A motorist is late for work and, in a rush, passes a stopped school bus loading children. By doing so, this person is putting children’s lives in danger. Community and political leaders have become increasingly concerned about this issue, and state legislation is addressing the running of school bus stop arms.

An online survey of 2,000 parents and caretakers also indicates increasing concern with their children’s commutes to and from school. In fact, 43 percent said they have observed a “near miss” in a school zone, with one-third saying they saw motorists nearly hit students at school bus stops with the stop-arm extended. Eighty-two percent of those parents said they support safety cameras to monitor and penalize illegal passers. The results come from a survey conducted last year by Verra Mobility.

Educating the public on the importance of school bus safety is an essential goal for Ward Leber, the founder and chairman of the Child Safety Network (CSN), who has worked with the U.S. Senate over the past dozen years to recognize National School Bus Safety Month in September.

Leber said research indicates some motorists who pass stopped buses are just not paying attention. Other people don’t know the dangers present when children are boarding and exiting buses. Even worse, as a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uncovered, many motorists say they don’t care about school buses.

“We are working on a campaign to increase awareness of school bus safety,” Leber added. The football themed “Know When It’s Safe to Pass” PSA is authorized by the Senate resolution and is expected to be released this month to coincide with the Super Bowl. Ward said CSN is working with several well-known professional athletes to create messages to promote the idea that quarterbacks must make correct decisions, especially when the big game is on the line. But illegally passing a stopped school bus is more than a bad mistake. It endangers the lives of children. Leber said he believes motorists must make the right call behind the wheel when they approach school bus stops. And that is to always stop and remain stopped until the flashing red lights and stop arm deactivate.

The CSN campaign also provides free resources that explain in plain language with visuals when it is safe and lawful to pass school buses in either direction. And it seeks to improve how school bus safety is covered on not only state-administered driving tests but internationally as well. Leber said information must be updated to reflect real-world driving situations.

“We intend to ask the U.S. State Department to require basic instruction on school-bus laws for visitors who will be driving in the U.S., and to encourage rental car companies to voluntarily provide school-bus safety information, authored by CSN, particularly to international renters and especially during back-to-school periods,” he added. “This is about removing ignorance as an excuse before it becomes a tragedy.”

The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation is working on this issue and has supported state legislation to increase fines for people who run red lights at stopped school buses. Fines for passing a stopped bus can reach $500.

Katrina Morris, executive director of MAPT, said efforts are underway to educate drivers about the importance of stopping when they see a school bus stop arm through fun, informative PSAs.

She worked last fall with Ryan Preece, a professional NASCAR driver on team RFK Racing owned by Jack Roush, founder of ROUSH Enterprises and the ROUSH CleanTech division, to make a public service announcement on the importance of not passing stopped school buses. As a race car driver, Preece likes to go fast and not stop, the PSA says. It shows him not stopping for a tire change at a pit stop and not stopping for a drink at a roadside lemonade stand, but even he has time to stop when the reds are flashing for a school bus.

Lomas Brown, a retired offensive lineman for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, is currently working with Morris and MAPT to create a similar ad. It states, “When the reds are flashing, there is no passing.”

Morris said MAPT also plans to work with Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan to support legislation he introduced last year with Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, the Brakes for Kids Act, a campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. Peters also co-introduced the School Bus Safety Month proclamation led by CSN and Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

“Parents need to know their kids are safe taking the bus to and from school,” said Peters in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to raise awareness of the dangers of illegally passing school buses and promoting best practices for making our communities safer.”

The Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation is encouraging drivers to stop when they see a school bus with its stop arm out. An important goal is to educate the public about the importance of caring for children. OAPT developed a new safety program and has been working alongside MAPT and its Reece PSA to encourage people not to pass stopped school buses.

The association also promoted legislation to raise fines for people who are caught passing stopped school buses with stop arms out. Ohio school buses are equipped with cameras that capture images of drivers passing stopped school buses, and the photos can be used to issue tickets. The state is providing more grant money that school districts can apply for to purchase cameras.

“We have School Bus Safety Week and have encouraged public school districts to promote bus safety,” said Todd Silverthorn, executive director of OAPT. “We are using social media to get the message across that drivers should not pass stopped school buses.

As part of the new school bus safety grant initiative, a campaign has been launched to promote school bus safety. More efforts are being made to involve law enforcement. Thomas Built Buses has created a campaign that says, “If you pass, you’re an ass,” Silverthorn said.

Meanwhile, the one-day annual survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services reported 67,000 violations observed by 114,000 participating school bus drivers last year. It lead NASDPTS to estimate that millions of incidents occur nationwide each school year and put children at significant risk for injury or death.

Reach Out and Stop Someone
Another measure to reduce stop-arm running is by installing extended stop arms. Child Safety Network’s Ward Leber has worked to create a partnership with one of these providers, BusGates. An important goal of this partnership is to end the millions of illegal school bus passings each year.

BusGates and CSN have developed an LED-lit, stoparm extension that attaches to the stop arm already installed on the school bus. To date, about 5,000 have been installed on school buses in 26 states. When the bus comes to a stop, the extension swings out nearly five feet from the side of the bus, reinforcinga visual and physical barrier that a motorist cannot miss.

This extended stop arm acts like a railroad crossing gate, forcing drivers to stop in advance of the bus, before a violation or resulting collision can occur. Field tests from school districts using BusGates have been promising, with some seeing their daily illegal passing incidents drop from many to zero after the extensions were installed, explained Leber.

