RENO, Nev. – The Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West was a gathering of enthusiastic minds to discuss the technology and training needed to achieve a clean energy future.

Advancing School Bus Innovation
RIDE

Frank Girardot, senior vice president of electric school bus manufacturer RIDE Mobility, noted during a panel discussion that there is a sales job involved when transportation staff must convince district administration that electric school buses (ESBs) are a good investment.

Craig Beaver, administrator for transportation at Beaverton School District in Oregon, said his ESB journey began with grant writing and utility cooperation. Operationally, he said bus capacity, battery size and the reliability of the OEMs are of utmost importance. Beaverton assigned ESBs to certain routes, not specific drivers. Beaver, the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, said even diesel devotees have come around to appreciate them.

Jim Snow, CEO of Mid-Placer Public Schools in rural northern California, has propane buses and is implementing electric buses. He noted that stacking federal and state funding is key. When choosing buses, he said to prioritize the needs of the students, which for his district means those with special needs.

Meanwhile, Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities for Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in California, said that having the right staff, driver and mechanic training, and vendor relationships throughout the process is crucial so everyone feels supported. She advised leveraging futureproofing and AI tools in planning processes.

Rural Elko County School District in Nevada is just starting its electric bus journey with the use of grants and is currently participating in a V2G pilot program, which provides no-cost infrastructure. “We had to look at what was available and how it would meet our needs,” Director of Transportation Seth Canning said.

Jarrett Garife, manager of transportation for the rural Monterey (California) County Office of Education, applauded state funding and underscored the need for driver buy-in. He said he needed to buy a diesel bus to use for driver recertification during the ESB implementation process.

Girardot added that to successfully run operations, rural districts must consider things like route length, bus capacity, temperature changes and staff training. Several panelists said that rural milage challenges were assuaged by using DC fast chargers.

Panelists also agreed that good communication and training for drivers and mechanics is important to a successful ESB implementation. Beaver and Snow noted that drivers need to be specifically trained on things like regenerative braking and handling the extra weight of ESBs with heavy batteries.

Beaver said he eases his team’s trepidation with ESBs by reminding them, “It’s just a school bus.”

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^{Images by Vince Rios Creative.}

Fuel of Choice
Blue Bird

Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird Corporation, reviewed the upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions reduction from 0.2 g/bhp-hr to 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027, the disruptive growth of alternative fuels in Blue Bird’s business and why school districts should consider clean fuels.

During a panel discussion he reviewed the stories of Kay Cornelius, transportation director for rural St. Louis County Schools in northern Minnesota, Diana Mikelski, director of transportation for District 211 in Illinois, and Anthony Jackson, executive director of transportation for Bibb County School District in Georgia, who praised propane school buses for their reliability and quiet operation as well as both fuel and maintenance savings.

Chris Horstman noted from his career experience – as a past school bus driver and current director of transportation for Ithaca City School District in New York – that misconceptions about propane and gasoline buses had to be overcome but that both have proved durable. Gas and propane both produced significant savings over diesel, he said.

Andrew Thompson, fleet manager for Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, runs mostly diesel, propane and gasoline. The district later acquired the state’s first electric school bus, which he said was met with some hesitation but did not require complicated infrastructure setup. The plan is to transition to 50 percent electric buses over 15 years. Thompson discussed his DC fast charger preferences and noted the differences between Level II and Level III chargers.

Both panelists agreed that maintenance professionals find the propane buses easier to work on.

Additionally, John Wyskiel, new president and CEO of Blue Bird, took the stage Monday morning, July 14, before magician Jon Petz’s keynote and recapped the OEM’s dedication to safety, demonstrated through the standardization of lap-shoulder belts, driver airbags, LED lighting, collision mitigation systems and more safety equipment. Blue Bird also supports propane and electric school bus deployment, with the most ESBs deployed in the U.S. — 2,500.

He praised Blue Bird’s partners, dealers and employees who help support school districts around the nation and reaffirmed a commitment to continued service in anticipation of the company’s upcoming centennial in 2027.

Your Route. Reimagined.
Micro Bird

Alexandre Ratte, vice president of sales and marketing, recapped Micro Bird’s three generations of quality and safety and reiterated its commitment to progress and growth. Its gasoline, propane and electric solutions are all built in house.

Marc Gravel, general manager of Micro Bird’s electric subsidiary Ecotuned, next revealed that the G5e Type A electric school bus, which was introduced last year at STN EXPO West, is in full production with buses being delivered to customers. This bus was part of the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive event on Sunday evening in the parking lot of the Peppermill Resort Casino.

Two G5e options provide a choice of either 150- or 200-mile range. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs come with an eight-year warranty and the buses can support both fast DC and AC charging. Vehicle to grid (V2G) technology and over the air updates are also supported.

Gravel shared that the G5e endured 100+ degree temperatures on a trip through the Mohave Desert, while also revealing valuable learning lessons about the need for increased charging infrastructure. The bus also performed well in negative 15-degree temperatures in Canada, he added.

Gravel reiterated the company’s dedication to customer service, borne out by the Micro Bird Academy and expert service available across 70 service locations throughout North America.

The Healthy, Cost-effective Route to School Transportation
Propane Education & Research Council

Read full article.

Driving the Future with Cummins: Forging a Sustainable Outlook
Cummins

“Clean energy is our future,” declared Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development for Cummins.

Francisco Lagunas, general manager for the Cummins North American bus market, reiterated the company’s support for the EV market. “Wherever you are in your electrification plans, we will meet you there – and we have a whole ecosystem to assist you,” he confirmed.

Matt McGinn, senior director of EV sales and business development for Cummins, noted that districts can see current energy market shifts as an opportunity to diversify rather than as an obstacle.

When it comes to future-proofing, Garvin added that securing funding sources like grants is a big part of it. McGinn said that the best solution for each district depends on its location and goals. Senior Gas Sales Executive Emilliano Pantner confirmed that Cummins is there to help no matter what bus or infrastructure combinations a district needs to achieve those goals.

Pantner, who also oversees microgrids, noted that districts should have a good handle on their current data and metrics to then develop a plan for clean energy that also aligns with operational and student needs. Garvin spoke about the patience that is needed for each district’s “Road to Zero,” which for Cummins has an achievement goal of 2050.

“This is going to be incremental rather than rapid,” he said. “We need to be transparent and collaborative to reach those goals.”

Comprehensive training, online resources and customer service are integral parts of Cummins’ offerings, panelists confirmed.

Attendees shared their concerns about rampant parts unavailability and questioned what Cummins is doing at the federal level to support EV funding for districts who have begun their electrification journeys and are now facing funding loss. Panelists confirmed Cummins’ efforts in parts tracking, grant seeking and federal lobbying, though they confirmed that some things in flux are out of their control. Cummins is always open to feedback and dedicated to improvement, they stated.

Innovative Parts Management Strategies, Solutions for Fleet Management
IC Bus

“You guys have a lot going on and we want to come up with solutions that make your life easier and make you better at what you do,” said Alex Borror, sales director for IC Bus parent company International.

He shared how OnCommand Connection now comes standard on all IC Buses and allows mechanics visibility to alerts in real time so they can direct the driver to come in for service if needed. Though its focus is vehicle health, it also tracks GPS and driver behavior to allow for training opportunities. Electric school bus operators, especially, can find valuable insights in the dashboard and related app, Borror added.

