While Brabus is best known as a premier aftermarket Mercedes-Benz tuner, it has also maintained a 50:50 joint venture with Daimler since 2001, channeling its expertise into customizing models from the Smart family. Brabus, the same brand responsible for turning AMG monsters into even bigger monsters, has now turned its attention to the Smart #3 that benefits from a raft of modifications.

It goes squarely against the class-leading Tesla Model Y Performance, but also rivals slightly more premium offerings like the BMW iX3 and Genesis GV60 Performance. It’s just landed in Australia and is being sold online and through Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide. Does it have the goods to be a serious player in this segment?

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Competitive Pricing

On price, the #3 Brabus is a compelling option, something I’d never thought I’d say for a vehicle that’s half German. This flagship model starts at AU$70,900 (~$45,200), making it quite a bit pricier than the entry-level Smart #3 starting at AU$57,900 (~$36,900), and the mid-range Smart #3 Premium, which kicks off at AU$61,900 (~$39,500). However, when you look at the competition, the Brabus starts to make a lot of sense.

Locally, a Tesla Model Y Performance starts at AU$84,700 (~$54,000), and while it has a little bit more power, it’s not as quick as the Brabus. Other alternatives are significantly more expensive, including the entry-level BMW iX3 (AU$89,100 / $36,900) and the much more premium Genesis GV60 Performance, which starts at around AU$110,000 (~$70,000). A compelling alternative to the Brabus #3 that will launch shortly is the mechanically-related Zeekr X.

Both the Smart #3 and Zeekr share the same platform, as does the Volvo EX30, and the equivalent flagship X AWD will start at AU$64,900 (~$41,400). For now, however, the Brabus is hard to beat in terms of price and performance.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Smart Nailed The Quality

Smart has done a fine job of making the #3’s interior feel fitting of the price tag. It’s a lot more interesting than the bland cabin of the Model Y and is mostly covered in nice materials. Admittedly, there’s a little too much hard black plastic on the door panels, but the rest of the interior does have a German and premium feel to it.

Immediately catching the eye is the layout of the #3. The trio of circular air vents in the center of the dashboard are classic Mercedes-Benz and the central spine running from the dash to the center console is finished in plastic with a silver finish, aiming to imitate metal. It does a pretty good job, and hidden behind a flap under the air vents is a wireless phone charger and two USB ports. The cup holders are also hidden beneath a sliding cover.

Standing out is a 12.8-inch tablet-like infotainment system. It takes after Tesla and many Chinese cars, adopting an operating system more reminiscent of a smartphone than a normal car system. That means it’s filled with an array of different menus, display screens, and seemingly endless settings. I didn’t like it when I first got in, but after two days or so, I was won over. Less tech-savvy buyers may have a harder time, however.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The main display screen consists of a handful of widgets, including one shaped like the Earth for navigation, a media screen, details about driving consumption, weather, and your current driving mode. Scroll over, and you’re taken to an apps screen. Important vehicle settings are then accessed by pressing the vehicle button on the bottom right of the screen, while a strip of handy shortcuts house all the climate control settings.

Read: Smart #3 Brabus Gains Extra Dose Of Brabusness

Positioned below the screen are six shortcut buttons, although they don’t provide haptic feedback, which is a shame. The most important is positioned on the far left and includes quick settings to the lane assist, auto hold, electric parking brake, rear foglight, hill descent control, traction control, and a setting for the one-pedal driving mode, known as s-Pedal. You can also choose between three other regenerative braking settings and enable the ‘Rocket Launch’ control system on this screen. A separate shortcut is used to toggle between the driving modes. Both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

A Spacious And Well-Equipped Cabin

Positioned in front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with metal spokes and bathed in black leather and Alcantara. There’s also a narrow instrument display that shows important information like your speed, range, and multimedia. It’s not as good as a full instrument cluster, but it’s better than nothing (like in a Tesla). A large head-up display is also a nice feature you won’t find in a Model Y.

The front seats are electrically adjustable, offer plenty of adjustment, and have heated and cooled functions. They also have quite an intriguing shape and are wrapped in plush leather and Alcantara. As for the second row, legroom is good even for taller passengers. The headroom is adequate but not as good as a Model Y, although that’s hardly a surprise given the car’s slightly lower roofline. Other nice touches include metal speaker grilles and door handles – not something you’ll always find at this price point.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Other welcome features of the cabin include a decent 640-watt Beats audio system and a 360-degree camera. A highly configurable ambient lighting system, very similar to those of current Mercedes-Benz models, is also standard.

All Brabus #3 models also have a massive panoramic glass roof as standard. Unfortunately, Smart has taken a leaf from the Tesla playbook and has not provided a sunshade for this glass panel. While it’s well-tinted, heat still gets in, and it doesn’t completely block out the sun, which is annoying on hot summer days.

All of the climate control settings are housed within the screen. While they’re easy to access, the icons you have to press are a little too small, making it annoying while on the move. Settings for the seat heating and cooling are miniature.

Storage is adequate with a 370-liter (13 cubic-foot) boot or 1,160 liters (40.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a hidden cubby at the back for charging cables and a 15-liter (0.5 cubic-foot) frunk.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Great Performance, But Could Do With Stickier Tires

The Brabus #3 is a good drive but does have some peculiarities. All #3 models feature a 66 kWh lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery pack under the floor that drives a pair of electric motors. All up, the EV delivers a punchy 422 hp (315 kW) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds (the same as a Model Y Performance), according to Smart. We recorded a best time of 3.59 seconds with a GPS timer and the ‘Rocket Launch’ setting enabled.

In typical EV fashion, it fires off the line with impressive pace, having no struggle putting all of its power to the ground. When seeking the best performance, it’s a good idea to select either the Sport or Brabus driving modes, as they sharpen up the throttle response and unleash all the power. Eco and Comfort modes are also offered, which are better suited to everyday driving.

The steering feel is next to non-existent, although it does tighten up in the sportier of the four steering settings. Even still, it can be a little tough to feel what the front tires are up to. Speaking of the tires, they’re Continental EcoContact 6Qs at all four corners, measuring 245/40 R20. While they are quiet, they have been designed for economical driving and aren’t all that well-suited to the Brabus. Push the SUV hard into a corner, and the tires will start to slip and screech quite quickly. We’d prefer some slightly stickier tires to come standard.

The ride is good. Plenty of EVs are too stiff, but the #3 is comfortable and plush. It’s not quite as soft as a Model Y, however.

Lots Of ADAS – And A Few Foibles

Four different levels of regenerative braking are available, including a one-pedal mode known as s-Pedal. During my week with the Brabus, I predominantly drove it in s-Pedal mode, and it works just as advertised. If driven with the brake regen in the low, medium, or high settings, the feel through the brake pedal can be a little inconsistent. It seems like the car will subtly and quickly grab the brakes, then release them, and then grab them again, repeatedly, even if you keep consistent pressure on the pedal. It’s hard to pick, and most drivers probably won’t even notice, but it suggests some additional fine-tuning is needed to smooth out the transition from the brake regen to the friction brakes.

