training, which included hands-on identification of defects on real school buses and an overview of electric school bus high-voltage components.

Back at the Peppermill Resort Casino, Darren Reaume of sponsor Q’Straint/Sure-Lok led an advanced course designed for experienced transportation directors, supervisors and trainers on wheelchair securement, troubleshooting techniques and best practice recommendations.

Additionally, the “So, You Wanna Be Transportation Supervisor?” seminar returned with an all-star panel of student transportation experts that provided best practices for attendees who wish to transition into a supervisory role, or who are looking to brush up on their managerial skillsets.

The day closed out with a “Fire & Ice” themed welcome party sponsored by Transfinder and School Bus Logistics.

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Wagons may be all but extinct in today’s automotive landscape, cast away by buyers’ love of SUVs, but they still stir enthusiasm among certain corners of the car world. One such example is the Lexus IS SportCross, the only wagon in the brand’s 36-year history.

The five-door model lasted just a single generation before being discontinued, yet it still holds a place in the hearts of wagon fans. One of them is digital artist Theophilus Chin, who recently imagined what a modern Lexus wagon could look like in the current lineup.

Also: Lexus Sedan’s Radical Redesign Could Finally Bring Back The IS Spirit

Instead of starting with the aging IS sedan, Theottle chose the larger and more contemporary Lexus ES as the foundation for his design. The familiar sedan form is reworked with a taller, more upright rear, and styling cues borrowed from the all-electric RZ.

In this reimagining, the rear glass wraps around seamlessly into the side windows, visually slimming the D-pillars and giving the rear a cleaner profile. The roofline is less sloped than the standard ES, flowing into a pair of aerodynamic fins that replace the more conventional rear spoiler.

The lower portion of the tail is carried over from the regular ES, including the slim LED bar, the integrated ducktail spoiler, and the rear bumper. The wheelbase and the rear overhang haven’t changed, meaning that the ES Sport Cross retains the footprint of the sedan.

Illustrations: Theottle

The new Lexus ES is based on Toyota’s TNGA-K architecture, which is compatible with self-charging hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. The flagship ES 500e trim with AWD capability would be the most fitting for the Sport Cross variant, generating 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) from its zero-emission powertrain. Furthermore, the 75 kWh battery would be good for a WLTP range of around 530 km (329 miles).

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

If it ever reached production, the ES SportCross would go up against premium wagons like the BMW i5 Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate. But while the idea might appeal to wagon enthusiasts, Lexus appears far more focused on sedans and SUVs these days, making this actually happening quite unlikely.

Still, there was a hint of possibility back in late 2021, when Lexus previewed a compact EV concept showcasing a variety of body styles, including a sedan, shooting brake, crossover, and convertible. At the time, many believed these prototypes hinted at the next generation IS, a model that now seems destined to offer more than just battery-electric powertrains when it eventually arrives.

Lexus

We’ve been hearing a lot about how tough the Chinese market is for long-established brands that are familiar to us in the West. Automakers like VW, Porsche and Mercedes have all suffered big sales slides in China, but Toyota has proved that’s it’s still possible to beat the increasingly competitive domestic brands at their own game.

Also: How Toyota’s $15K EV Ended Up Costing $48K In Its First Export Market

The bZ3X is an electric SUV built by a joint venture between Toyota and China’s GAC and it’s been selling like crazy following its debut four months ago. More than 200,000 examples have been delivered since March, GAC Toyota wrote on China’s Weibo social media platform, and the company also mentioned it had received over 30,000 orders.

A Price That Turns Heads

So how did Toyota manage to win where many other legacy brands have failed? One reason is the bZ3X’s incredibly competitive sticker. Prices for the electric SUV start at 109,800 yuan, or roughly $15,000 at current exchange rates. That makes it less than half the price of the GAC Toyota Highlander, which starts at 284,800 yuan ($39,300), and also undercuts the 171,800 yuan ($23,700) Camry.

Naturally, you’re not getting a fully-loaded, long-range EV for for your $15k, though versions with Lidar-based ADAS are available. The base bZ3X, the 430 Air, comes with a small 50 kWh battery that’s rated at 267 miles (430 km) on the generous Chinese CTLC cycle, but probably only offers 200 miles (320 km) of real range.

For a few yuan more, the 430 Air+ adds extra equipment but retains the base model’s battery, and the 58 kWh 520 Pro and Pro+ stretch the range to 323 miles (520 km) while still using the same single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor as the lower-tier versions.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Top of the tree is the 610 Max, which gets a bump to 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) and promises 379 miles (610 km) of range from its 68 kWh pack. But even that flagship trim will only set you back ¥159,800 (~$22,000).

Momentum Beyond a Single Model

The bZ3X isn’t the only GAC Toyota performing well in China. The joint venture’s total sales reached 364,218 in the first six months of 2025, and importantly they were up 5.6 percent, making the company one of the few similar collabs to make gains.