“No parent should have to fear for their child’s life at the bus stop. The numbers are staggering, tens of millions of violations each year, and each one is a child’s close call or worse. By partnering with Children Safety Network, BusGates is taking action to ensure every driver gets the message that when a school bus stops, we must all stop,” he added.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the February 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E290) Ideas, People & Solutions: Three-Pronged Approach to ‘Danger Zone’ Safety
Related: WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week
Related: WATCH: West Virginia Releases Illegal Passing Awareness Video
Related: Michigan Association Films Illegal School Bus Passing PSA with NASCAR’s Preece

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A 5-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York, reported CBS News.

According to the news report, the crash happened around 8:35 a.m. in the Village of New Square. Police said preliminary evidence indicates the school bus struck the child and then run over him.

The boywas rushed to Westchester County Medical Center, where officials said they were pronounced dead at approximately 12:15 p.m. The child’s name has not been released.

Investigators said the school bus driver did not initially realize the child had been struck and continued driving until being flagged down, at which point the driver returned to the scene.

The Ramapo Police Crash Investigation Unit responded and is reportedly conducting an extensive investigation, which involves coordination with partner agencies, interviews, scene measurements, data analysis, and vehicle inspections.

Police told local news reporters that the bus company is cooperating with the investigation, and the vehicle will be inspected by the New York State Department of Transportation.

No charges or additional details have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Wisconsin Teen Injured After Being Struck by Pickup While Boarding School Bus
Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York
Related: 11-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in Utah, in Stable Condition
Related: Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus

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Police took a teenager suspected of vehicle theft into custody after a brief pursuit ended in a collision with an Aldine Independent School District school bus near Houston, Texas, reported Fox News.

According to the news report, the incident began around 4:22 p.m. Jan. 27, when a FLOCK license plate camera alerted authorities to a possibly stolen vehicle in northeast Harris County. Sheriff’s deputies located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, prompting the pursuit that lasted approximately five minutes.

The pursuit reportedly ended near Homestead Road and U.S. 59, after the suspect ran a red light and struck the Aldine ISD school bus on its right-rear side.

Aldine ISD said 28 Aldine Middle School students were on board at the time of the crash. Four students were transported to a hospital for evaluation, though authorities did not release details on their conditions.

Investigators said the suspect, believed to be around 17 years old and not named due to their age, was taken into custody at the scene of the crash. The teen was evaluated by EMS, refused treatment and was transported to the Joint Processing Center.

The teen could face felony charges related to possession of a stolen vehicle and firearm, which Sheriff’s deputies also recovered. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Teen Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Student Waiting for School Bus in New York
Related: Teen Charged in Pennsylvania School Bus Shooting, 3 Others Wanted
Related: Maryland Teen Charged as Adult for Attempted Murder on School Bus
Related: Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus

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MESA, Ariz., – As the school year hits a midway point, a recent Verra Mobility 2025-2026 school year survey, issued via Pollfish, reveals that parents and caregivers of school-aged students overwhelmingly support the use of automated enforcement to improve student transportation safety.

The survey, which included 2,000 parents or caretakers of children who walk, drive, are driven, or take transportation to school, showed that many respondents have witnessed near-miss incidents where a student was almost hit in a school zone or near a school bus.

The data points to a pattern of dangerous incidents in school zones and near school buses, and parents’ desire for action:

82% support safety cameras to monitor and penalize drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. 70% of respondents favor automated enforcement in school zones

The response comes as many of these same parents and caregivers have witnessed events that nearly led to student tragedy:

43% have observed a “near miss” in a school zone. 33% have seen a “near miss” surrounding a stopped school bus

Automated enforcement programs have long been proven effective. Verra Mobility program data shows that school bus stop-arm programs have experienced as much as a 50% reduction in violations within just two months of launching the program. As the program continues, 98% of drivers who receive one stop-arm violation don’t receive a second.

Similar success has been experienced with school zone speed safety programs, where programs have experienced a 94 percent reduction in speeding at speed camera locations.

“Parents, educators, and communities share the same priority – keeping students safe,” said David Dorfman, senior vice president, Verra Mobility. “With a large majority of parents supporting automated enforcement in school zones and for school bus stop-arm enforcement, technology offers a proven way to change dangerous driving behaviors and prevent tragedies.”

This data comes as cities and counties across the U.S. are utilizing technology to make a difference. During the 2024-2025 school year, Verra Mobility, which covers more than 250 communities, launched 13 new school zone speed programs, from Memphis, TN, to Poulsbo, WA, in order to deter dangerous driving and protect students.

This trend also reflects concerns from educators and school administrators, with 38% of public-school officials moderately or strongly agreeing that traffic patterns around their schools pose a threat to students’ physical safety during their commute. To combat this, parents are advocating for a holistic safety approach with physical and policy-based improvements such as speed bumps, more crossing guards, better signage and traffic signals.

For more information on how to support safer driving and how to employ safety solutions for your community, visit www.verramobility.com/government.

About Verra Mobility
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter and more connected. The company sits at the center of the mobility ecosystem, bringing together vehicles, hardware, software, data and people to enable safe, efficient solutions for customers globally. Verra Mobility’s transportation safety systems and parking management solutions protect lives, improve urban and motorway mobility and support healthier communities. The company also solves complex payment, utilization and compliance challenges for fleet owners and rental car companies. Headquartered in Arizona, Verra Mobility operates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information, please visit www.verramobility.com.

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Dover Police arrested a 62-year-old man after surveillance footage from inside a school bus allegedly showed him engaging in sex acts in exchange for money, reported WBOC News.

Police took Alvin Rohm into custody following an investigation that began Jan. 6. Police said the incident came to light when a local school district employee was reviewing school bus video footage related to an unrelated matter.

During the review, the employee reportedly discovered video showing Rohm, who was driving the bus at the time, picking up a woman near an intersection. The footage allegedly shows Rohm driving to the area of Jerusalem Way, where he parked the bus and engaged in sexual activity with the woman. Police say via the article that the video also captured an exchange of money.