We also experienced a couple of small electronic issues. The car repeatedly displayed a warning saying the driver monitoring system was blocked, even though it wasn’t. Additionally, the one-pedal driving mode would sometimes work seamlessly in the Sport and Brabus driving models, while other times, it wouldn’t slow the EV to a stop. There’s also an annoying chime whenever you exceed the speed limit, and it has to be disabled each time you drive.

Plenty of driver-assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control and self-steering on highways. This system performed flawlessly on the highway during our week with the EV. During everyday driving, the lane-keeping assistant can be a little over-eager to provide steering corrections but can be easily disabled with two presses of the screen.

Verdict

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the driving experience offered by the Brabus #3. It’s just as quick as some more expensive rivals, is smooth and quiet on the daily grind, and looks very stylish.

A downside of the small 66 kWh pack is the limited range. Smart says it’ll do 415 km (258 miles) on a charge, but a figure of around 350-370 km (217-230 miles) is more accurate if driven sedately. We averaged 19.2 kWh/100 km during our time with it. If it had a bigger battery pack, nearer the 80 kWh mark to boost the range to 450 km – 500 km (280 – 311 miles), the Smart #3 Brabus might be the best option in this segment. As it stands, it’s an excellent buy for the money – just make sure you have a home charger.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Electric school buses and mitigating school bus related incidents were among the most popular articles in School Transportation News magazine during 2024.

2024’s round-up recognized nurturing positive student behavior in “Effective Management Strategies” (January), “What’s Your School Bus Driver Salary” (July), “Breakdown of the RFP Process” (March) and Transportation Director of the Year (November), which went to Craig Beaver, who has been in the student transportation industry for 25 years.

Meanwhile, school districts nationwide are still struggling with a lack of school bus drivers to cover all routes, while transportation professionals continue to promote solutions, effective management strategies, and safety for students in and out of school buses. Additionally, professionals are continuously looking for better routing alternatives, technology integration to training, and encouraging participation in training and creating emergency evacuation plans to mitigate risks in case of emergencies.

STN is reporting on the top-viewed story of each monthly magazine edition.

The following news articles are organized by month of publishing.

January – Nurturing Positive Student Behavior – Effective Management Strategies (TL)
The article focuses on the importance of student behavior management and how it is crucial for ensuring safe and enjoyable transportation to all students. The first step provided to manage student behavior is to establish clear expectations, which can include rules regarding noise levels, seat assignments, bullying prevention and reporting, and appropriate usage of language. Additionally, other approaches to foster positive student behaviors on school buses include developing behavior guidelines that can not only be communicated to students but to parents as well. Lastly, various steps are provided for successful student management. These steps are: clear expectations and rules, positive reinforcement, managing negative student behavior, communication and partnership, training and support, and education and awareness.

February – Investing in the People
“While technological solutions are constantly evolving to protect children at school bus stops, proper training of all stakeholders should take precedent.” The article addresses the amount of responsibility school bus drivers have and  emphasizes the importance of proper training. Denny Coughlin, president of School Bus Training Company, shared the importance of training school bus drivers particularly in school bus loading and unloading practices. Coughlin added how crucial it is the need to train students and parents on what to do at bus stops. Additionally, he explained that a school bus driver must always be in charge at the stops, instructing the children on when they should and should not cross. Furthermore, Coughlin stated that school bus safety training of students should start at the beginning of the school year. Wayne Reese, a transportation and logistic administrator for Cache County and Logan School District in Utah also shared thoughts on school transportation and shared how loading and unloading training available has greatly improved since he started in the industry 38 years ago. Lastly, even though new technology is helping supplement the duties of a school bus driver, it should never replace training.

March – Breakdown of the RFP Process
The article recounts the process transportation departments go through when purchasing buses, working with a contractor or buying transportation technology. Subsequently, it explains the use of a Request for Proposal or Request for Procurement (RFP), or Request for Information (RFI). Various transportation professionals shared their input on RFPs and RFIs. For instance, Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, chief support service officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools, shared that it is essential for an RFP to meet your operation’s goals and needs. She also emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions. Meanwhile, Robert Feinberg, transportation director for Deer Creek School District in Oklahoma stated that, while he was looking for vans, SUVs and cars to add to his fleet, the efficiency of the process depends on taking the time to make sure the RFP exactly outlines the district’s needs. Ultimately, the article highlights that while each RFP process will look different based on the district and fleet size, state regulations, infrastructure needs and technology, best practices can greatly aid student transportation professionals in creating a request that will get there exactly what they need in the timeframe required.

April – Lessons Learned
Operations discuss rolling out electric school buses secured with Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) funds. More electric school buses hit the road this winter thanks to the first round of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program funding. This program promises $5 billion between fiscal years 2022 and 2026 to fund approximately 5,000 clean and zero-emissions buses across 600 school districts. One of these districts is Chickasaw County School District in Mississippi, which received $4.345 million in rebates, $220,000 for 11 chargers and the rest for 11 Jouley electric buses from Thomas Built Buses. Electric buses now make up more than one-third of the district’s total fleet of 28 buses. Meanwhile, another small school district, Caney Valley School in Kansas, used a $790,000 rebate to purchase two electric buses and a 60-kW dual port charger that can power both vehicles at once if needed. The article highlights how the CSBP is a great way for districts to take a step into electrifying their fleets.

May – In Case of an Emergency
For the past 30 years, School Transportation News has reported on a wide spectrum of student transportation-related incidents including school bus crashes, weapons and aggressive behavior on board the bus, fire and illegal passing, to name a few. This article explains that, while different factors can contribute to any of the previously mentioned situations, training and protocols exist for school districts to implement, in order to best prepare their transportation staff for effective and safe incident management. Lastly, the article highlights the importance of detailed planning, frequent training, collaboration with first responders, and communication response protocols, to prepare transportation departments in the event of any school bus-related incident.

June – Anyone Can Achieve a Greener Fleet
Many are quick to dismiss the idea of going electric due to different challenges they may face, such as their district being too small or routes being too long. This article highlights the experiences of transportation experts who share how no project should be dismissed simply because of preconceived notions. Kenni Jean Schrader from Three Rivers Community Schools in Michigan shared that ”there are going to be some instances where going 100 percent EV may not be the best idea for you. But if you can look at the challenge and problem solve that, rather than just saying, ‘No, I can’t, you’re going to open up a lot more opportunities.” Various school districts have taken the electric route, some larger like Monongalia County School District in West Virginia, Los Angeles Unified School District and other smaller districts. Nevertheless, this does not mean going fully electric today may be an option for certain districts, or that the process will be easy. However, it’s about being open to the idea that there are ways to incorporate zero emissions into a district’s bus fleets.