He also shared that IC Bus dealers can help locate funding for electric and other types of buses through their Incentive Prospecting Tool. Additionally, Sourcewell is legally aligned with the OEM to help streamline the purchasing process.

Gregory Baze, national parts account manager for IC Bus, revealed feedback that school district maintenance professionals were spending a lot of time on the phone or internet trying to locate parts or putting together standard stock orders.

RepairLink is an ecommerce platform designed to help mitigate those pain points by allowing dealer customers to look up and order the parts they need on their own, at no extra cost. Benefits include time saved, greater inventory availability, real-time order updates, a VIN-based catalog, easy reorder of saved carts, and cost-saving promotions.

Baze noted that this service was a positive development due to the trend toward online purchasing which has made its way over to the school bus industry. Setup, search and ordering are easy, and there is a buyback program.

“We do more than sell buses,” Baze summed up. “If you’ve got a problem, don’t suffer through it alone.”

Attendees asked about whether parts can be tracked, like on Amazon, and Baze responded that technology is progressing quickly, with that feature planned for wide rollout. A question was presented on the shortage of electric bus mechanics from dealers, which panelists said is being temporarily alleviated through satellite service stations while district mechanic training is ramped up. Multiple attendees expressed the need for more ESB training, which Baze and Borror encouraged them to get from their dealers and the IC Bus University.

Powering the Future: Practical Insights for Electric Bus Charging
EO Charging

“EV and school bus make a great marriage,” declared Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird.

Adam Wilkum, North American sales director for UK-based turnkey provider EO Charging, noted that EV charging is an area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Don’t be afraid of vendors,” he quipped.

Marc Riccio, vice president of strategic partnerships for comprehensive charging solutions provider Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that a flawed infrastructure setup that lacks futureproofing and copious communication with partners wreaks havoc with timelines and budgets. He advised “patience, perspective and persistence” through the process.

Manny Huguez, president of charging technology provider Zerova Technologies, said vendor partnerships cover all bases and help districts not only set up but also optimize their new electrified operation. They must also be carefully chosen since businesses do leave the EV space, as in the case of the recently bankrupt bus manufacturer Lion Electric Company. Districts must be mindful and do their due diligence.

“Pick a partner, not a product,” he advised. “You have to be able to depend on them for the long run.”

Beauchamp reviewed several aspects districts should carefully consider, including Level II versus Level III charger choice and bus to charger interoperability.

Huguez underscored how mission critical such considerations are so students are not left stranded. “We aren’t delivering packages here,” he said. He added that training is being expanded so district mechanics can service ESBs instead of waiting hours for certified technicians to do so.

Riccio spoke on how the fixed schedules and timing of school bus routes, as well as the fact that buses are basically batteries on wheels, makes them ideal for vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to everything (V2X) use cases or emergency response situations where the main electrical grid is down.

The panelists spoke to the ever-changing and improving nature of EV technology and looked to the future with optimism. Beauchamp stated that, despite federal Clean School Bus Program funding slowing down, EV isn’t going anywhere and will continue to grow.

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YORKVILLE, Ill. – Septran, proud sister brand to Durham School Services, will continue serving the students of Yorkville Community Unit School District 115 (CUSD 115) safely, on time, and ready to learn, for another five years through 2030.

Septran has been serving the school district for over 15 years and since then, the two organizations have formed a trusting, long-standing partnership. In addition to being a dedicated school district partner, Septran is also a committed community partner. Our local Yorkville team has proudly supported numerous community events such as parades, Touch-a-Truck events, and sponsorships for teachers as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. The program aims to strengthen ties with our customers and community partners while also increasing awareness of and recognizing the volunteer efforts of our teams.

Yorkville Community Unit School District 115 shared, “Septran has been a great partner in providing safe and timely transportation for our students. Their drivers and managers understand the critical role they play in supporting our community, and we value their commitment and professionalism.”

“Over the last 15+ years, we have built a deep-rooted, trusting relationship with the school and community, as evidence by this partnership extension and all the various community outreach projects my team has participated in,” said Lisa Clements, General Manager, Septran. “We are extremely grateful to be able to continue to serve the students of Yorkville CUSD 115 and provide them with reliable transportation to attend school to learn, grow, and build their futures. Thank you to Yorkville CUSD 115 for this continued opportunity and to my team for constantly striving to provide service excellence to their students and community.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands such as Septran, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.

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Barrington Public Schools in Rhode Island reported its third incident involving a former school bus monitor, reported WJAR 10.

According to the news report, the district’s acting superintendent, Chris Ashley, said in a letter to families on Monday that a third incident was reported involving a former bus monitor. School officials said last month that the former employee was under investigation after a “serious allegation” was reported.

Authorities have since stated that the allegations involve inappropriate touching. On Monday, Ashley communicated that all three reported incidents occurred on a route that transported students with disabilities.

“We had previously refrained from identifying the route out of concern for student privacy. However, in light of this most recent development, we now must share that all three reported incidents occurred on a special education bus route, a route that served some of the most vulnerable members of our school community. This reality is as painful as it is unacceptable. Our responsibility to every child is to ensure not only their education, but their safety, dignity, and care,” Ashley said in a letter to families via the article.

The bus monitor, whose identity was not disclosed in this writing, had been employed with the Ocean State Transit to serve Barrington schools and has since been fired. School officials said via the article that the bus driver, who was involved in two of those incidents as well, was also fired from the role. The school board also voted to end its contract with Ocean State Transit.

Ashely said via the news report that the incidents have been reported to Barrington police and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. However, while the Barrington Police Department said it is aware of the complaint, no charges have been brought against the bus monitor in this report. The case remains under investigation.

Related: New Jersey School Bus Monitor Faces Manslaughter Charges Following Student’s Death
Related: Florida School Bus Monitor Charged with Child Abuse
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related:Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs

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Warren County Public School held its Bus Driver and Monitor Recruitment Fair, giving applicants the opportunity to apply and drive a bus, reported WBKO News.

The Recruitment Fair occurred on Saturday, where applicants were able to drive a school bus on site and get a glimpse of what it means to be a bus driver.

One applicant, Charles Smith, told local news reporters how impactful it can be to become a bus driver beyond driving kids to school. He stated that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in changing a student’s mood or making their day. Smith recognizes people may not realize the difference transporting students can make for them.

The district’s Transportation Director, Chip Jenkins, emphasized how crucial bus drivers are for the school system and students getting to and from school.

“Sometimes we don’t know their home environment. Sometimes it can be quite troubling,” Jenkins said via the news report. “When they get on that school bus, they can feel safe, and they know that they’re going to a school where they can get educated throughout the day and then we’ll take them home safely.”

Related: Pennsylvania School Bus Transportation Company Hosts Hiring Event
Related: Social Media as a Recruitment Tool: School Bus Driver Influencers
Related: Ohio School Bus Drivers Attend Life-Saving Emergency Training
Related: Salvation Army Hosts Stuff the Bus Donation Drive in Indiana

The post Kentucky School District Seeking Bus Drivers, Monitors Ahead of School Year appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO West returned to Reno, Nevada for six days of specialized student transportation training, educational sessions, leadership development, cutting-edge technology demonstrations and unique networking experiences. The conference featured a full agenda, that included the Green Bus Summit, Bus Technology Summit, the Trade Show and the Ride & Drive with Live Technology Demonstrations, all as a catalyst to have the conversations that are making a difference in the industry. Recap the STN EXPO West magic with these videos that captured live moments from Reno. 