The footage was reportedly turned over to the Dover Police Department, prompting a criminal investigation. Police arrested Rohm on Jan. 12 and charged him with patronizing a prostitute within 1,000 feet of a school, residence, church, or place, as well as lewdness.

Police emphasized that Rohm was an employee of an unnamed school bus contractor company ad not the school district. Rohm was released on bond. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related: New York School Bus Aide Accused of Sexual Assault
Related: Former Massachusetts School Bus Driver Facing Charges of Sexual Assault
Related: Former Ohio School Bus Driver Indicted on Over 80 Counts of Rape, Sexual Battery

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ALBANY, N.Y.,– The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Love the Bus digital toolkit and campaign guide, now available for download on the official Love the Bus webpage. This year’s resources are designed to help schools, districts, and transportation professionals celebrate the vital role student transportation plays in education and community life throughout February and beyond.

The celebration begins this Sunday, February 1, marking the start of Love the Bus Month and launching a year-long initiative that underscores the significance of the school bus and the vital role it plays in education.

“Love the Bus Month sets the stage for a year of positive national focus on the importance and value of the school transportation industry,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, NAPT CEO and Executive Director. “Our Love, Delivered. campaign empowers our members and partners with tools, templates, and messaging to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and impact of transportation teams everywhere. We encourage school districts, associations, and community leaders to leverage these resources, not just in February but as the foundation for ongoing recognition and engagement.

Love the Bus celebrates the trusted yellow school bus and the professionals who safely deliver students to school each day, while highlighting the critical connection between safe transportation and educational access. The toolkit includes ready-to-use graphics, social media templates, press materials, certificates, and ideas to create vibrant, visible campaigns at the district, school, and community levels.

“Behind every safe ride is a team of professionals who care deeply about students and the communities they serve,” said Keith Kaup, President of NAPT. “Love the Bus Month is a chance for communities to come together and recognize the people who make safe student transportation possible every day. When we support and appreciate these teams, we strengthen not only our transportation systems, but the connection between schools and the communities they serve.”

NAPT invites members, school transportation professionals, and industry partners to share their Love the Bus activities, photos, and stories on social media throughout February using #LoveTheBus and tagging/mentioning the association. These shared moments help amplify appreciation for student transportation nationwide, and NAPT will look to spotlight selected stories on a larger scale, including through its official publication, School BUSRide, extending the celebration and recognition even further.

We encourage districts to take advantage of these opportunities offered in the digital toolkit. Learn more and get instant access to the toolkit and guide.

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The annual school bus inspection training that goes above and beyond state and federal Department of Transportation requirements brings back OEM training and looks to add post-crash inspection criteria in addition to hands-on detection of defects

Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey for the South Carolina Department of Education, the in-depth training at STN EXPO East starts with classroom instruction on Friday, March 27. The eight-hour training will also include a written exam.

On Saturday, mechanic and technician participants will be transported to a local school district in Charlotte, North Carolina for the hands-on training. The day starts with an overview of high-voltage school bus electrification followed by instruction on finding real defects on real school buses. Class attendees will learn how to avoid costly repairs with early detection, which also leads to less vehicle downtime and a more efficient school bus maintenance schedule in the garage.

OEM training on propane-autogas systems inspections, wheelchair lift inspections, and more will follow the hands-on portion. Blue Bird, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses confirmed their participation.

New this year is a planned Sunday half-day seminar on school bus inspections following a crash to determine cause.

Meanwhile, the inspection training is designed based on best practices from the South Carolina Department of Education, which operates the only state-owned and operated fleet in the country. The department’s maintenance team, which serves as the hands-on inspection and classroom instructors at STN EXPO East, was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 Garage Stars last August by School Transportation News. Participants of the training will be learning directly from some of these recognized student transportation professionals.

School bus inspection training class size is limited to 50 participants to ensure the instructors will be able to provide a thorough training experience for everyone registered. Separate registration and fee are required to attend.

Save $100 on conference registration by registering before Feb. 14. Find the full conference agenda, list of unique trainings and experiences, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Agenda Addresses Industry Challenges, Outlines Innovative Solutions
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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A New Orleans school bus driver disappeared after walking away from a bus carrying six students following a reported verbal conflict, leaving the children alone for more than 20 minutes, reported 4WWL News.

According to the news report, the incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. Surveillance footage shared with local news reporters by a nearby convenience store shows the school bus pulling over at approximately 7:59 a.m.

About three minutes later, the driver is seen exiting the bus, crossing the street, and walking in the direction of I-10. The driver remains visible in the video for several minutes before leaving the frame entirely.

During that time, the abandoned students, ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, can be seen moving around inside the bus through its windows. Authorities say via the article that the children were left unattended for approximately 22 minutes before a New Orleans Police Department unit arrived at the scene with emergency lights activated.

Over the next 45 minutes, additional officers responded, and the students were gradually escorted off the bus. At 9:12 a.m., someone drove the bus away from the location.

The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that around 11 a.m. that the school bus driver had not yet been located. Later in the day, officials said they could no longer comment on the case because it had become part of a child abuse investigation.

Police reportedly confirmed that none of the students were injured during the abandonment. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Georgia School Bus Driver Arrested for DUI With Students on Board
Related: Ohio Parents Sue School District After 6-Year-Old Left on Bus for Hours
Related: 6-Year-Old Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: Mississippi Student Left on Bus for Hours

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Recently, I took inventory of the number of school transportation cases in which I have served as an expert witness, beginning in 1993, for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. An overwhelming and tragic theme that caught my attention was seen in my first expert witness case over 33 years ago and my most recent expert witness case last year. Both concerned sexual assaults that occurred on school transportation vehicles.