Camry sales were up 66 percent to 20,358 in June, Ziniu News reports, and the company’s Saina minivan registered 8,846 deliveries in the first half of the year, up 16 percent.

GAC Toyota

We’re only two months out from the electric GLC’s debut at the Munich Auto Show and Mercedes is on the teaser offensive. As he did with the CLA and electric G-Class, CEO Ola Källenius has taken a camouflaged prototype of the compact SUV for a spin and dropped a couple of interesting spec details in the process.

Related: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

One detail we now know is that the first model to launch will be called the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology, following the (somewhat clunky) trend started by the electric G-Class. Källenius also revealed the 400 can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW.

800v Architecture and Practical Charging Solutions

Mercedes itself dropped some other factoids, including that a converter allows the 800-volt SUV to hook-up at more common 400-volt charging stations. Surprisingly, that was not possible with the first examples of the new CLA sedan, though a fix for them is in the works.

Källenius performs a standing start in the GLC, and while he doesn’t give out power or performance figures, he implies that the acceleration is the kind that you’d expect from a Mercedes-AMG GT, which suggests a sub-4-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time.

Design Cues With Classic Inspiration

When it comes to the front-end design however, the CEO reckons the GLC takes its lead from much older Mercedes models. He waxes lyrical about the huge grille on a classic 300SEL 6.3 and claims we’ll see elements of the same design when the covers come off the GLC in September.

“It’s a future techy interpretation of that iconic Mercedes style,” he says of the new car’s grille.

The SEL isn’t only on hand to drop styling clues, but to demonstrate the GLC’s towing ability. Mercedes says it can tow a 5,300 lbs (2,400 kg) braked trailer, which betters the Porsche Macan Electric’s tow rating by 880 lbs (400 kg).

Roomier Cabin and Smarter Suspension

Interior packaging has also seen some changes. Mercedes confirmed the GLC EQ’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the 113.7 inches (2,890 mm) of the current combustion GLC, which is good news for rear-seat passengers, and there’s more luggage space, too.

The trunk swallows 20.1 cu-ft (570 liters), which is 0.7 cu-ft (20 liters) more than the ICE SUV, and can be extended to 61.5 cu-ft (1,740 liters) with the seats folded. And there’s still 4.5 cu-ft (128 liters) of frunk space to add to that.

The new GLC will feature air springs for maximum ride comfort, though only as part of an optional Agility & Comfort Package that also includes 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering. Both of those tech solutions are also available on the Porsche Macan Electric, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the two fare in the – inevitable – face-off next year.

Mercedes

RENO, Nev. – STN EXPO West kicked off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening and proceeded into intensive training classes on Friday.

Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, who together have over 100 years of service in pupil transportation and are both are expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions, led a class on school bus accident investigation.

The specially developed National School Bus Inspection Training Program and the official NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training also took place, as well as a new 4-hour seminar on school bus routing.

AMF-Bruns also presented its Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement Training Certification Class.

The education continues Saturday.

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RENO, Nev. — In a four-hour seminar on routing, consultant Kerry Somerville spoke to attendees at STN EXPO West about everything from implementing routing software and the RFP process to training and using the software.

Whether attendees came to the class Friday to become up to date on the offerings after retirement, or because they were a school bus driver being told to route themselves, or even due to being the director of safety and wanting to see the benefits of routing, all left with a deeper understanding of route specifics.

“I’m not here to talk bad about [any company], but I want you guys to be aware, to ask questions about what you’re buying and how you’re implementing it,” said Somerville owner of Transportation Planning Solutions as well as a transportation supervisor for Show Low Unified School District in Arizona.

Related: (STN Podcast E263) Not an Easy Button: Expert Gives School Bus Routing Technology Tips

Somerville explained that the RFP is the district’s opportunity to specify exactly what they want and need from software. “Designate who’s going to run the software,” he shared, adding that there needs to be a backup in case that person is unavailable.

He noted that when creating the RFP, one needs to be realistic and not ask for things that aren’t possible. Similarly, he noted it’s important to be prepared to pay for solutions that meet the requirements being asked for. He also advised not asking for good references, which any company can provide. Instead, he suggested asking about failed implementations and why they occurred.

Somerville noted that a phased implementation is a better approach, rather than implementing technology all at once. And while some districts have the expectations that the lowest bid must be accepted, that may mean they don’t get the features or functions they want or need.

One attendee shared his operation is in search of its third routing software.

When discussing what is wanted versus what is needed, Somerville noted that the bandwidth of people and the size of operation play important roles. Ask yourself, what is your end goal, he noted, adding that sometimes it’s not necessarily about implementing a new product but training on a current one.

Once new routing software is implemented, the next stage is training. He noted that five days of intense training may seem like it’s the best approach, but when it gets to day five, employees might have forgotten what you learned on day one. Instead, he advised districts engage in continuous ongoing training, citing the importance of creating a training plan.