Related: (STN Podcast E266) Recap STN EXPO West: It All Comes Back To Safety & Training
Related: Magician Teaches Transportation Directors About Connection at STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success

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This content is brought to you by Tyler Technologies.

In today’s world, technology is no longer a “nice to have” in student transportation — it’s a must. Whether a school district operates its own fleet or partners with a contractor, technology plays a key role in enhancing safety, improving efficiency, streamlining communication, and managing long-term costs.

If you’re a district working with a contracted fleet provider, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they’re using the best tools available. And if you’re a contractor, being able to answer these questions with confidence is what sets you apart.

Here are five questions districts should ask — and what to look for in the answers:

1. What technologies are in place to ensure student safety on board?

Safety is always the top priority — and the right technology helps reinforce it. From GPS tracking to student ridership verification systems, technology can significantly improve visibility into daily operations and enhance student safety.

Districts should ask whether the contractor uses real-time tools that help monitor where buses are, who’s on board, and what’s happening during the route. Do they use a scan-on/scan-off system to verify who’s on the bus? Can drivers easily confirm they have the right passengers?

At Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District in New York, Administrator of Student Transportation Katria Hitrick has seen how technology can support drivers and help them ensure student safety.

“RFID cards and Tyler Drive help our drivers and substitutes learn who their students are and know a little bit more about them. Especially with our younger population — kindergarteners and first-graders need to be received by a parent or guardian — so when they pull up to those stops, they see the student’s grade, and they know they can’t let the child off the bus until they see an adult. Having that information helps put the driver’s mind at ease,” she said. These systems take the guesswork out of students’ needs, allowing drivers to focus on other aspects of a safe ride.

To offer drivers this level of support, look for systems that allow students to scan on and off the bus. This real-time data gives parents and drivers peace of mind, strengthens schools’ ability to maintain accurate records, and helps reduce risk. It can even improve response times in emergencies.

2. How are routes planned, and are they optimized using real-world data?

Efficient routing isn’t just about saving time — it’s about reducing mileage, fuel use, and wear-and-tear, while ensuring every student has a safe and reliable ride. Contractors should be using intelligent routing software that adapts to real-world conditions and provides visibility into delays or changes.

For example, West Ada School District in Idaho, whose fleet is managed by a contractor, uses routing technology and student ridership data to make routes more efficient — and even cancel or combine routes to better allocate their resources. Erin Sweeney, a routing specialist at West Ada SD, explained, “We’re able to see that only a couple of kids are scanning onto a route, and then we can adjust routes as needed. This has led to cost savings by identifying and canceling empty shuttles … It allows us to give our students what they actually need and helps us figure out where we can best utilize the drivers we have, because everyone’s in a driver shortage.”

Today’s best fleet contractors rely on route optimization technology powered by data and automation. Intelligent routing can lead to measurable cost savings, fewer late arrivals, and a better experience for families and drivers alike.

Look for advanced route planning tools that can automatically optimize runs for efficiency, balance loads across buses, and tailor stops for students with varying schedules, destinations, and other accommodations.

3. How are parents and schools kept informed throughout the day?

Strong communication is a major differentiator for both contractors and districts. Parents want to know when buses are delayed, when routes change, or when their child is safely on board.

Timely, accurate communication builds trust and helps prevent small issues from becoming big disruptions. Ask what technology the contractor uses to streamline communication and keep everyone in the loop. Communication tools like mobile apps, real-time alerts, and driver tablets improve how quickly and clearly information flows between dispatch, schools, and parents.

At many districts, a lack of modern communication technology means transportation departments handle a large volume of parent phone calls every day. West Ada SD even noted hiring temp workers to keep up with phone calls at the start of the school year before implementing a parent communication app.

Sweeney said, “Because of the My Ride K-12 app, parents know where their students are going or why they’re late — messages are sent right to them. They’re able to look on the app and get an idea of where the bus is and how far away it is from their stop. The number of calls went down immensely because parents weren’t panicking when the bus didn’t show up on time.”

To gain similar benefits, look for a parent communication app that delivers real-time notifications — whether a bus is running late, a stop time changes, or a student misses the bus. For a bonus, look for tools that integrate seamlessly with the district’s back-office systems.

4. What tools do drivers have to help them do their jobs better?

Your drivers are the face of the fleet — and giving them the right technology supports better performance and satisfaction.

Driver tablets play a crucial role in fostering clear and efficient communication between dispatch and drivers, ensuring that vital updates are delivered seamlessly. These tools not only enhance trust and help prevent minor issues from escalating, but also enable real-time route adjustments based on rider scans. By recording student check-ins through ID badges, routes can be adapted dynamically and drivers can make informed decisions, ensuring a safer and more reliable transportation experience for everyone involved.

These capabilities can help drivers do their jobs confidently. The driver tablets used at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD, for example, have helped the district hire experienced full-time drivers and support their substitutes.

Hitrick explained, “We onboarded 8 new drivers in 2024. If those drivers were considering a job at another district that didn’t have Tyler Drive, they came to us because we have it. Knowing we use Tyler Drive instead of a paper system is a benefit for them … On the tablets, our routes are spot-on. That supports our substitute drivers and makes their lives so much easier. Because they don’t know all the stops, they don’t know all the kids, they feel more comfortable accepting a job they may have never done before because all that information is there for them.” Beyond supporting substitutes, tablets can help any driver taking on a new route or getting to know new riders.

To support drivers, look for in-cab tablets that provide optimized routes, a student manifest, and step-by-step navigation. Advanced functionality like integrated tracking can help drivers manage student riders more efficiently — it allows students to sign in with their ID badges, displays assigned student details at each stop, and alerts drivers if a student attempts to disembark at the wrong location.

5. How is maintenance tracked and managed to reduce downtime?

A proactive approach to maintenance is critical to keeping your fleet running smoothly and avoiding costly delays.

Today’s technology allows for smarter maintenance tracking, not just paper-based checklists. This keeps vehicles on the road, reduces unexpected downtime, and promotes a culture of safety and accountability across the fleet.

Advanced transportation software and tablets can help districts keep track of parts, maintenance schedules, and inspections. This technology has helped Jessamine County Schools Transportation in Kentucky increase efficiency in their shop operations.

Transportation Data Assistant Sarah Dolen said, “Tyler’s Student Transportation system’s inventory of parts enables mechanics to easily check availability and quickly identify what needs to be ordered when making repairs. When combined with Tyler Drive, Student Transportation gives our maintenance team clear visibility into which buses are due for inspection and maintenance, as well as the specific type of inspection required.” Tyler Drive tablets streamline processes and improve communication between Jessamine’s driver and mechanics, from drivers inputting their bus mileage to mechanics providing clear maintenance timelines.

When evaluating a fleet partner, check for technology that streamlines inspections and repair workflows. With driver tablets, pre-trip inspections can be completed digitally, making it faster and easier to flag potential issues before they become a problem. Drivers can submit work orders directly from the tablet, ensuring maintenance teams have up to date and accurate information.

Partnering for Innovative Fleet Solutions

The most effective technology solutions aren’t just powerful — they’re connected. Working with a technology partner who offers fully integrated, end-to-end tools helps ensure your systems work together smoothly, giving you a clearer picture of operations, stronger communication, and a more reliable experience for staff, students, and families.

At Tyler, we work with school fleet contractors across the country to deliver the technology solutions that modern school districts demand. Our platform supports safety, improves operational efficiency, and simplifies communication — helping contractors provide top-tier service while standing out in a competitive market.