My first expert witness case involved the sexual assault of a student with disabilities by a substitute school bus driver, and my most recent case involved the sexual assault of an intellectually disabled student by an emotionally disabled student on a school bus. I reflected on why I have been so reluctant to write about sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, despite my knowledge about this area of school transportation. Frankly speaking, it is difficult, awkward and unpleasant to speak about this topic. However, it is necessary to do so.

My expert witness work over three decades covers unwanted, forced, non-consensual sexual assaults committed on school transportation vehicles. These sexual assaults have been performed by transportation personnel including full-time and substitute drivers and attendants as well as students on students. The victims have included young children and school-age students with disabilities transported on the same vehicle serving regular and special education students, transportation vehicles serving exclusively students with disabilities, taxi’s transporting one or more special needs students to and from school, high school students with disabilities utilizing mass transit buses, alternative school transportation vehicles, extracurricular school activity vehicles, and school-sponsored field trip transportation vehicles.

Strikingly, it is evident that school transportation is not exempt from sexual assault. It is no secret that sexual assault too often leads to life-long devastating consequences both physically and psychologically for child victims. It is essential that school transportation industry leadership and interdisciplinary colleagues collaboratively address preventing sexual assault on school transportation vehicles. A comprehensive review of the literature on sexual assault occurring on school transportation vehicles is unavailable. However, there is literature and resource documents addressing significant increases in sexual assault in school settings in recent years.

Ongoing and frequent media coverage regarding sexual assault on school transportation vehicles is inescapable. From my perspective, this critical and disturbing issue is not sufficiently spoken about or attended to promptly. For victims of sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, every second makes a difference.

Preventing sexual assault from occurring in school transportation vehicles demands urgently enhancing awareness about sexual assault as a part of school transportation personnel training. Focused sexual assault training should occur prior to new employees transporting students and on a regularly scheduled basis thereafter. Too often school districts mistakenly assume if drivers and/or attendants have undergone a criminal background check, mandated under federal and state law, this level of scrutiny will prevent sexual assault from taking place on a school transportation vehicle. This assumption is not convincingly valid based on numerous cases in which I have served as an expert witness.

From my experience, some observable things that are making a difference in preventing sexual assault on school transportation vehicles include:

Establishing in writing, disseminating and instructing all transportation personnel regarding approved school board policies and procedures that define and address
sexual assault on school transportation vehicles.

Establishing and disseminating age-appropriate clear student communication about what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior on school transportation vehicles, specifically addressing bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Prior to dissemination, this information should be approved by the school board and then disseminated. It is imperative to fully understand the ability and limitations of all students to understand this information. This requires establishing realistic expectations for children with disabilities, including limitations to comprehend inappropriate sexual behavior based upon individual disabilities. Unequivocally, appropriate levels of supervision on all school transportation vehicles are not an option but a necessity, especially for protecting children with disabilities.

Related: Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs

Utilizing surveillance cameras on school transportation vehicles to monitor any suspected inappropriate sexual behavior and/or potential sexual assaults. This should take place on a scheduled basis. Surveillance cameras can serve as an invaluable preventive measure.

School transportation personnel, parents and students alike should be informed about the use of surveillance cameras to monitor behavior during school transportation.

Providing transportation personnel with specific instructions about the necessity for utilizing appropriate adult supervision on school transportation vehicles. This includes both drivers and attendants. It is essential to include substitute transportation personnel with the same level of instruction. A recommended best practice instructional strategy is the provision of scenarios for group discussion and learning.

Timely scheduled training should be provided for all transportation personnel and students alike to recognize and prevent sexual assault. The reporting of inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual assault on school transportation vehicles should be encouraged. Transportation personnel and students should not have to fear retaliation. Confidentiality is essential when inappropriate sexual behavior is reported. School board approved policies and procedures to support peers looking out for one another should be encouraged.

High-back seats are an obstacle for observing inappropriate sexual behavior and/or sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, during the time the vehicle is in operation or stopped. Additional deliberation regarding this unanticipated complication is necessary.

The challenge of preventing and reducing sexual assaults on school transportation vehicles requires shared awareness and the commitment of school transportation personnel, educators and interdisciplinary stakeholders.

I suggest the industry consider forming a task force to address sexual assault on school transportation vehicles to further identify and implement plausible solutions for this well-known but often unspoken subject matter. It is not possible to overstate the unique environment of a school transportation vehicle, including seating in confined spaces and the inability to supervise riders seated behind the driver. Let’s not miss out on a timely opportunity to make a difference.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the January 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

Linda Bluth is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is an NAPT Hall of Fame member, a tenured faculty member for TSD Conference, and a regular contributor to School Transportation News.

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A registered sex offender was arrested after allegedly trespassing a Brunswick County Schools bus, according to court documents, reported WECT.com

John Phillip Colombo, 45, of Winnabow, is facing a felony charge of unlawfully being on child premises as a registered sex offender, along with a misdemeanor charge of trespassing to impede school bus operations.

According to the news report, Colombo unlawfully entered a Bolivia Elementary School bus Jan. 16, while students were on board. Court documents reportedly state that Colombo is required to register as a sex offender due to a prior conviction in another state for an offense substantially similar to indecency with a child involving sexual contact.

In a statement to local news reporters, Brunswick County Schools said the incident occurred on a morning bus route when Colombo briefly boarded the bus and spoke with the driver regarding a seating concern involving his child. The district said he entered the interior of the bus and exited shortly afterward.