July – Trends: What’s Your School Bus Driver Salary? + What’s Your Solution?
School Transportation News surveyed 209 school districts in the contiguous 48 states to determine average starting and maximum school bus driver hour wages. A chart breaks up the data by region. In this article, transportation directors nationwide shared their input on what they perceive as contributing to the ongoing driver shortage and how to best promote the job. Is the answer more pay? That seemed to be the case prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, times are changing and people in general are also valuing culture, safety and time. One director of transportation summed it up well when stating that more and more districts are trying to look at ways to improve morale and offer more thank-you bonuses to assist in recruitment.

August – What’s Driving Electric School Buses?
This article focuses on important distinctions in vehicle components that have been brought about by the movement toward electric vehicles. There are some primary differences between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, including the battery packs powering the vehicle, followed by the replacement of the engine and traditional transmission with electric drivetrains. The article also highlights the advantages and downfalls of multiple battery options, technology and performance. Ultimately, as noted by Darren Liu, Accelera’s executive director of battery, while electric vehicle technology matures, the current variety in approaches is understandable and regardless of the technology used in an individual component, the performance of the overall system is what matters most to a school district.

September – Accounted For?
School bus loading and unloading has historically been a safety risk for many students, leading to injuries and death. While numbers have decreased over the decades, experts point out one incident is one too many. This article highlights how technology integrated into training can help school bus drivers detect students at school bus stops as well as those who remain on board after routes end.  Motorists illegally passing school buses is a big factor that contributes to these tragedies.  Weather and road conditions can also influence and even suspend bus routes. A lack of drivers can create other safety concerns. Consultant Dick Fisher noted that school districts are responding by making students walk further to a bus stop to save time and crossing the roadway before the bus arrives. Kaitlynne Monaghan, Child Check Mate business development and inside sales manager, stated that the peak times when incidents occur are around afternoon pickups, at the start of the school year, holidays and daylight saving time. Transportation professionals have suggested various student detection solutions to help mitigate these risks.

October – Changing, Correcting Bell Times Can Have Positive Effect on Routing
There may be no perfect solution when it comes to routing. As can be painfully clear to all concerned, the narrow timeframes for morning and afternoon operations leave little margin for error. At the same time, requirements such as serving students with special needs plus school bus driver shortages add even higher degrees of difficulty. This article highlights how changing bell times has brought greater efficiency to the routing process for some school districts. Additionally, with special needs populations, which pose their own set of challenges, restructuring bell time can be a plus. Whether it is an effort to improve overall routing or enhance services to students with special needs, the process requires a cooperative approach as well as a measure of thick skin. The article presents steps for addressing changing bell times and acknowledges that districts may face challenges in attempting to do so.

November – Going Big
This article features Transportation Director of the Year Craig Beaver as he shares lessons learned from Oregon’s largest electric school bus deployment yet. After starting his transportation career with a trucking company, Beaver joined Grossmont High School District in San Diego, California, where he spent 15 years as director of transportation before retiring. Beaver saw a job available at Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, where he is currently employed, decided to move with his family and the rest is history, as they say. One of Beaver’s claims to fame – and the reason he was selected as this year’s Transportation Director of the Year – is his willingness to share information with his peers. Every month he publishes data on his alternative fuel and energy buses, reflecting reduction in emissions, performance and vehicle costs. Beaver is going on his 40th year working in transportation, in one form or another. It’s his 25th year working in student transportation. In addition, Beaver noted his continued goal is to educate himself as much as possible.

The post 2024 STN Magazine Top Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

The 2024 holiday season featured celebrations that included Stuff-the-Bus drives for local communities, appreciation events for transportation staff, and lots of decorated school buses. Click through the gallery of photos below.

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Related: Students in Alabama Collect Christmas Gift for Local Children
Related: Massachusetts School District to Host “Stuff-A-Bus” Event for Holiday Toy Drive
Related: Gallery: Student Transporters Celebrate with Festive School Buses

The post Gallery: Student Transporters Celebrate Holiday Season appeared first on School Transportation News.

Two Cooper High School students ended up heroes for jumping into action after their bus driver suffered a medical emergency, reported WCPO News.

The incident reportedly occurred Wednesday morning, when the school bus driver was transporting students.

According to the news report, Karter Dearwester, who was inside the bus at the time of the incident along with his friend Micah Jones, noticed their bus was getting too close to a mailbox.

Dearwester told local news reporters that the school bus driver was slumped over the wheel and seemed to have passed out. The teen immediately woke up Jones, who quickly got up, pushed the brakes of the bus and then removed the keys from the ignition.

According to the article, Jones checked their school bus driver’s pulse while Dearwester called first responders.

Authorities say via news reports that the school bus left the road and collided with several trees in the backyard of a home.

The boys said they recall there was a lot of screaming coming from the back of the school bus as not many students had reportedly sat in the front. The teens helped the other students, as police and other emergency crews began to arrive.

The school bus driver was rushed to the ICU and three students were reportedly hospitalized in unknown conditions. The quick actions of the two boys received praise from their principal Mike Wilson.

Wilson told local news reporters that they had no updates on the driver’s condition other than he is in stable condition and everyone at Cooper is praying for a full recovery.

Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire
Related: Mississippi Student Hailed a Hero After School Bus Crash
Related: Watch: Kentucky District Superintendent Recognizes Community Heroes in School Bus Crash
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Hailed Hero for Protecting Hit-and-Run Victim

The post Teens Hailed Heroes in Kentucky School Bus Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

The school bus transportation industry has long grappled with a persistent challenge: A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. Despite the critical role these professionals play in ensuring student safety and access to education, many school districts struggle to recruit and retain enough school bus drivers to meet demand not to mention other employees.

However, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, a new opportunity for outreach and recruitment has emerged. But this trend is not without its complications.

A New Era of Storytelling

Social media has transformed from a space for personal expression to a powerful marketing and engagement tool. TikTok, once synonymous with dance trends and lip-sync videos, is now a hub for creative content across industries. Businesses big and small use the platform for everything from showcasing products to building brands via influencers, other users who have amassed large followings. The school transportation industry is no exception.

School bus drivers have taken to TikTok to share their experiences, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a driver. Using hashtags like #schoolbusconversation, drivers showcase their passion for the job, hoping to inspire others to join the profession.

One standout influencer is Cor’Darius Jones, known by his handle Mr. Bus Driver. He has amassed over 61,000 followers to date on his TikTok channel by sharing engaging and informative content about school buses and driving them. (He is also on Instagram and Facebook.)

As an employee of Escambia County Schools, located on Florida’s panhandle and serving the Pensacola area, Jones has not only captured the hearts of viewers but also caught the attention of industry leaders, including IC Bus, which sponsors his content.