If you’re a fleet contractor looking to strengthen your value proposition, or a school district seeking more from your transportation provider, we’d love to talk about how our technology can support your goals.

Empower school transportation responsibly with Tyler.

Follow Tyler K-12 on LinkedIn for the latest updates, and dive deeper into our integrated transportation solutions in our webinar, “Connect Your Operations with Onboard iPaaS,” on October 7 at 2 p.m. ET.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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BOSTON, Mass. – Michelle Harpenau, Manager of Commercial Development for Durham School Services, has been awarded the National School Transportation Association’s (NSTA) Golden Merit Award for her exemplary service and dedication to the school bus industry

The NSTA Golden Merit Award was created in 1969 as a way to recognize school bus professionals for their dedication and contributions to the school bus industry in areas such as safety, community service, business practices, and vehicle maintenance.

Michelle, along with other award recipients, were recognized and presented with the award at the NSTA Awards and Installation Dinner on July 22, 2025, surrounded by family and fellow team members and industry professionals. The award presentation was held as part of NSTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Convention.

“Michelle is an exceptionally talented and valued team member who has an inherent ability to foster positivity within the team and work environment. She has led the company to growth and success as a result of her industry experience and aptitude for breaking down and simplifying financial situations for her team. Even in times of high stress, Michelle can be seen with an infectious smile on her face that spreads to those around her, lightening the mood, and driving motivation and morale,” said Dan Cecchin, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development, Durham School Services. “This award is fittingly well-deserved and an incredible symbol of Michelle’s impressive career and service excellence. Congrats, Michelle. Thanks for always going above and beyond for the team and Company. We are lucky to have you.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.

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WORCESTER, Mass. — On Thursday, July 24, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), in coordination with its partner Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), will host an electric school bus (ESB) Ride and Drive event. This event is designed to support school districts and municipal stakeholders in exploring zero-emission transportation solutions by providing hands-on experience with a variety of ESB models from multiple manufacturers. The Ride and Drive is part of MassCEC’s broader School Bus Advisory Services Program, which provides no-cost technical assistance to public school districts planning for fleet electrification.

WHO:
Sarah Consalvo, Worcester Public Schools, Brian Picariello, VEIC, and Rachel Ackerman, MassCEC.

WHAT:
MassCEC School Bus Fleet Program Ride and Drive

WHEN:
Thursday, July 24, 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE:
Worcester Public Schools Transportation Department, 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01606.

RSVP:
Victoria King at vking@masscec.com

The post MassCEC and VEIC to Host Electric School Bus Ride and Drive Event appeared first on School Transportation News.

Magic tricks, Wi-Fi updates, an OEM panel, data security, leadership advice, evacuation training in a smoking bus and more! Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss highlights from STN EXPO West that wrapped up last week in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from RIDE.

Message from School-Radio.

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

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As part of the Salvation Army’s annual Stuff the Bus fundraiser, school supplies are being collected to help students in Fort Wayne, Indiana stock up ahead of the new school year, reported 21alive News.

According to the article, the school supply drive will kick off at at local Walmart. A full list of needed school supplies can be found here.

Organizers will at the Walmart until 6 p.m. local time, collecting donations. However, donations will be accepted through Tuesday.

Families in need can sign to receive supplies. The donation distribution is planned for July 30 from 4-7 p.m., at the local Salvation Army.

Related: Arizona Annual Stuff the Bus Back to School Drive Returns
Related: Arkansas School Bus Driver Donates Shoes to Local Organizations
Related: Massachusetts School District to Host “Stuff-A-Bus” Event for Holiday Toy Drive
Related: Kentucky School Bus Driver Keeps Students Fed During Summer

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After what felt like the end of the road for the Clean School Bus Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided an update overview, including the anticipation of additional information regarding the 2024 rebate program.

In an email Monday, the EPA reminded awardees of next steps for the rebate and grant programs, provided program oversight and compliance, and shared resources and news.

For the 2022 CSB Rebate, EPA said it completed review of most school bus projects and Close Out Forms, or COF, submitted by rebate recipients. EPA also said it is actively working with selectees to ensure accuracy and completeness. For those who have not completed their COF, the EPA is working with those selectees to ensure it is submitted in an expedited fashion.

Additionally, EPA said it is performing site visits with all 2022 CSB rebate recipients.

Meanwhile, about 50 percent of the awarded funding under the 2023 CSB rebate program has been disbursed. The EPA is encouraging all selectees to submit their payment request forms (PRF) for those projects. If the PRF has not been submitted, selectees must either submit the form as soon as possible or request an extension via the online portal.

Upon completing the PRF, rebate selectees will receive an official funds disbursement email from the EPA, with the money typically available within seven to 10 days. Once selectees receive the funds they must “email the EPA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer (EPA-CSB-FinancialReporting@epa.gov) within 10-business days of spending their funds on eligible expenses or passing the rebate funds to a third-party to complete the purchase for eligible expenses,” the EPA stated.

Related: EPA CSBP Payment Request Deadline This Month
Related: Report Highlights Shift in Federal Policy from EVs to Conventional Fuels
Related: The State of Green School Buses
Related: Big Questions Vexing Student Transporters

When school buses are deployed and replaced, and infrastructure is installed, the EPA stated that selectees will need to submit their 2023 COF.

EPA also reminded Clean School Bus Program grant recipients of the July 30 deadline for filing semi-annual reports, which cover January through June 2025. The EPA asked that all selectees submit their progress reports to the EPA project officer.

Additional information regarding the 2024 rebate program is forthcoming, EPA said.

The EPA is also hosting various webinars through its Office of Grants and Departments that could be of interest to grant awardees as well as webinars through the Automated Standard Application for Payments.

The post EPA Provides Update on Clean School Bus Program appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) says 39.3 million motorists could be illegally passing school buses nationwide, after updating its National Stop Arm Count survey to correct data reported by California.  

The California Department of Education provided new figures to NASDPTS to correct the number of driver-side and student loading-door-side illegal passes by motorists at school bus stops. As a result, NASDPTS extrapolated a decrease in the number of potential violations based on a 180-day school year and nationwide, further indicating that while still a major issue illegal passing rates improved during the 2024-2025 school year.

NASDPTS announced its 13th National Stop Arm Violation Count, a one-day snapshot of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses while loading or unloading students during the 2024-2025 school year, at National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting and Convention Tuesday in Boston, Massachusetts. Earlier this year, California joined 35 other states and the District of Columbia in voluntary one-day counts of motorists passing the federally mandated stop arm and flashing red lights at school bus stops while children are loading or unloading.

Initially, the NASDPTS report indicated that the 1,943 participating school bus drivers in California — accounting for approximately 8 percent of the 21,668 school buses in operation each school day, according to the California Department of Education’s Office of School Transportation — observed 10,381 violations, and that all occurred on the right-side of the school buses where students load and exit.

California clarified Thursday that a total of 8,231 violations of the school bus stop arm and red lights were reported, with 3,881 occurring from the front of the bus and 4,350 from the rear. None occurred on the right side where the loading door is located, Anna Borges, supervisor the Office of Student Transportation, told School Transportation News.

California is also the only state to require all kindergarten through eighth grade students be escorted by their drivers, when the students must cross the street to and from the school bus to get to or from their homes. In these instances, the Office of Student Transportation clarified that 136 illegal passes were observed, where the motorist or motorist approached the school bus from the front or as oncoming traffic, during afternoon routes. Fifty-nine motorists passed during morning routes and dight during mid-day routes. Motorists passed from the rear of the school bus during escorted routes 104 times in the afternoon, 32 times in the morning, and 10 times at mid-day.