School officials said the bus driver followed established transportation safety protocols by activating the onboard alert and recording system, which documented the incident and immediately notified appropriate personnel. Students were on board at the time, and district officials said student safety was not compromised.

A student later alerted school administration upon arrival at school, allowing administrators to follow established procedures. The alert system also notified the School Resource Officer, who is coordinating with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office as part of an ongoing investigation.

“All applicable safety procedures were followed appropriately and functioned as designed,” the district told reporters, adding that staff and students are regularly trained on safety protocols to ensure incidents are reported and addressed quickly.

Due to the active nature of the investigation, Brunswick County Schools said it cannot provide additional details at this time and emphasized that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains its highest priority.

The felony charge stems from Colombo’s alleged presence on school premises while being a registered sex offender. The misdemeanor charge alleges that he impeded the operation of a public school bus by walking onto the vehicle while it was transporting students.

Colombo was scheduled to appear in Brunswick County District Court on Jan. 20.

Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Man Arrested for Throwing Rock at School Bus, Fracturing 8-Year-Old Girl’s Skull
Related: Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing a School Bus in New Mexico
Related: New York Man Arrested for Speeding Past a Stopped School Bus

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Standing on a platform at a Bahnhof or train station in Germany early one morning, watching students filter onto a regional train with backpacks slung over their shoulders, it struck me just how different pupil transportation is here compared to what I have spent most of my career studying and teaching in the U.S. No flashing lights. No crossing arms. No dedicated “school-only” environment. Just students, moving confidently and independently through a public transportation system designed to include them.

In Germany, pupil transportation is not treated as a specialized service owned and operated by schools. Instead, it is understood as a shared civic responsibility. One woven into the fabric of public infrastructure, reinforced by law, education and cultural expectations. The result is a system that looks radically different from the yellow-bus model most Americans know, yet functions with remarkable efficiency and safety.

One of the most noticeable differences I encountered was how heavily Germany relies on public transportation—known broadly as Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr (ÖPNV)—to move students. In cities and suburbs alike, students routinely use Linienbusse (city buses), Straßenbahnen (trams), U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems, and Regionalzüge (regional trains). These are not “student-only” vehicles. They are the same systems used by office workers, retirees and tourists.

Students who qualify for transportation assistance receive a Schülerticket or Jugendticket, subsidized or fully funded by local municipalities (Kommunen) or the federal states (Länder). In many regions, these passes are valid beyond school hours, reinforcing the idea that mobility is part of daily life—not a narrowly defined school function.

As I observed students navigating routes and transfers, it became clear that independence is not optional here. It is expected. Even younger students demonstrate a working knowledge of timetables (Fahrpläne), platform signage and transfer points. This competence does not appear by accident. Verkehrserziehung—traffic and transportation education—is introduced early in German schools and reinforced repeatedly as children grow.

The Differences of U.S. Yellow School Bus Transportation

Back home in the U.S., pupil transportation is far more centralized and tightly controlled. School districts typically operate or contract dedicated fleets governed by extensive regulations at both the federal and state levels. American school buses are marvels of passive safety engineering, built to protect students even in hostile traffic environments. However, this model also ties student mobility to specialized vehicles, specialized drivers and funding streams that are increasingly fragile.

In Germany, the focus shifts away from specialized vehicles and toward system-wide safety design. Around schools, I consistently saw Tempo-30-Zonen. Reduced speed zones enforced not just by signage, but by roadway narrowing, raised crosswalks and visual cues that force drivers to slow down. Fußgängerüberwege (pedestrian crossings) are clearly marked, well lit, and treated seriously by drivers.

Cycling infrastructure is another major pillar. Germany’s Radwege—dedicated bicycle lanes—are often physically separated from vehicle traffic, not merely painted lines on asphalt. Students cycling to school are not treated as anomalies. They are anticipated users of the transportation system.

In the U.S., safety strategies often compensate for infrastructure shortcomings by relying heavily on the school bus itself. Stop arms, flashing lights and strict loading procedures act as mobile safety zones. In Germany, safety is embedded into the environment long before a student ever steps onto a vehicle.

Walking and cycling to school are not fringe behaviors here, rather they are normalized. Younger students often walk together along designated Schulwege (school routes), sometimes participating in what Germans call a Laufbus, the equivalent of a “walking bus.” These routes are mapped, communicated to families, and designed to minimize risk exposure.

Older students routinely travel alone, whether on foot, by bike, or via public transit. While this level of independence might raise eyebrows in the U.S., in Germany it is viewed as a critical developmental step. Children are taught how to assess risk, not avoid it entirely.

Dedicated school buses—Schulbusse—do exist in Germany, primarily in rural regions where public transit coverage is limited. However, even these buses look different from their American counterparts. They are often standard coaches or city buses with minimal external markings. They lack stop arms or specialized lighting systems, reinforcing the notion that responsibility for student safety does not rest solely on the vehicle.

This difference is jarring for American professionals, but it reflects a deeper cultural expectation: All road users share responsibility for safety, and traffic laws are consistently enforced. German driver training standards are rigorous, and compliance with Verkehrsregeln (traffic rules) is culturally ingrained.

Special needs transportation further illustrates Germany’s integrated approach. Students with disabilities receive individualized transportation accommodations arranged through municipal authorities in coordination with social services, not solely through school systems. This may involve specialized vehicles, door-to-door service or escorted travel on public transit depending on need.

Accessibility is treated as a societal obligation rather than an educational exception. In the U.S., special education transportation is often managed almost entirely by school districts, adding complexity and cost to already strained systems. Germany distributes that responsibility across public institutions.

Related: Pupil Transportation Around the World: A Comparative Look at the U.S. and Colombia
Related: Pupil Transportation Around the World: A Comparative Look at the U.S. and India
Related: What Differs Between Pupil Transportation in the U.S. and the U.K.?