He also said training is both the vendor and district responsibility and should include routes. If a district is implementing remote training, he said it’s important to determine if it will really work for the team.

Other aspects of implementation include student data and working with one’s IT department to make sure the nightly download is accurate. He also advised working with the district’s management team to ensure that student data is accurate and highlighted the importance of how good address data is critical.

Plus, he asked, how does your software handle changes such as adding students and routes, changing bus stop locations and deleting information? “There is no such thing as a perfect map,” he said.

He outlined pros and cons to the various type of maps available.

Maps change, Somerville explained, and there needs to be away to update them. Plus, he added that data affects the quality of routes. For instance, a left turn may have a greater penalty than a right turn, adding that UPS trucks in the U.S. are programmed to minimize or avoid left turns due to safety and efficiency benefits. On the other hand, being able to adjust speed data via software can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your runs. Other data that affect routing include attendance boundaries, hazards and walk zones.

Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Innovation Awards Returns to STN EXPO, Vote on Site
Related: Download App for 2025 STN EXPO West Conference

Somerville said optimization should be used as a tool, not a solution. He said every year there’s a big story about a school district being promised to save millions of dollars with optimization and then it failed day one of school start up. He said all data elements affect optimization. He advised testing the runs — everything from timing, routing, time spent at each stop, and speed — the software products prior to the first day of school.

Overall, when using software, he advised using it every day as practice makes perfect. He said he finds that most school districts only use about one-tenth of the function that the software can do. “Keep the data fresh,” he said, adding to avoid the “this doesn’t work trap.”

This, he said, is why it’s important to get what you want in the RFP process.

He concluded by urging the audience to not give up. “Learning new software, new ways of doing things can be a challenge, difficult and frustrating but the reward is at the end when you can provide the answers people need quickly and easily,” he said.

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RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West kicked off with school transportation experts Richard Fischer and Peter Baxter, who presented the “School Bus Accident Investigation: Be Prepared for a Lawsuit” session.

“You need to know more than you need to know,” said Peter Baxter Friday as the four-hour-long accident investigation session began. With the play on the famous Oscar Wilde quote, Baxter aimed to emphasize the need for transportation professionals to acquire more knowledge than they believe they will need to know in the industry.

Attendees at the session were taught about the importance of safety and preparedness within the student transportation sector, particularly as it pertains to handling incidents involving school buses. Both Fischer and Baxter said their goal was to equip attendees with essential skills in mitigating risks associated with school transportation.

Dick Fischer is widely recognized as the Father of School Bus Safety Week for successfully petitioning President Richard Nixon in 1972 for the first federal proclamation. He and Pete Baxter, a retired state director of student transportation for the Indiana Department of Education are both members of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. Baxter is one of only two people to serve as president of both NAPT and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services.

Fischer, who was recognized at the 2024 STN EXPO West with a lifetime achievement award, noted that the main priority of transportation professionals should be the students they transport. He emphasized the acronym “GOAL,” short for get out and look, when addressing how drivers should not be reluctant to exit the bus when they can’t see if a student crossed or to do a  maintenance check on the bus if needed during a route.

Fischer explained that many student transportation professionals believe that it is illegal for school bus drivers to exit the vehicle while on route. However, that is not the case. Currently, California is the only state where drivers must get off the bus to cross the road with elementary students when the bus is stopped on the opposite side of where the student’s home is located. This law was established in 1932, and since then reportedly no student or driver has been killed by an illegal passing incident.

During the seminar, Fischer transitioned into the topic of the danger zone, which refers to the 10- to 12-feet hazardous area surrounding school buses where students are at the most risk during loading and unloading. He highlighted the importance of being able to look over the hood of the bus when driving.

A scenario was acted out, where two attendees with different heights represented the difference between a shorter and taller school bus driver and how their respective danger zones are different. Fischer explained the importance of setting the driver’s seat at its lowest point to get an accurate description of the true danger zone for each driver. The ability to maintain awareness of one’s surroundings is pivotal in preventing incidents and ensuring student safety.

When the question, “What do you think the toughest task is in preventing a collision?” was asked by the speakers, many attendees were quick to respond. Some of them agreed that the toughest task is predicting the other behavior of other motorists on the road.

Fischer recommended that school bus drivers conduct department safety meetings. He suggested for directors of transportation and/or safety trainers to assign a month to drivers for organizing safety meetings while sharing ideas with them on what they could discuss during these meetings.

He also pointed out that school districts with school buses equipped with cameras should look at the recorded videos on a daily basis to prevent school bus related incidents from continuously occuring. Safe behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated but wrong behavior that is not called out or reported will be repeated as well. This is why both Fischer and Baxter emphasized the importance of reporting any unprofessional behavior instead of looking the other way. They referred to this as “CYA” or covering your “Adam’s apple.” In other words, the advised taking appropriate measures to protect oneself from potential blame, legally or otherwise.

Related: Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West

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