Illegal passes spiked on non-escorted routes, a total of 7,882 instances, or nearly 96 percent of the total observations. This included students who don’t need to cross the street and students in grades 9 through 12.

A total of 1,711 school buses operated by 149 of the California’s 950 school districts that provide home-to-school transportation and 11 private carriers participated in the April 29 count. 

With the correction, NASPDTS said 218,000 illegal passing incidents  report indicates 114,471 school bus drivers, or 31 percent of the nation’s total, reported a total of 69,408 vehicles passed their buses illegally. Adjusting to account for 100 percent all school bus drivers in the U.S., NASDPTS said over 218,000 illegal passing violations could occur on one day, a decrease of 7,000 based on the initial sample previously reported. NASDTPS also extrapolates 1.3 million fewer incidents could occur during a 180-day school year across all 50 states, 39.3 million compared to the original estimate of 40.6 million. While still high, the new figure represents 13-percent fewer illegal passes than the 45.2 million reported for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Even with these corrected numbers the illegal passing of stopped school buses continues to be the greatest safety danger to children,” said NASDPTS President Mike Stier. ”Regardless of the number, 39.3 million violations is simply too many. We continue to encourage each state to raise awareness on this important safety issue and to do everything possible to ensure motorists put the safety of school children first.”

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts nationwide saw the number of illegal passings spike. NASDPTS had previously cited 41.8 million violations occurring using data from the 2019 and 2022 surveys, as the survey was suspended for two years during the height of COVID, when schools nationwide closed their doors and few school buses were on route. The survey returned in 2022.

Meanwhile, the most recent survey indicated 80 percent of the reported illegal passes occurred on the left side of the stopped school bus. More notably, that left almost 20 occurring on the right side of the bus, where the loading doors are located and where students enter and exit.

According to the NASDPTS update, over 50 percent of the observed illegal passes, 33,914 instances, occurred during afternoon routes. About 46 percent, or 31,127 violations, occurred in the morning and 2,217 violations, over 3 percent, occurred during midday routes. Sixty-nine percent of the observed violations, 39,442, were committed by motorists in oncoming vehicles as opposed to 22,203 vehicles, 36 percent, following from the rear.

Georgia led the way with the most school bus drivers participating in the one-day count at 13,468 followed by Tennessee with 11,811 and North Carolina with 10,597.

Related: Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Related: Georgia Gov Signs Law Following Fatal Illegal Passing Incident
Related: Florida Woman Convicted of 2021 Death of Girl at School Bus Stop
Related: Court Overturns Reckless Driving Conviction in Fatal Indiana Illegal Passing Case

The post NASDPTS Revises Illegal School Bus Passing Count After California Fixes Error appeared first on School Transportation News.

His cellphone notification pierced Jim’s normally quiet 6 a.m. coffee time at home. The alert pertained to school bus 12, prompting the transportation director to pull up the live feed from REI’s ARMOR Software Suite on his mobile device.* Because of the bus’s cellular-connected DVR, Jim saw bus 12 on its side along a rural gravel road.

He immediately contacted the driver to confirm everyone’s safety, then called 911. Shortly after, Jim reviewed the video clip that had uploaded to ARMOR Cloud from the DVR.* The cause was apparent: Washed-out gravel from a recent downpour caused the bus to slide off the road and overturn.

Within minutes, he sent video clips to school administrators, answered questions from parents and law enforcement, and did it remotely without leaving home. Additionally, the event video stored automatically and securely in the cloud for future reference. This streamlined process would facilitate speedy event resolution for your operation as well.

While Jim accessed ARMOR Cloud for safety reasons in this instance, the platform also provides additional benefits for transportation departments like yours:

Improved Efficiency

REI’s experienced cloud administrators manage your ARMOR server, licensing, updates and scalability. This removes technical overhead and allows your transportation staff to focus on managing the fleet instead of managing IT.

Reduced Costs

ARMOR Cloud eliminates the need for on-site servers and additional IT resources. REI handles the hosting, infrastructure and personnel needed to keep the system running smoothly.

Easy Access

Fleet data and video clips are uploaded automatically from cellular-connected DVRs and stored in a secure cloud environment. Your staff may access the system 24/7/365 from anywhere with an internet connection to review footage, check alerts, monitor vehicle activities and locations in real time, access REI equipment reports and more.

Data Security

All data and video are backed up in regional and national locations to reduce the risk of loss during power outages, storms or other disruptions.

Reduced Stress

Knowing that experienced IT professionals maintain system performance and protect your fleet data gives you and your team greater peace of mind.

Many school districts around the U.S. currently realize the benefits of ARMOR and ARMOR Cloud and appreciate their abilities to simplify operations. Contact REI today to learn how these solutions could transform your team’s approach to fleet management.

_{*Requires additional hardware and/or specific cellular service plans. Ask for details.}

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post Simplified Fleet Management? appeared first on School Transportation News.

WOODRIDGE, ILL. – Hendrickson announces the official launch of the newest advancements in STEERTEK NXT steer axles on International RH, LT, and MV series trucks and IC Bus CE series buses, expanding the reach of Hendrickson’s next-generation axle technology to even more of the commercial vehicle market. Weight optimization was designed into every component, from axle seat and knuckle castings to axle beam refinements. Proudly fabricated and assembled in the U.S.A., this innovative axle design provides up to 25 pounds of additional weight savings compared to the previous generation, while maintaining its advantages in serviceability, dependability, and maintenance for today’s demanding fleet operations.

With this launch, Hendrickson has expanded its limited warranty coverage for STEERTEK NXT axles with rated capacities of up to 14,600 pounds. The existing 10-year, 1-million-mile limited structural warranty still covers the axle and kingpin assembly, steering arm assembly, and knuckle assemblies. Now, additional warranty coverage on kingpin bushings, kingpin wear, thrust bearings, tie rods, and tie rod ends is included for 5 years or 750,000 miles*.

“The expansion of our STEERTEK NXT advancements to International reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that provide value to fleets,” said Sean Whitfield, Director of Marketing at Hendrickson. “This axle is built to go the distance while making service easier and less frequent, which is a win for both fleets and technicians.”

Key Features and Benefits:

Proudly fabricated and assembled in the U.S.A.
Premium value steer axle at International
Weight savings for improved efficiency and payload capacity
Extended recommended service intervals to help reduce maintenance downtime
Two-piece knuckles for easier, more cost-effective service
Exceptional dependability backed by years of performance in commercial vehicle applications
Superior warranty coverage
*Refer to Hendrickson’s updated STEERTEK NXT/STEERTEK axle warranty statement for complete terms, conditions, and limitations

For more information on the latest STEERTEK NXT axle, visit Hendrickson – STEERTEK NXT / Fabricated Front Steer Axle.

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Woodridge, IL., USA, continues to meet the needs of the transportation industry for more than 110 years. Visit Hendrickson at www.hendrickson-intl.com.

The post Hendrickson Launches the Newest Advancements in STEERTEK NXT at International appeared first on School Transportation News.

School Transportation News sat down with Patrick Duan, Co-CEO at RIDE to learn more about how the electric school bus manufacturer is approaching the North American school bus market and the future of funding.

Duan started his career with parent company BYD in 2004, serving as a design engineer. He continued up the ranks, ultimately serving as the senior vice president of operations. After 20 years with BYD, Duan became the co-chief executive officer of the new RIDE division. He’s held the position for the past two years.