Lessons Learned

Perhaps the most important lesson I took from being in Germany is philosophical. The German pupil transportation system assumes that safety is created through design, education and accountability — not isolation. Students are not shielded from the transportation system. They are trained to function within it.

In the U.S., we often build systems designed to protect students from risk. Germany builds systems designed to reduce risk at its source. That difference matters. Especially as U.S. districts face driver shortages, rising costs and expanding safety mandates.

Germany’s model is not directly transferable to every American community. Many U.S. regions lack the density, transit infrastructure or legal frameworks to replicate it wholesale. Rural geography, suburban sprawl and fragmented governance present real challenges. But the value lies in the comparison.

By studying Germany’s use of ÖPNV, Schulwegplanung (school route planning), Verkehrserziehung, and integrated accessibility models, U.S. transportation leaders can identify concepts—not replicas—that may strengthen our own systems. Infrastructure investment, early safety education, shared responsibility, and multimodal planning all have a place in the American conversation.

Being in Germany reminded me that pupil transportation is not just about moving students. It is about shaping how young people engage with their communities. When transportation is treated as a shared civic responsibility rather than a standalone service, students gain more than a ride. They gain independence, situational awareness and confidence that extends far beyond the school day.

Watch for my next article in this series, where we travel “down under” to explore how Australia conducts pupil transportation.

Bret E. Brooks is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international consulting and training firm specializing in transportation safety and security. He is a keynote speaker, author of multiple books and articles, and has trained audiences around the world. He can be reached at BretBrooks@GrayRamTacticalTraining.com.

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A school bus driver in Oneida County died Jan. 5 after suffering a medical emergency and crashing into a snowbank, reported Syracuse News.

The crash was reported around 12:25 p.m. at the intersection of state routes 31 and 365 in the town of Verona, police said. Troopers confirmed that no students were on the school bus at the time of the incident.

State police spokesperson Trooper Jennifer Jiron said the bus driver was traveling west on Route 31 when he experienced a medical emergency and collapsed. The bus then left the roadway and came to rest on a snowbank.

Two other adults, a second bus driver and a school bus aide, were also on board. Neither was reportedly injured. Police said the two attempted to stop the bus, called 911 and began CPR on the driver.

The driver was transported to Oneida Health Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The driver’s identity has not yet been released. First Student reportedly owns the school bus and was operating under contract with the Rome City School District.

Authorities reported no damage to the bus. The incident remains under investigation.

Related: Oklahoma Student Hailed Hero After Helping Bus Driver During Medical Emergency
Related: Brother and Sister Help Save School Bus Driver During Medical Emergency in Ohio
Related: Massachusetts School Bus Driver Crashes into Trees Due to Medical Emergency
Related: Maine School Bus Driver Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency

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NEW YORK, N.Y. Zenobē, a global leader in fleet electrification, has partnered with Educational Bus Transportation, Inc. (EBT), a school transportation provider in New York’s Nassau and Suffolk Counties, on a fleet electrification project serving Long Island’s Copiague Public Schools.

The project encompasses an initial phase of 10 electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. The 10 electric school buses will be placed into service and provide clean zero-emission transportation for the district’s 4,500 kindergarten through 12th grade students. It is supported by the New York School Bus Incentive Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Zenobēprovided additional funding.

Zenobē will develop and manage the charging infrastructure at the site, which will include a scalable design that allows EBT, and its managing company The Trans Group, to continue expanding the electric fleet. The Trans Group companies currently own and operate over 1,400 buses across the pupil transportation and transit sectors.

“As a long-time provider of transportation services to Long Islanders, we’re excited to continue the process of bringing clean school buses to our students and drivers,” said Tim Flood, Executive Vice President, The Trans Group. “The combination of NYSERDA funding and Zenobē’s experience and knowledge are vital to keep our successful transition to clean rides for our students on track.”

“We look forward to supporting EBT and The Trans Group and being a part of New York State’s ambition to progress toward cleaner and healthier student transportation options,” said Maggie Clancy, Executive Vice President for Zenobē. “We see our role as providing more than just technical services and support. We’re delivering confidence and peace-of-mind through battery performance guarantees, cost-efficient charge management services, and partnership to make this fleet both operationally reliable and financially sustainable.”

As part of the turnkey fleet electrification services provided to EBT, Zenobē will manage the fleet’s batteries and charging infrastructure and guarantee performance, ensuring that EBT’s buses are at-the-ready for their required routes and the important job of transporting students safely to school. To futureproof the depot, EBT and Zenobē are working closely with the local power provider to coordinate power availability to serve the fleet as it expands.

NYSERDA Director of Clean Transportation Adam Ruder said, “NYSERDA is proud to support Educational Bus Transportation and its partner Zenobē to bring electric school buses to Long Island’s Copiague Public Schools. Together we are ensuring that students and the communities they live in benefit from clean vehicles that reduce pollution and improve air quality.”

“This project shows how private capital and public funding can work together to accelerate transport decarbonization,” said Shreya Malik, Managing Director at KKR, an investor in Zenobē. “Zenobē’s strategic partnership with EBT demonstrates how proven fleet electrification platforms can help operators meet state mandates while delivering affordable, cleaner and more sustainable transportation for local communities. We’re proud to support Zenobē as it scales its solutions across North America.”

Programs such as the New York School Bus Incentive Program, funded by New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, when paired with technology solutions from the private sector and other resources like Zenobē’s private capital and expertise, are putting more electric school buses on New York State’s roadways.