Jones’ videos extend beyond his daily routes. He attends trade shows, engages with industry professionals, and promotes the role of school bus drivers as an essential part of the education system. Notably, Jones will be speaking at the STN EXPO East near Charlotte, North Carolina, in March. He will join a panel discussion that will share insights on using social media as a recruitment and advocacy tool for the school transportation industry.

Jones said Escambia County Schools is aware of his social media work and has been supportive of the content.

“A lot of times my higher-ups give me ideas for a funny video to create,” he explained. “At first, I didn’t know how my district would take it, being that I was filming on the bus and making jokes about the job while still trying to make an informative message, but they started to follow and absolutely love the content. They look forward to every video I create.”

Jones said his journey into social media began during his second year as a school bus driver.

“I started the page going into my second year of driving and was giving everyone an inside look at what it’s like being a bus driver for different grade levels,” he recalled. “The post went viral on [Facebook], gaining over 500,000 views within the first week. People — parents, students, bus drivers, teachers, school staff, a ton of people — would message me to make more videos, and that’s what led to creating the Mr. Bus Driver page. I would just post day-to-day life. The most relatable part is that it’s very much true and has happened to me and a ton of other drivers.”

His partnership with IC Bus, the manufacturer of the vehicle he drives everyday, and collaboration with school district officials exemplifies how social media can be leveraged to address driver shortages by highlighting the job’s rewarding aspects, as well as the universal experiences that resonate with the broader community.

“When we came across Cor’Darius Jones, more widely known as Mr. Bus Driver, it was clear he was a champion of student safety and the driver community in his own right,” commented Christy Zukowski, the senior marketing manager for IC Bus. “Those who have seen Mr. Bus Driver’s videos on their social feeds know that his passion for his career as a driver is contagious. With his unique ability to educate, entertain and connect while spreading awareness of the importance of safety best practices, Mr. Bus Driver is an empowering voice in the industry and an admirable example of the dedicated drivers who keep us moving forward.”

Navigating the Challenges

While influencers like Jones have received district support and industry backing, not all school bus drivers receive the same level of oversight — or approval — for their social media activities. The integration of government property and social media monetization raises questions about ethics and compliance.

A transportation director from a school district in the western U.S. speaking anonymously to School Transportation News expressed concern over school bus drivers creating TikTok videos without the district’s knowledge.

Like many government agencies, the director noted, transportation staff does not have access to TikTok. “So, this was not something we were monitoring,” the director added. “There are issues with broadcasting on social media in uniform, using district equipment, acting as a spokesperson without authorization, and generating revenue while on paid status.”

The director revealed that one school bus driver had been filming TikTok videos while wearing a uniform with the school district logo visible despite an attempt to obscure it. This implied, the director explained, that the driver in question was officially representing the district without having prior permission to film content. Upon discovering the videos, transportation department management addressed the issue directly with the driver as well as others, instructing them to take down any content that might appear to represent the district.

“It’s important to ensure that employees don’t unintentionally present themselves as spokespersons for the district without authorization,” the director emphasized.

The challenges outlined in this scenario highlight a key tension: While these videos can inspire and educate, they also risk crossing professional and legal boundaries. School buses are government property, and filming content for personal or financial gain without explicit consent could violate district policies or government regulations. Moreover, the perception of using public resources for private profit can risk the reputations of school bus drivers and their school district or bus company employers. Clear communication and well-defined policies are essential to navigating these challenges.

STN reviewed dozens of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos posted by school bus drivers. Many of them made attempts, not all successful, to obstruct or blur any identifying district names or logos on uniforms. Videos included school bus drivers talking about their jobs and experiences while seated behind the wheel, performing pre-trip inspections, and even driving the vehicle with students on board. Any students were blurred out, and at least one post appeared to use interior school bus camera video footage.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Social media’s potential to promote the profession and recruit new drivers is undeniable. Videos showcasing the camaraderie, dedication and unique aspects of the job can counter misconceptions and attract individuals who otherwise might not have considered the role. Drivers like Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones demonstrate that with proper support and guidance, social media can be a valuable tool for advocacy and outreach.

However, districts must address the potential pitfalls. Without clear policies and communication, drivers may unintentionally breach regulations or face disciplinary actions. Establishing guidelines around social media use, including seeking prior approval for content involving district equipment, could help strike a balance between creativity and compliance.

However, the future of TikTok, one of the most influential platforms for creators and businesses alike, remains uncertain. The app has faced ongoing legal battles and scrutiny, with federal and state governments questioning its data privacy practices and connections to its parent company, ByteDance, in China. These concerns have led to restrictions on TikTok’s use on government devices and recurring threats of a nationwide ban.

President-elect Donald Trump will take office a day after a Biden administration ban is set to take effect. While Trump previously sought to ban the app due to national security concerns, he now said he acknowledges the platform’s significance as a cultural and economic influencer. He has suggested the possibility of maintaining TikTok under stricter regulations to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and protect user data, offering a lifeline to a platform that continues to thrive amid legal and political uncertainty.

This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up the case on Jan. 10 and will not block TikTok while it considers the issue.

Regardless, district leaders and transportation directors generally lack access to TikTok today, making it difficult to monitor or even be aware of the content their drivers are creating. This limitation further complicates oversight and highlights the importance of proactive communication between drivers and their supervisors.

But without access to TikTok and other social media services, district leaders may miss opportunities to guide or support school bus drivers who are using the platform to share their experiences. Additionally, the inability to monitor content means districts are often unaware of potential compliance issues, such as filming during work hours, using district equipment, or presenting themselves as spokespersons without authorization. Addressing these gaps requires clear policies and training, ensuring drivers understand the boundaries of their creative freedom while still leveraging social media to inspire and educate.

Related: Social Media’s Influence on Student Transportation Industry Hard to Track
Related: Social Media Posts Point to Importance of School Bus Drivers
Related: South Carolina School Bus Driver Fired for Racist Social Media Post
Related: Sharing Positive Employee Stories Should be Part of Social Media Strategies
Related: You Tweeted What? Social Media Policies and Issues for Student Transporters

Moving Forward

To fully harness the benefits of social media while mitigating risks, collaboration between drivers, districts, and industry leaders is essential. Districts should consider the following steps:

1. Develop Clear Policies: Provide written guidelines on social media use, including what is permissible when using district property or uniforms.
2. Training and Communication: Offer training sessions on responsible social media practices, ensuring drivers understand the potential legal and ethical implications.
3. Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between drivers and district officials to align content creation with district goals and recruitment efforts.

The passion and creativity of school bus drivers have the potential to reshape perceptions of the profession and address critical driver shortages. By establishing clear boundaries and fostering open communication, districts can support drivers in sharing their stories while maintaining professionalism and integrity. Social media is a powerful tool, when used responsibly or not. It can bring much-needed attention to the essential work of school bus drivers and inspire the next generation to join their ranks.