RIDE, which offers purpose built electric school buses, launched its Achiever Type A followed by its Dreamer Type D in 2021. Its Creator Type C officially entered the market last summer, at which point STN EXPO West trade show attendees voted it the Best Green Technology.

Duan discusses the guiding principles of RIDE, the remaining challenges and emerging opportunities of electric school buses, and more.

STN: What inspires RIDE when creating new school buses and technology?

Duan: At RIDE, we develop and deliver innovative transportation technologies designed to positively impact people’s lives, especially those of children, our most important passengers. Inspired by a deep commitment to safety and health, we strive to create solutions that ensure a secure and nurturing journey for the next generation.

STN: What is your long-term vision for the future of school transportation in the U.S., and how does RIDE fit into that picture?

Duan: School transportation will not only be safer, cleaner and more efficient, but it will also contribute to energy resiliency. Battery-electric school buses serve as mobile energy storage units, integrating with local microgrids to support the community’s energy needs.
RIDE emphasizes the innovation of battery technology and integration with charging infrastructure and utility platforms, while maintaining a strong focus on customer support.

STN: What do you see as the advantages of electric school buses, beyond the environmental benefits?

Duan: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). Bi-directional capability allows electric school buses to both draw power from and supply power to the grid. This enables ESBs to act as distributed energy resources, supporting grid stability, peek shaving, and energy storage, making them active participants in modern, flexible grid systems. V2G capability makes ESBs not only cleaner but also more cost-efficient for school transportation by allowing electric school buses to store energy when demand and prices are low and feed that energy back to the grid when demand is high.

STN: What are some of the challenges school districts face when transitioning to electric school buses? How is RIDE helping them overcome those barriers?

Duan: Transitioning to ESBs requires extensive project coordination among key stakeholders, including OEMs, contractors and utility companies. While ESBs offer significant long-term cost savings over traditional powertrains, the initial investment for vehicles, chargers and infrastructure can be substantial. RIDE Eco, a dedicated team supported by a nationwide network of partners, was formed three years ago to deliver turnkey solutions that cover charging infrastructure, technology integration and project financing, simplifying the transition for school districts.

STN: What has customer feedback been on the Type C Creator that STN EXPO West attendees awarded Best Green Technology last year?

Duan: Thank you for the recognition. We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the quiet, smooth operation of the Creator, as well as its versatile range of vehicle sizes and battery capacities. What truly sets the Creator apart is its commitment to safety—featuring the “Blade Battery” design—and our industry-leading, 12-year, 800 MWh throughput battery warranty, providing unmatched long-term value and peace of mind.

STN: Why is the Blade an important long-term technological advancement for RIDE’s electric school buses?

Duan: The new Blade Battery offers exceptional safety and longevity. Built with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, it has passed demanding safety tests—including the nail penetration test—without emitting smoke or fire, showcasing outstanding thermal stability. Its innovative blade-shaped, cell-to-pack architecture eliminates traditional modules, significantly boosting space efficiency and enabling higher volumetric energy density for extended driving range.

STN: Can you share any details of pilot programs or partnerships that you see as proving the business case for electric school buses?

Duan: Since 2024, we have delivered over 160 electric school buses in the U.S. A flagship deployment in Northern California features 75 RIDE Achiever buses equipped with V2G technology. On average, this fleet collectively returns 4.5 MWh of energy to the grid each day—enough to power approximately 150 homes for a full day.

STN: How do you see policy and funding (EPA Clean School Bus Program, state funding, mandates, regulations) playing a role in accelerating the adoption of electric school buses?

Duan: Federal and state-level funding and mandates are essential for accelerating the adoption of ESBs. Programs such as the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program provide substantial grants and rebates that help offset the upfront costs of the vehicles and associated charging infrastructure. In addition, state-level incentives increase affordability and often align with broader climate and transportation goals. States like California have
implemented mandates with clear timelines, creating market certainty for school districts, manufacturers and utility providers.

These funding mechanisms often go beyond vehicle procurement, including support for planning and infrastructure development. This ensures that districts are equipped not only with buses, but also with the necessary charging equipment, workforce training and grid upgrades. Such support is especially critical for enabling advanced technologies like V2G, which require robust infrastructure and coordination across multiple sectors.

STN: How do you see tariffs impacting the industry?

Duan: Tariffs could significantly impact the entire school bus industry and its supply chain. This is particularly true for the rapidly growing ESB sector, where tariffs can create short-term cost pressures and disrupt supply chains. These added costs may slow down deployment and strain school district budgets.

STN: Why did RIDE choose to build up its school bus inventory instead of 100-percent, made-to-order like other OEMs?

Duan: RIDE brings extensive experience in designing and manufacturing a wide range of commercial electric vehicles, including transit buses and coaches—segments that typically operate within a made-to-order, highly customized market. However, when we began developing our school bus platforms several years ago, we recognized a unique opportunity: To standardize the platform design.

This strategic shift has enabled significant improvements in our manufacturing processes, enhancing overall production efficiency, consistency and scalability. By moving away from a fully customized model and adopting a standardized approach for school buses, RIDE is better positioned to meet growing demand, streamline operations and deliver high-quality electric school buses at scale.

STN: What other innovations or trends are you most excited about in the next five years for school bus fleet electrification?

Duan: Two major innovations are poised to redefine the future of electric school bus fleets. First is the mass-market implementation of V2G technology, which positions ESBs as critical assets in energy resilience. By enabling bidirectional charging, school buses can store and return electricity to the grid, supporting peak load management, emergency back up, and greater grid stability.

Second is the integration of advanced driver assistance technologies, a game changer for both safety and operational performance. These technologies enhance driver and passenger safety, improve the overall driving experience, help address the ongoing driver shortage by easing workload, and boost fleet efficiency through features such as automated braking, lane-keeping and collision avoidance.

STN: Thank you.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the June 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success
Related: Funding, Data and Resiliency Needed for Electric School Bus Success
Related: V2G Legislation Looks to School Buses to Help Power Electric Grid
Related: Gallery: Green Buses, Bus Technology Highlighted on STN EXPO West Day 3

The post Going On an Electric RIDE With Patrick Duan appeared first on School Transportation News.

As school transportation departments gear up for the new school year, those with Lion Electric buses have additional challenges: How to address warranties, maintenance and repair concerns in the wake of the company’s financial struggles and recent acquisition by Canadian real estate developer Groupe MACH.

Customers’ worst fears were realized Friday, when Deloitte Restructuring released a letter detailing that all previous warranties for all purchases made outside of Quebec are null and void.

The writing has been on the wall since at least May, said Valerie Tremblay, Green Communities Canada sustainable mobility lead and co-coordinator for the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance. She noted a press release that stated Lion Electric, now branded as Lion, is focusing exclusively on electric school buses, fully assembled locally and intended for the Quebec market.

“This means the company will no longer manufacture other electric vehicles and will limit electric school bus (ESB) sales to Quebec,” she added.

The impact is immense. Lion Electric has more than 2,200 electric commercial vehicles on the roads across North America, logging more than 62,000 miles a week with more than 32 million driven miles transporting 130,000 children, then company spokesman Patrick Gervais said earlier this year.

Herscher CUSD No. 2 district in Herscher, Illinois, already implemented Plan B ahead of Friday’s confirmation letter about voided warranties, said Superintendent Dr. Richard Decman.