About Zenobē Energy Ltd. (Zenobē):
Zenobē is a global EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist. The company began operations in 2017 and now employs >380 FTEs with a wide range of leading skills including electrical engineering, software development, computer sciences and financing. Zenobēsupports over 3,400 electric vehicles across 122 depots globally and is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Zenobē is also the leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the Great Britain transmission network with >1GW of battery storage assets in operation or under construction. Zenobē’s North American headquarters are in Chicago with a subsidiary office in New York and it is actively hiring in Canada and the U.S. For more information visit Zenobe.com or LinkedIn.

About EBT and The Trans Group:
EBT (Educational Bus Transportation, Inc.) provides public school transportation for school districts in Nassau County and western Suffolk County, NY, including Copiague, Massapequa, Amityville, Seaford, Wantagh, Farmingdale, South Huntington, Half Hollow Hills, Bethpage, Hicksville and Western Suffolk BOCES. It is a managed entity of The Trans Group which provides transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in lower New York State and Long Island. With more than 1,300 vehicles and over 2000 employees, The Trans Group is actively involved in the school bus industry on the state and federal level. For more information visit: thetransgroup.com.

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A routine ride home from school last month quickly turned into a moment of heroism when a Sand Springs school bus made an unexpected stop after the driver experienced a medical emergency. Thanks to the quick-thinking of a 9-year-old student, help arrived promptly and all students remained safe, reported News on 6.

It was a normal school bus ride for fourth-grader Kane Lee was until he noticed something was wrong. After the bus driver pulled over, Kane walked to the front of the vehicle and immediately realized the driver was unable to speak and needed help.

“She couldn’t talk, and I could tell by her face and stuff that she needed me to call someone,” Kane told local news reporters. “So, I called 911.”

Despite feeling scared, Kane stayed by the driver’s side until emergency responders arrived. “I didn’t want her to, like, pass out when I went back to my seat,” he said.

Kane also reportedly helped manage the situation inside the bus, comforting younger, frightened students alarmed by the sudden stop.

“Little kids were scared, so I gave them hugs,” he said. “Some of my other friends was quieting people down.”

All the students were safe, and a replacement bus driver arrived to complete the route. While the district had not released details about the original bus driver’s condition at this report, officials said they notified parents about the incident and praised the students for their calm and responsible actions.

District leaders specifically commended Kane for his bravery and presence of mind during the emergency.

“I just felt good that I could help,” Kane told local news reporters.

Related: Louisiana School Bus Driver Hailed Hero
Related: Brother and Sister Help Save School Bus Driver During Medical Emergency in Ohio
Related: Teens Hailed Heroes in Kentucky School Bus Crash
Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire

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A Tampa-area school bus aide has been arrested after authorities say he struck a 9-year-old student with autism multiple times during a bus ride.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded Jan. 9 shortly after 3 p.m. to Cypress Creek Elementary School in Ruskin following a report of possible child abuse. Investigators said the child’s mother reported that her son, who is nonverbal and has autism, may have been abused while on the school bus.

Deputies identified the suspect as James Savage, 79, a school bus aide for Hillsborough County School District. Investigators allege that Savage on at least one occasion struck the child on the hand and slapped him in the face with a hat. Interior bus video footage shows Savage smacking the top of the student’s hand before removing his hat and using it to slap the left side of the child’s face.

The school bus aide was arrested and now faces a charge of child abuse

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting children in school settings.

“Any form of abuse against a child is completely unacceptable,” Chronister said in a statement. “Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being. Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials did not release additional details about the incident or whether further charges could be filed.

Related: 3-Year Prison Sentence for School Bus Aide Convicted in Choking Death
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Teen Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Student Waiting for School Bus in New York
Related: Colorado School District Pays $16.2M for Abuse of Student by Bus Attendant

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New Jersey police arrested a man alleged to have thrown a rock that seriously injured an 8-year-old girl aboard a school bus in Bergen County, reported Jpost News.

Police took Hernando Garcia Morales, 40, into custody following an investigation into multiple rock-throwing incidents in the area. Morales is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering apprehension.

The most serious incident occurred Wednesday as a school bus transporting third-grade students from the Yeshivat Noam Jewish school exited the New Jersey Turnpike. Police said the thrown rock shattered a bus window and struck the young girl, which fractured her skull. The child’s condition remained unknown at this report following hospitalization.

Law enforcement and school officials said there is currently no known motive behind the attack and would not refer to it as a hate crime at this report. Authorities emphasized the bus did not have markings identifying it as a school bus or as belonging to a Jewish school. School officials urged caution against speculation and continued working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation, which is ongoing.

The arrest followed reports of similar rock-throwing incidents in Bergen County, which investigators linked to Morales.

“Throwing stones at vehicles is not harmless mischief. It is a violent act that can maim or kill,” said Phil Rosen, chair of the World Jewish Congress American Section. “When an object is hurled at a bus full of children, the intent is to cause fear and injury. That is terror, and it must be condemned clearly and without qualification.”

Related: South Carolina School Bus Driver Arrested, Charged with Solicitation of a Minor
Related: Teen Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Student Waiting for School Bus in New York
Related: Louisiana Child Hit by Truck, 19-Year-Old Driver Arrested
Related: Florida School Bus Attendant Arrested for Inappropriate Behavior with Young Girls

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A former Littleton Public Schools bus aide has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from the abuse of at-risk students, including a nonverbal child with autism, after disturbing video evidence came to light, reported Fox 31.

Kiarra Jones reportedly accepted a plea agreement Jan. 5 that includes 10 counts of third-degree assault of an at-risk individual and two counts of child abuse. One additional charge was dismissed as part of the agreement. The case followed the release of a video in 2024 showing Jones punching and stomping on a nonverbal student while the child was riding a school bus to the Joshua School, which serves students on the autism spectrum.