Despite the controversies, TikTok and other social media sites remain powerful tools for promoting small and large businesses and enabling content creators to connect with audiences worldwide. For school bus drivers and other professionals, it has provided a unique avenue to inspire change and attract talent to under-appreciated roles. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future highlights the need for districts to remain vigilant, crafting adaptable policies to maximize its benefits while navigating potential risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In addition to being a frequent STN contributor, S.Z. Estavillo is a social media professional and consultant with over 90,000 followers across her various channels.

The post Social Media as a Recruitment Tool: School Bus Driver Influencers appeared first on School Transportation News.

For the small businesses supporting school transportation, the Corporate Transparency Act may be more than a speed bump in 2025.

In hopes of preventing criminals from hiding illegal acts through corporate anonymity, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in 2021, sandwiched into a larger 1,482-page defense bill. The law initially took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, requiring companies to disclose stakeholder information to the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1, 2025.

In an order that called the law outright Orwellian, however, a federal judge on Dec. 3 granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced — a decision that U.S. attorneys quickly appealed, putting the fate of the act in legal limbo.

If the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the lower court’s decision, the Corporate Transparency Act will become a thing of the past. But if the appeals court overturns the injunction, businesses may have to file the required benefit ownership report very quickly.

While the federal judge in Texas granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced, a federal judge in Oregon denied a similar request in September, which will be reviewed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Parties often ask the U.S. Supreme court to review split decisions among appeals court, but since the high court holds arguments for less than 1 percent of the cases submitted, it is impossible to know whether it will step in.

In the meantime, small businesses should keep the law on their radar. If it is revived, failure to report required information could result in $591 fines per day of violation as well as up to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in penalties.

“In a limbo like this the best practice is to be ready to file,” said Megan Henderson, an attorney at the Longmont, Colorado firm Lyons and Gaddis.

Specializing in real estate and business transactions, Henderson said she spent much of the past year advising clients on becoming compliant under the Corporate Transparency Act.

Most businesses that filed paperwork with their state to become incorporated would be required to disclose their beneficial owners with the federal government, but exemptions abound. One big carve out is for larger companies generating more than $5 million in gross receipts annually. The umbrella of “beneficial owners” might be broader than some people think and covering not just owners but indispensable managers as well.

FinCEN published a brief guide to help businesses navigate the requirements. While neither a lawyer nor an accountant is required to file the paperwork, the process can seem daunting, especially for mom and pop establishments with limited time and resources.

“It’s going to impact the contractors that service the school districts,” said Chris Wojciechowski, an accountant at the Bonadio Group in Rochester, New York.

Wojciechowski said the regulation is more burdensome to small businesses with fewer resources.

“There’s such a tight timeline regarding compliance,” he continued. “So how is our businesses going to deal with this? They’re going to have to be nimble and be on top of the transition if they turn the law back on.”

Related: (STN Podcast E238) Time Will Tell: Shakeups in the School Bus Business World (+ Thomas Built Buses CEO Interview)
Related: IRS Publishes Final Rule on Direct Pay for Tax-exempt Government Agencies
Related: Business As Usual for Collins Bus Customers, Says Forest River

Even if the Corporate Transparency Act is ultimately defeated in the courts, businesses should still be on the lookout for similar legislation at the state level. One of the first copycat laws comes from New York lawmakers, requiring companies to report ownership by Jan. 1, 2026.

“It’s tricky because every state has their own regulations. I’ve seen companies who operate in one state come to another state and get slapped pretty hard with fines because they did not dig deep into the state regulations for school buses in that state,” said Mark Szyperski, president of On Your Mark Transportation, a consultancy firm based in Nashville, Tennessee.

For Szyperski, who grew up on the seat of his father’s Greyhound bus between Bay City and Detroit, Michigan, transportation is a family business.

Upon entering a new state, Szyperski said he often arranges to speak with the state’s school bus administrator to go over the basics. To be ready for the court’s outcome on the Corporate Transparency Act, he set up a Google alert and included news of the injunction in his newsletter.

“People need to be aware that [the injunction] could be overturned and then you best be getting ready to put the information into the system,” he said.

The post Small Businesses Can’t Take Eyes Off Corporate Transparency Act appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the company has received three orders for 11 Type D all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission BEAST school buses for school districts in Arizona, California and Oregon.

“As school districts continue to make the change from NOx emitting diesel school buses to a cleaner, healthier means of transporting students, school district transportation departments are pursuing the gold standard of the industry the GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built BEAST and Nano BEAST school buses,” said Paul Start, GreenPower’s Vice President of Sales School Bus Group. “With 2025 fast approaching, the GreenPower school bus order pipeline and production schedule are both at record levels with sales projections for next year set to eclipse the 2024 calendar year.”

The three orders announced today are:
From GreenPower’s exclusive California dealer Model 1 for seven BEASTs for the Los Banos Unified School District in Los Banos, California.
From GreenPower’s exclusive Arizona dealer RWC Group for two BEASTs for the Casa Grande Elementary School District in Casa Grande, Arizona.
From GreenPower’s exclusive Oregon dealer Peterson Trucks for two BEASTs for the Hood River County School District in Hood River, Oregon.

GreenPower’s BEAST is a purpose-built 40-foot Type D all-electric, zero-emission school bus with seating for up to 90 students. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it is a fully integrated structure that features a strong and corrosion resistant aluminum body made from extruded aluminum, manufactured by Constellium, seamlessly mated to a high strength steel Truss (bus) chassis. The complete flat floor design allows for adjustable track seating with no wheel wells in the passenger compartment, and the high floor keeps students out of the impact zone. Combined port charging is standard with Level 2 rates up to 19.2 kW and DC Fast Charging rates up to 85 kW, allowing for full charging in less than three hours.

About GreenPower Motor Company, Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo vans and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

The post GreenPower Announces Order of 11 BEAST All-Electric School Buses for Western U.S. Markets appeared first on School Transportation News.

LISLE, Ill. – For the holiday season, Durham School Services’ team members have once again demonstrated their continued commitment to giving back to their communities. Team members from across the country participated in various community events such as holiday food drives, fundraisers, clothing and toy drives, school bus donations, providing complimentary transportation, holiday parades, volunteering at food banks, and more.

These community outreach efforts are carried out as part of the Company’s community outreach program, Partners Beyond the Bus, which aims to raise and increase awareness of and recognize the volunteer efforts of our teams and strengthen ties with our customers and community partners.

A few highlights from the holiday season include:

Little Egg Harbor, NJ – Hosted their annual food drive to provide ten families from four different school districts with a delicious and generous variety of food for the upcoming holiday.
Hutchinson, KS – Together with their partner, Salty Cycles, collected over $5,000 in cash and toys in addition to bicycle donations for the Annual Reno County Toy Run.
California, MO – Participated in the community’s Tipton Christmas Parade and won first place with their spectacular and realistic-looking Grinch themed bus.
Grayslake, IL – Donated transportation to the Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL to transport over 100 cadets to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4600.
Jacksonville, FL – Hosted a toy drive for community partner and donated six buses for National Wreaths Across America Day to transport volunteers to and from the Jacksonville National Cemetery where volunteers placed wreaths to honor and remember fallen soldiers.
San Bernardino, CA – Donated a school bus to the All-American Boys Chorus to transport the choir to and from their regular and holiday season concerts and field trips.