“We are working with alternate vendors at the expense of the school district to help keep our electric buses functional and on the road,” Decman noted. “Currently, six of our 25 (Lion) electric buses need some type of repair.”

Lion ESBs represent half of Herscher’s overall fleet of 50 buses. The district had been given $9.875 million for the purchase of 25 electric buses and the related charging stations.

Herscher CUSD is one of many dealing with similar challenges. What started as an effort to replace old diesel school buses with clean and quieter ESBs has turned into a major challenge, both in dealing with Lion Electric as well as with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus program.

Funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program was designed to provide $5 billion from fiscal years 2022 to 2026 to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and clean school buses.

To date, 1,039 awards have been issued to 1,344 school districts and nearly $2.785 billion of the total $5 billion has been awarded, replacing 8,936 buses.

Meanwhile, the EPA stopped accepting applications for the 2024 rebate program on Jan. 14. Originally, awards were to be announced by last month. No additional information has been given about their status.

In a response to School Transportation News Friday, EPA said it, “is not able to offer legal advice to school districts regarding their warranty contracts with Lion Electric” and referred the question to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs, which also said it could not respond to the matter.

Lion also has not responded to STN requests for input.

Meanwhile, Yarmouth School Department in Maine bought two Lion Electric buses in 2023 with a state of Maine grant reimbursing the purchase 100 percent, said Superintendent Andrew Dolloff. The town’s Climate Action Committee prioritized awareness and action pertaining to climate change and use of renewable energy, he noted, adding a quality ESB program aligns with the town’s goal of being carbon neutral in the coming decade.

But the Lion ESBs often display messages indicating heating, electrical or battery problems, necessitating they be pulled out of service. Dolloff said Lion has not responded to the department’s inquiries regarding repairs.

“We’ve had some sporadic service over the past two years, but as soon as the tech leaves, the buses produce error codes again, and then the technician quits or is released, and we wait a few months for the next response,” said Dolloff, adding the buses did not operate during the 2024-2025 school year.

Dolloff previously told STN, “We have asked for the buses to be replaced, not likely, or for compensation to be made so we can purchase others, also not likely, and have communicated with Maine’s Department of Education and the Governor’s Office, who have reached out to the EPA to see if there might be some relief provided through their grant programs.”

Dr. Andrew Brooks, superintendent of schools for the Wethersfield District #230 in Kewanee, Illinois, told STN earlier this year the purchase last fall of three Lion Electric buses was funded by the EPA. Upon finding out Lion was in financial trouble, he reached out to his service contact, who relayed that he had been laid off.

Brooks said the district would seek another supplier, such as Blue Bird, IC Bus or Thomas Built Buses.

Of Los Angeles Unified School District’s 250 electric buses, 28 — about 11 percent of the district’s electric fleet or 2 percent of its total fleet — are Lion Electric ESBs. A spokesperson said Los Angeles Unified is proactively working with vendor partners that have retained qualified technicians and engineering staff with Lion-specific experience to ensure continuity of maintenance and support of the Lion buses.

Looking ahead, the district is working to include long-term maintenance and support requirements for future electric school buses contracts, helping ensure operational stability and vehicle performance across its fleet.

Related: Update: Quebec Government Passes on Saving Lion Electric, Company’s End Imminent
Related: Positive Reinforcement Takes the Wheel: Netradyne Customers Awarded Over 100 Million DriverStars
Related: State Budget Calls for Real-world Range Testing for Electric School Bus Sales

As for Group MACH’s decision to only sell ESBs in Quebec, Tremblay noted the shift appears to be driven by two factors. The first is market concentration. Quebec is home to more than 1,000 Lion buses, making it the largest single jurisdiction for ESBs in North America. She said focusing operations locally allows Lion to maintain service and support for this fleet.

The province also offers targeted incentives, up to $240,000 per ESB assembled in Canada. Lion is one of only two companies eligible for this funding, the other being Type A school bus manufacturer Micro Bird. Until recently, Quebec also mandated that all new school bus purchases be electric. Most U.S. states and other Canadian provinces don’t offer the same level of consistent, per-bus subsidies. Without these incentives, Tremblay said Lion lacks confidence in sustained demand outside Quebec.

She also noted Lion’s press release states that maintenance services in Quebec will resume shortly and warranties for Quebec-based vehicles will be honored. But, she added, not honoring warranties outside Quebec and non-existent or minimal maintenance support “has contributed to the company’s assets being undervalued in its recent acquisition.”

For Lion bus owners outside of Quebec, Tremblay advised school bus operators to review purchase agreements to understand Lion’s contractual obligations regarding warranties and service.

They should contact third-party service providers to explore options for ongoing maintenance and repairs and reach out to dealers or manufacturers to confirm whether they offer service support for Lion ESBs in their region, she added.

While school bus contractor First Student can take on Lion warranty work for a fee, a spokesperson said the company will only offer any EV maintenance work on a case-by-case evaluation basis with school districts.

CALSTART is leading an effort to support school districts affected by the ongoing Lion Electric bankruptcy and subsequent ownership changes, noted Stephanie Ly. senior manager of eMobility strategy and manufacturing engagement for the World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative.

“They are supported by our Electric School Bus Initiative and the Alliance for Electric School Buses,” she added. “CALSTART held a national forum focused on the Lion Electric issue and has an online form for school districts to fill out if they want to receive any potential future guidance or resources.

Ly advised existing Lion electric bus owners to try to ensure they have as many resources as possible to continue operating and maintaining their buses, including keeping documentation such as training materials, owners’ manuals and similar information.

The post New Owner Voids U.S. Warranties of Lion Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

RENO, Nev. — Jim Schiffler, a veteran transportation industry leader, dissected the complex challenges of leadership promotion based on his book “Stepping Up: From Valued Employee to Supervisor.”

Schiffler was literally born into the school bus industry as his father owned a school bus contracting business. He later led two school bus contractor and dealership operations in Minnesota and South Dakota.

“Stepping Up,” which he said is being utilized by multiple organizations as a leadership development resource, is based off his decades of experience in business. It identifies five critical mistakes organizations consistently make when promoting employees to supervisory roles. He shared his perspective and advice for improving employee morale and organizational culture during his morning STN EXPO West general session Tuesday prior to the continuation of the trade show.

Schiffler emphasized that top performers in technical roles — such as mechanics or drivers — do not automatically possess leadership capabilities.

“The best mechanics solve problems independently,” he said. “Leadership requires getting things done through other people.”

Organizations frequently promote long-serving employees or family members without evaluating their leadership capabilities. This approach, Schiffler warned, can create workplace dysfunction, decrease productivity and increase employee turnover.

Undefined role expectations are also a fast route toward dysfunction in the workplace. Without clear job descriptions, new supervisors often default to performing tasks they enjoy rather than responsibilities critical to their role. “Lack of structure breeds uncertainty and underperformance,” Schiffler explained.

Then there is insufficient training of employees to become supervisors in the first place.

Many organizations provide minimal guidance to new supervisors, essentially saying “congratulations and good luck,” he noted. This approach leads to frustration, potential misconduct and potential leadership failure.

Schiffler also recommended weekly one-on-one meetings between new supervisors and their managers to provide immediate feedback, build confidence and reinforce accountability.

Critical skills for supervisors, Schiffler explained, include exceptional communication abilities, public speaking proficiency, performance management, cultural awareness and employee training capabilities.