Following the video’s release, additional families came forward with allegations the aide was abusing their children. The law firm representing three of those families said the abuse occurred over several months. Attorneys reported numerous warning signs, including behavioral changes and physical injuries such as unexplained bruises, scratches, a lost tooth, a broken toe, a black eye, and deep bruising on students’ bodies and feet.

“Each one of us have kids that get scared every time they see a school bus driving by,” said Kevin Yarbrough, the father of one of the students. “My son still walks with a limp from what she did to my kid, so this is going to be a lifelong process. There were obvious systemic failures, and we want more people to be held accountable.”

Attorneys for the families have alleged that Littleton Public Schools failed to protect the students, stating that district officials reviewed bus video footage in 2024 and concluded there was no cause for concern. Parents said they requested an investigation for months before action was taken.

“This should not have gone on as long as it did,” Yarbrough said. “We are going to make sure people are held accountable.”

Jones did not comment as she left the courtroom.

Jones had previously pleaded not guilty in August 2024 to 11 counts but reportedly accepted the plea agreement ahead of her scheduled trial, which was set to begin Monday. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18. According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, each felony count carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison.

Related: Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus
Related: Indiana 15-year-old Accused of Sexual Assault on Ohio School Bus
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released preliminary information from an investigation into the death of a 5-year-old boy who was dragged 280 feet and killed after the school bus loading doors closed on his arm.

It was at least the third time a student dragging occurred in Maine since 2022.

The latest incident involved a Maine School Administrative District #6 school bus. It  stopped to pick up students the morning of Dec. 16 on Route 35, a two-lane undivided highway with a posted speed limit of 35 mph in the Cumberland County town of Standish. The roadway was partially wet at the time.

The 2022 Blue Bird school bus stopped near the intersection of Route 35 and Route 114, where a 7-year-old student boarded. The 5-year-old boy, identified by local news reports as Simon Gonzalez, followed and approached the loading doors from the rear of the bus. As the kindergartener extended his left arm into the bus, NTSB said, the doors closed. The school bus driver then proceeded to drive away with Gonzalez’s arm pinned.

Preventing School Bus Snagging and Dragging

‘Check the Door Once More’ to Avoid School Bus Dragging Incidents

The bus dragged the boy about 280 feet southbound on Route 35 before he dislodged and fell into the roadway. The school bus then ran over him and killed him. The school bus driver and the 7-year-old student, who local news reported is Gonzalez’s half-brother, did not sustain physical injuries during the incident.

NTSB said all aspects of the crash remain under investigation while determining probable cause. It also intends to issue safety recommendations, to prevent a similar incident from occurring.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police and Maine Department of Transportation are assisting in the investigation.

Related: School Bus Driver Pleads Guilty in 2016 Student Dragging Death
Related: Indiana Student Dragged Down Street by School Bus
Related: Maine Student Caught in School Bus Door is Dragged Down the Road
Related: ‘Check the Door Once More’ to Avoid School Bus Dragging Incidents

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Police arrested an 18-year-old Odem Independent School District student following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault that reportedly occurred on board a district school bus last month, reported KIII-TV 3 News.

The alleged incident took place on Dec. 9, as students were returning from a basketball game in Hebbronville. Officials reported that a juvenile student was assaulted during the school bus trip. The sheriff’s office was notified of the allegation on Dec. 12, prompting an investigation.

Investigators conducted a forensic interview with the juvenile victim and gathered evidence as part of the inquiry. The investigation established sufficient probable cause to arrest Christopher Jacob Soto, 18.

Soto is charged with indecency with a child, a second-degree felony. A magistrate set his bond at $75,000, authorities confirmed.

The San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office stated the case remains under review by the San Patricio County District Attorney’s Office, and additional arrests are possible as investigators continue to evaluate statements and evidence.

Officials said no further details would be released at this time due to the victim’s age and nature of the charge.

Related: Missouri Parent Boards School Bus, Tells Child to Assault Another Student
Related: Indiana 15-year-old Accused of Sexual Assault on Ohio School Bus
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its website with a statement that a “revamped and modernized Clean School Bus Program” is coming soon.

The five-year, $5-billion fund has been on hiatus since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office last January, days after the application period for the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebates closed.

But funding ground to a halt, leaving hundreds of school districts waiting to see if their electric and propane school bus projects could continue.

EPA said last summer it has been working with school districts to award rebate and grant awards for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, while holding off on providing details for new funding, pending a program review. The new website statement, reiterated to School Transportation News by the EPA press office, indicates an update on the Clean School Bus Program is in the works.

“EPA is actively reviewing and revamping the Clean School Bus Program in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy to ensure hard-earned American tax dollars are being put to the best use possible and not frivolously wasted as was often the case under the previous administration,” the statement reads. “Under Administrator [Lee] Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is committed to being exceptional stewards of taxpayer dollars and delivering measured results for American families, while still fulfilling Congressional intent. Administrator Zeldin has cancelled roughly $30 billion in wasteful grants and contracts since being confirmed as EPA Administrator. EPA anticipates providing additional information about the revamped and modernized Clean School Bus Program in the near future.”

The EPA website says 1,152 school districts have received 888 awards valued at over $2.62 billion to replace 8,236 school buses. The World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative indicates via its Electric School Bus Data Dashboard that over 2,000 of those are electric school buses in operation or on order. Electric school buses have accounted for about 95 percent of Clean School Bus Program awards to date.

Related: Future of Clean School Bus Program?
Related: Deploying Electric School Buses in Rural and Suburban Districts
Related: New Resource Helps Connecticut Districts Transition to Electric School Buses
Related: Transportation Director Shares How Propane Buses Benefit Special Needs Routes

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