“I can’t praise our team members enough for their unmatched generosity and commitment to their communities year-round  particularly during the holidays when it can be especially meaningful to so many,” said Tim Wertner, CEO of Student Transportation, National Express. “It is a great honor to work amongst such giving, selfless community heroes who constantly lead by example. As a result of their example, I find myself also learning from their good deeds and actions. Thank you again to all our team members for their dedication to living the Company’s values every day and supporting their communities.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. 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 has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services’ Team Members Spread Generosity and Warmth Across the United States This Holiday Season appeared first on School Transportation News.

A South Carolina man says he does not understand and disagrees with people accusing him of endangering students and calling him a menace after rolling his wheelchair in front of a moving school bus, reported Sun News.

According to the news report, Doug Champa, a U.S. Marine veteran, was arrested on Nov. 22 after he used his wheelchair to block a school bus that was attempting to drive through his Conway area neighborhood to drop off children.

Champa, 58, is reportedly accused of riding in front of the bus, preventing it from getting around him by moving in its path, and slowing the bus down to 5 mph.

Champa, who was paralyzed after a car crash in 1986, told local news reporters that he was protesting what he claimed was frequent speeding of school buses in his neighborhood over the posted 15 mph speed limit. He said his goal was not to get arrested but rather to draw attention his safety concerns because of children who live in the area as well as his 88-year-old mother.

The article states that Champa claims he and his neighbors have been dealing with speeding buses for about three years. He said he called the Horry County Schools transportation department and complained, pleading with them to have buses slow down, but is always met with the same answer.

Officials reportedly tell Champa that the buses have GPS on the vehicles and that it indicates that the buses are not speeding. Confusion may arise from the street where Champa lives compare to the next street over, Drawbridge Drive, which has speed limit of 25 mph.

According to local news reporters, Champa pointed out that a regular-sized vehicle can barely see him when he’s in front of it and emphasized that a school bus driver would definitely not be able to see him not to mention small children.

Other neighbors have reportedly raised concerns about speeding and started a petition to get speed bumps placed along the roadway. It wsa unclear if speed bumps will eventually be placed along the street.

Champa, who says he’s always been an advocate for children and people with disabilities, said he would never physically hurt anybody. He was reportedly released on a $1,000 bond for the charge of interfering with the operation of a school bus.

Related: New York Man Arrested for Speeding Past a Stopped School Bus
Related: Speeding Up Stop-Arm Violation Detection and Resolution
Related: (STN Podcast E220) The Future: Bus Garage Tech, Illegal Passing Survey, Radios for Safety
Related: What Do School Bus Drivers Want to Increase Safety?

The post South Carolina Man Explains Why He Blocked School Bus Path with Wheelchair appeared first on School Transportation News.

Students and staff from Mobile County Public Schools stuffing school buses with Christmas gifts for local children and teenagers.

On Dec. 14, the school district thanked everyone who had helped “Stuff the Bus” with over 5,500 toys this month for needy children in the community. Students, faculty, staff, 54 school sites, and the district central office participated and helped collect the toys for the campaign.

According to local news, this is the 12th year for the district to Stuff the Bus. This year two buses were reportedly stuffed with gifts.

The district said via social media that while many of the donated gifts will be distributed to students in need who attend Mobile County schools, the rest will be distributed by the Salvation Army to children throughout the community

Related: Massachusetts School District to Host “Stuff-A-Bus” Event for Holiday Toy Drive
Related: Police Department to Host School Bus Food Drive for Thanksgiving
Related: What Holiday Gifts Stand Out From the Rest?
Related: Senior Citizens Celebrate Thanksgiving at a Massachusetts Junior High School

The post Students in Alabama Collect Christmas Gift for Local Children appeared first on School Transportation News.

MACON, Ga. — Wilkes County Schools (WCS) has marked the historic milestone of becoming the first school district in Georgia to serve all of its 25 daily bus routes exclusively with zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses. WCS’ new fleet of electric and propane-powered buses eliminates regular diesel bus routes, significantly improving air quality for students and the surrounding community, while also significantly reducing operating costs.

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, delivered 5 electric and 12 propane-powered school buses to Wilkes County Schools. The company’s electric school buses generate zero emissions and can carry approximately 60 students up to 130 miles on a single charge.

WCS can considerably lower its operating expenses by replacing diesel with electric school buses due to reduced fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. School districts have reported paying a mere 19 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses compared to fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses.

WCS will also rely on Blue Bird’s industry-leading propane buses for its student transportation needs. Blue Bird’s propane buses for the school district can carry approximately 60 students around 250 miles on a single tank of propane autogas. Propane school buses generate 96% fewer harmful emissions than their diesel counterparts.

In addition, propane-powered school buses help the school district to lower the total cost of ownership of its bus fleets by realizing fuel and maintenance cost savings of up to $3,700 per bus annually compared with diesel buses. WCS presently operates a fleet of 22 Blue Bird propane buses. Thus, the school district could save more than $1.2 million over the 15-year life of its vehicles.

“We are proud to be among the first school districts in the nation to launch a fleet of all electric and propane-powered school buses,” said Michelle Smith, superintendent of Wilkes County Schools. “Blue Bird’s zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses will help us to create a healthier environment for our students and our communities at-large while significantly lowering our operating costs. Together, we have transformed our ambitious vision of clean, sustainable student transportation into a reality.”

“We are delighted to supply Wilkes County Schools with our industry-leading, electric and propane-powered school buses,” said Albert Burleigh, vice president of North America bus sales at Blue Bird Corporation. “Moving forward, students on all 25 daily routes will travel exclusively on zero- and ultra-low-emission buses to and from school. We applaud Wilkes County Schools for putting student and community health first.”

The leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, Highland Electric Fleets, installed five new Tellus charging stations to support the district’s five electric school buses. These chargers allow WCS to utilize overnight and downtime charging, ensuring the buses are always ready to meet transportation needs.

“We’re thrilled to be one of the partners helping Wilkes County Schools transition to a fully clean school bus fleet, bringing lasting air quality to students and cost-saving benefits to the school district,” said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. “By adding electric school buses and charging infrastructure, WCS is investing in healthier, more resilient communities, while ensuring that students have a safe, reliable ride to school every day.”

WCS received a $2,335,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) highly effective Clean School Bus Rebate Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric and propane-powered school bus fleet. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which provides a total of $5 billion over five years for clean school bus transportation nationwide. The EPA has already awarded nearly $3 billion through the landmark bipartisan initiative. The program to date will enable more than 1,300 school districts nationwide to replace old diesel buses with nearly 9,000 electric and ultra-low emission vehicles.