“Leadership is a calling, not just a job,” Schiffler told the audience. “It’s about inspiring people and helping them through life’s challenges.”

He stressed that creating a people-first workplace culture ultimately drives organizational success, emphasizing empathy, recognition, and consistent communication.

“Building a culture is not a difficult thing, folks,” he added. “It just takes time to think about it.”

An attendee asked for advice on changing what he called “terrible” culture in his school district, where he has only worked for the past five months.

“I would think about calling a meeting and videotaping it. That means everybody hears the same thing because we have different locations. Share with them your observations over the five months you’ve been there,” Schiffler advised. “Let them know that you would like things to be better.”

He also suggested conducting a survey aimed at improving culture, to understand the root causes of the issues and make a commitment to address them. Schiffler also said it is necessary to set clear values and regularly communicate progress to employees. He emphasized the importance of following through on commitments to build trust and improve morale.

Related: Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success
Related: STN EXPO Keynote Reveals the Impact of Simple, Intentional Moments

The post School Transportation Veteran Reveals Critical Management Challenges, Solutions appeared first on School Transportation News.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Netradyne, an award-winning SaaS company setting the standard for safer fleets with the industry’s first AI-powered positive driver recognition system, today announced a significant driver safety achievement: over 100 million DriverStar events have been awarded to professional drivers around the globe. This milestone reflects the strong adoption of Netradyne customers for the Driver•i, safety platform, with Netradyne leading the growing industry shift toward positive recognition as a powerful catalyst for reducing accidents and improving driver safety, engagement, and retention.

Unlike traditional safety models that emphasize violations or risky events, DriverStar focuses on recognizing and reinforcing proactive, safe driving habits as they happen. Built into Netradyne’s Driver•i safety platform, the program utilizes real-time analysis and edge computing to capture positive behaviors and reward drivers for consistent, responsible performance, helping fleets establish a culture rooted in accountability, motivation, and continuous improvement.

What is a DriverStar? Recognizing Safer Driving in Real Time
Drivers are awarded DriverStars for demonstrating strong safety habits while driving. Two of the most common examples include:
Creating Space: When a driver increases their following distance or changes position on the road to avoid potential hazards.
Streaks: Recognizing drivers for completing consecutive days or miles of safe, incident-free driving (examples: distracted, speeding, following distance, and traffic signal compliance)

These recognitions aren’t just a pat on the back. Netradyne’s analysis of customer data reveals that fleets with higher DriverStar activity exhibit fewer risky behaviors and lower overall accident rates.

Recognition that Makes a Difference
Awarding DriverStars is based on a simple yet effective idea: rewarding good behavior motivates drivers to maintain consistency. Instead of focusing only on what went wrong, the program highlights what’s going right. Fleets that use DriverStar often report: Higher driver engagement and morale. Better retention of their safest drivers. A cultural shift toward proactive safety and personal accountability.

“Recognition of safe driving is a reflection of where culture is shifting,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO of Netradyne. “It shows us that safety isn’t just managed from the top down—the drivers themselves own it. And that changes everything.”

Patented Innovation Driving Industry Change
Netradyne’s commitment to recognizing positive driving is grounded in nearly 10 years of acknowledging positive drivers and a robust foundation of intellectual property and patented technology that identifies, analyzes, and rewards positive driving events. This innovation reinforces the company’s belief that building safer fleets starts by recognizing what’s going right, not just what’s going wrong.

Changing Industry Perceptions with Innovations Rooted in Positive Recognition
DriverStars are part of Netradyne’s growing portfolio of patented safety innovations, which are redefining how fleets view safety leadership. By focusing on performance-based coaching and morale-building, Netradyne helps fleets challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the drivers who are actively shaping a culture of safety on the road.

Customer Quotes:

Boyle Transportation, Michael Lasko, VP of Safety and Quality, Trucking & Logistics
“I believe wholeheartedly in Netradyne’s DriverStar Streaks, especially the 25 consecutive stops, 50 consecutive stops, and 75 consecutive stop sign stops. There is a clear connection between low scores and accident frequency; the GreenZone Score is an excellent indicator of risk,” said Michael Lasko, VP of Safety and Quality at Boyle Transportation & Skelton Truck Lines. “Netradyne does an outstanding job of identifying risky behaviors that we previously weren’t identifying with other providers. So, things like positive recognition, from DriverStars that Netradyne has. Our prior experience there was not positive. It was all negative.”

Kutzler Express, Inc. Erin Mitchell, COO
“We’ve got some drivers who installed the app on their phones so that they can understand better how the system works. They think it’s an exciting technology, and it is fun for them to earn DriverStars and be in the Green Zone. They’ve really embraced the safety and gaming aspect of the system,” said Erin Mitchell, COO at Kutzler Express, Inc. “I think that’s a positive interaction around safety, and the culture of safety is what’s exciting. The drivers love the competition, and they love knowing how they’re performing.”

Halvor Lines:
Kendra Payette, Halvor Lines, Senior Safety & Training Manager
“At Halvor Lines, we’ve always believed that safety should be a source of pride, not punishment. With Netradyne’s DriverStar program, our drivers aren’t just monitored—they’re recognized for their skill and decision-making,” said Kendra Payette, Senior Safety & Training Manager at Halvor Lines. “This approach has transformed how our team engages with safety, leading to measurable improvements in performance. Recognizing positive behaviors builds momentum, boosts driver confidence, and fosters a strong culture of accountability. It’s more than technology – it’s a tool that empowers our people.”

Mike Purdun, Halvor Lines, Driver:
“Getting DriverStars feels like someone’s finally noticing the things we do right. Creating space, slowing down, making good calls—it matters, and now it counts for something,” said Mike Purdun Commercial Fleet Driver at Halvor Lines. “It’s a good feeling to be recognized, not just called out when something goes wrong. It motivates me to keep doing things right every mile I drive.”

About Netradyne:
In 2015, Avneesh Agrawal, CEO, and David Julian, CTO, co-founded Netradyne, an award-winning industry leader in AI-powered fleet safety and video telematics solutions. Headquartered in San Diego, with offices in San Francisco and Bangalore, India. Thousands of commercial fleet customers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and India trust Netradyne’s over 850 employees worldwide. Netradyne’s flagship product, Driver i, delivers cutting-edge HD video safety and management technology powered by advanced AI that analyzes every minute of drive time with up to 99% accuracy, recognizing risky and safe driving behaviors. With over 20 billion vision-analyzed driving miles, Netradyne sets the industry standard for fleet safety, empowering commercial fleets of all sizes to enhance driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne is dedicated to improving road safety and efficiency through innovative technology, revolutionizing the transportation industry. For more information about how DriverStar is reshaping fleet safety through positive reinforcement, visit www.netradyne.com.

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RENO, Nev. — The STN EXPO West Trade Show gathered dozens of vendors and hundreds of attendees to connect on the latest in school transportation products and services.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

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David Weber, business development manager for School-Radio, analyzes new bus radio and communication technology solutions that can optimize district operations.

Regional Sales Manager James Holtz gives us a glimpse of the innovative new electric school bus Blade Battery from RIDE.

Amidst rapid developments in the clean fuel school bus market, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, and Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development, present answers from the energy leader.

Director of Transportation Teri Mapengo discusses operations, technology and fostering the kind of positive workplace culture that won Prosper Independent School District in Texas a Top Transportation Teams award at this week’s STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Conversation with RIDE.

Conversation with School-Radio.

Conversation with Cummins

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success appeared first on School Transportation News.