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 2,000 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today.

In addition, Blue Bird is the only school bus manufacturer in the United States to offer propane-powered school buses. Today’s propane engine is 90% cleaner than the most stringent federal emission standard set by the EPA. New and even stricter emission standards will take effect in 2027. Blue Bird’s ultra-low emission, propane-powered school buses exceed those emission standards already today.

Wilkes County Schools purchased its advanced electric and propane-powered vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer Yancey Bus Sales & Service in Austell, Ga.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

About Wilkes County Schools

Located in historic Washington, Georgia, Wilkes County Schools serves approximately 1,250 students within a diverse and inclusive rural community. Guided by the vision of “Excellence Without Exception,” the district is dedicated to transformative education, offering robust programs in STEM, fine arts, Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment. With a commitment to critical thinking, lifelong learning, and educator development, Wilkes County Schools fosters a safe, innovative learning environment. Grounded in community collaboration and a tradition of continuous improvement, the district prepares students to excel in an ever-evolving, competitive global workforce. For more information, visit www.wilkes.k12.ga.us.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it tentatively selected 70 applicants to receive over $735 million from the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program for the purchase and implementation of zero-emission heavy duty vehicles, including electric school buses.

EPA stated on Dec. 11 that the applicants span 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one U.S. territory.

The School Bus Sub Program portion of the grant includes $490 million to fund new zero-emission electric school buses and associated infrastructure and looks to deliver approximately 70 percent of total funding to school bus replacement projects. The funds being awarded will go toward the purchase of over 1,600 electric school buses.

EPA also said it will be working with the selected applicants to finalize award details and “currently anticipates finalizing awards in early calendar year 2025 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.” Depending on the scale of each individual project, implementation will occur over the next two to three years.

Some of the grant fund allocation for zero-emission buses and infrastructure include an anticipated $35 million to Boston Public Schools to replace 125 diesel and propane school buses with electric school buses as well as purchase chargers for the buses. Multiple school districts in California are slated to receive funds. Over $20.3 million is destined for Los Angeles Unified School District to replace 50 fossil fuel-powered school buses and $15.1 million to Oakland Unified School District to replace 60 of its buses with electric school buses.

A full list of tentative applicants and project fund amounts can be found here.

Related: EPA Announces Nearly $900M Awarded in Latest Clean School Bus Rebate
Related: Preparing for Electric School Bus Infrastructure
Related: (STN Podcast E221) EV Prognostication, Garage Star Perspective on NY Electric Pioneer Suffolk

The post EPA Awards Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program Funds Nationwide appeared first on School Transportation News.

Wellington, Kansas – Durham School Services (DSS), a student transportation leader committed to serving and giving back to its communities, has donated a school bus to Freewill Baptist Church to use for transportation to community events.

Thus far, the church has utilized the donated bus for several local trips to community events, concerts, church services, and even an out-of-state youth retreat to Oklahoma. Most recently, for the holiday season, the church utilized the bus for a Christmas Home Tour and has plans to go Christmas Caroling at local nursing homes around the community to spread holiday spirit and cheer.

“We are so grateful to be able to provide transportation for our church and community! It’s been a huge blessing to our church,” said Pastor Zane Brooks, Freewill Baptist Church. “Having this bus has allowed for a much more comfortable experience for everyone while traveling to community events. Thank you again for Durham’s generosity. Numerous people have benefited from such a kind gift, and we are all very grateful!”

“As a partner of the Wellington community, we are glad to have had this opportunity to fulfill a transportation void in the community with this bus donation to the Freewill Baptist Church,” said Heather Helpingstine, General Manager, Durham School Services. “When community outreach opportunities present themselves, I am extremely proud to say that our team is always more than willing to step up and give back. This bus donation is an example of that fact. We are happy to be able to offer a helping hand to another partner in the community with whom we respect greatly and does so much for the Wellington community.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. 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 has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services Donates Bus to Freewill Baptist Church in Kansas for Community Events Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today the expiry of the previously announced covenant relief period under its senior revolving credit agreement entered into with a syndicate of lenders represented by National Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and including Bank of Montreal and Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Québec (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), as well as the maturity of the Company’s loan agreement entered into with Finalta Capital Fund, L.P., as lender and administrative agent, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Quebec (through one of its subsidiaries), as lender (the “Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement”).

The company had previously announced on Dec. 1, 2024 amendments to the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement in order to extend the covenant relief period and the maturity date of the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement to Dec. 16, 2024, which provided the company with additional time to continue to actively evaluate potential alternatives relating to a restructuring of its obligations, a sale of the business or certain of its assets, strategic investments and/or any other alternatives. As no such alternatives have materialized and no further amendments, concessions or waivers have been obtained, the expiry of the covenant relief period and re-introduction of the financial covenants previously applicable under the Revolving Credit Agreement as well as the maturity of the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement on Dec. 16, 2024 result in the company being in default pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement and other debt instruments providing for cross-default or cross acceleration provisions, and in the company’s lenders having the ability to exercise their rights and request immediate repayment of amounts borrowed by the company.

As a result of the foregoing, the company is currently in discussions with its senior lenders to obtain additional funds pursuant to a new debtor-in-possession credit facility and expects to seek creditor protection under the companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act in order to restructure its business and financial affairs and pursue a formal sales and investment solicitation process in respect of the company’s business or assets.

Trading in the common shares and other listed securities of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) has been halted and it is anticipated that the trading thereof will continue to be halted until a review is undertaken by the TSX and the NYSE regarding the suitability of the Company for listing on the TSX and the NYSE.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including all electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

The post Lion Electric Announces Expiry of Covenant Relief Period and Defaults Under Certain Conditions of Senior Debt Instruments appeared first on School Transportation News.

The latest personnel move related to the Lion Electric Company monetary issues is Nicolas Brunet, who the company announced is resigned as president 14 months after he was tapped for the position.

Lion made no formal announcement, with a note indicating Brunet was leaving the company immediately tucked away on the second to last page of an SEC filing dated Dec. 1. That same day, the company announced it was halting production at its Joliet, Illinois, factory and was laying over 400 workers.

Lion has until Dec. 16 to pay back four creditors unless it can secure additional investments or find a company to purchase it.

Brunet joined the company headquartered in Saint-Jerome, Quebec, in 2019 and was executive vice president and CFO before being named president on Sept. 28, 2023.

A company spokesperson declined to comment on Wednesday on Brunet’s departure but added that Marc Bedard remains chief executive officer. Bedard founded Lion Electric as Autobus Lion, or Lion Bus, in 2008 after previously serving as an executive for Type A school bus manufacturer Corbeil, which closed the previous year.

Lion’s first school bus was the Lion 360 in 2011, a diesel Type C model developed in partnership with Spartan Chassis. The company transitioned to only manufacturing electric school buses and rebranded itself as Lion Electric in 2017. Two years later it began manufacturing electric trucks.

Related: Low-income Areas Need Electric School Buses the Most, WRI Analysis Indicates
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO Reno Live Stream – The Scalability of Electric School Buses
Related: Dignitaries Highlight Lion Electric’s Joliet Plant Opening Ceremony

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School bus drivers in Bourbonnais, Illinois, will be able to earn up to $700 in bonuses for working the day before and after both a holiday in Bourbonnais Elementary School District, reported Daily Journal.

According to the news report, the Bourbonnais School Board unanimously approved a new bonus system on Aug. 20, to incentivize attendance around the holidays for bus drivers.

Transportation Director Scott Austin said the district sees a sharp uptick in drivers calling off work before and after holidays and breaks.

The district reportedly employs 18 bus drivers for its approximately 130 daily bus routes, but it could use four or five additional flexible drivers to help cover routes when others call in sick.

Austin reportedly said that over the last two years, the call-offs the day before and after the holiday increased more than 87 percent. With the news bonus system, the district will be eliminating its annual $250 bonus for drivers who miss 10 or few days per year; this was given to 14 drivers last year.

According to the article, drivers will now be able to earn a $100 bonus for each holiday when they work both the day before and the day after, for a possible total of $700. Additionally, drivers can also still receive $100 quarterly bonuses for perfect attendance.

The districts drivers will reportedly make $26 per hour this year. The seven holidays for te bonuses will include Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day.

For the extended Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, drivers who work the day before and the day after the school break receive the bonus. Austin said via the article that the desired outcome is to eliminate staffing complications for the transportation department, which is “in the same boat” as many other districts struggling to maintain a full staff of bus drivers.

Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: New Data: School Leaders & Parents Reveal Crisis in School Transportation; Bus Driver Shortages and Budget Cuts Are Forcing Parents to Fill the Void
Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts
Related: (Recorded Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work

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HAINESPORT, N.J., – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the appointment of Wolfington Body Company as its exclusive school bus dealer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and as a dealer for its Class 4 commercial line of EV trucks and vans in the same three states. As part of the appointment, Wolfington has purchased a Type A Nano BEAST Access school bus, a Type D BEAST school bus, an EV Star Passenger Van and an EV Star Stakebed Truck as demo units for the region. GreenPower delivered the EV Stars Passenger Van and EV Star Stakebed Truck to Wolfington on December 2, 2024.

During a press conference today at Wolfington’s Hainesport, New Jersey facility, Wolfington also announced it has received an order for seven GreenPower Type A Nano BEAST all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses for a local school district in New Jersey.

“Wolfington Body Company is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been serving the transportation industry since 1876,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “In addition to selling school buses and commercial vehicles, Wolfington is equipped with complete mechanical services and body shops to handle a vehicle’s entire lifecycle. Their parts department supplies thousands of parts with same-day delivery available in most areas. We are thrilled to welcome this superior dealer to the GreenPower network.”

“Wolfington history dates back to the horse and buggy days when the company built its first carriage, a buggy with such durability that it held up under the heavy use of doctors traveling their rounds,” said Richard Wolfington, Jr., Vice President of Wolfington Body Company. “Over the years Wolfington’s business has adopted to changing technology and the move to electric vehicles is a natural progression for our company. We are pleased to partner with a premiere purpose-built electric vehicle OEM like GreenPower to bring these school bus and commercial vehicle options to our customers in the three-state region.”

Joining Wolfington and GreenPower at the announcement were state Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Hainesport Mayor Leila Gilmore, both of whom praised the new partnership and its benefits. “This type of news is exactly what I’m working toward in Trenton. Hainesport will benefit from this economically and each of us will breathe cleaner air,” Katz said. “School buses are an ideal use of EV technology and to know that the children at Burlington County Special Services School District will be among the first to benefit from this partnership is exceptional.”

“Me and my Green Team could not be happier to see Wolfington expanding right here in our community with EV technology that is healthier for school kids and beneficial to the environment and climate change,” Gilmore added. “This will bring more jobs and economic activity to Hainesport while at the same time helping reach our goals of sustainability.”

About GreenPower Motor Company, Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo vans and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

The post GreenPower Announces New Dealer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware with an Initial Order of 11 EVs appeared first on School Transportation News.

Bourne Intermediate School in Bourne, Massachusetts, will host a “Stuff A Bus” event on Dec. 7 to collect toy donations for local children this holiday season.

Bourne Public Schools released a statement announcing the “Stuff A Bus” event that will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bourne Intermediate School.

Residents are encouraged to drop off unwrapped gifts or gift cards for children of all ages. Bourne bus drivers and District staff will collect the donations, which will be distributed only to children within the Bourne community.

According to the release, “Stuff A Bus” is sponsored by Bourne Public Schools bus drivers, as an opportunity for community members to support disadvantaged children.

Related: Police Department to Host School Bus Food Drive for Thanksgiving
Related: Colorado Parents Raise Money for Holiday Surprises for School Bus Drivers
Related: Senior Citizens Celebrate Thanksgiving at a Massachusetts Junior High School
Related: What Holiday Gifts Stand Out From the Rest?

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MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with Aéroport de Montreal to sell its innovation center facility located in Mirabel, Québec, for a purchase price of C$50,000,000, subject to customary purchase price adjustments and closing conditions.

All of the net proceeds from the transaction are intended to be used towards the partial repayment of the Company’s senior secured non-convertible debentures issued in July 2023, holders of which currently benefit from a first ranking hypothec over the immovable/real rights related to the innovation center facility. As a result, while the transaction is expected to reduce the Company’s long-term indebtedness, it will not impact the Company’s short term liquidity and cash position.

Closing of the transaction is expected to occur before the end of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including all electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offering to fund local education agencies (LEAs) in the state to purchase propane-powered school buses.

The Missouri Propane Education and Research Council said in a press release that DESE is providing $970,000 million in funding to school districts for the purchase of the propane school buses. School districts can apply for up to four propane buses at $24,250 each.

Application consideration will be based on data received. At the time of the release last month, the DESE said it had received over two dozen applications and about dozen more spots were available.

Guidance from DESE stated that school buses must meet certain eligibility requirements, including being a 2024 model or newer equipped with an EPA certified engine, and purchased rather than leased. LEAs will need to provide a title, certificate of origin, or a purchase order to the department, showing the purchase of the buses with grant funds, by June 15.

The applications are due Dec. 15. DESE stated that “after the initial application period, should funds remain available, a second round of funding will be offered using the same criteria that will be applied to the first round.”

Related: Missouri Director of Transportation Furthers Safety and Sustainability
Related: Propane Best Immediate Option For Greening Fleet, Says Rural Missouri School District
Related: School Districts Replace Diesel Buses with Propane, Electric

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