NEW YORK, NY — The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) announced today that they will be holding Operation Safe Stop events around the state. The annual event helps promote school bus safety and educates the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.

“Stop on red, our kids are ahead – that’s the Operation Safe Stop motto,” said David Christopher, Executive Director of NYAPT. “While the main focus is to remind drivers to stop for stopped school buses so we can keep our school children safe, it is important to note that law enforcement across the state will be out in force following yellow school buses and issuing tickets to those drivers who violate the law.”

This year’s Operation Safe Stop takes place Wednesday, October 21, 2026. It is a cooperative educational and enforcement project supported by NYAPT along with the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Education Department, the New York State School Bus Contractors Association, New York State Bus Distributors Association, the student transportation industry and state, county, city, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The illegal passing of stopped school buses is one of the major safety issues that our school bus drivers and students face on the ride to and from school daily,” said John Spacht, President of NYAPT. “We ask the public to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are on our roadways, and to stop when they see the red lights flashing on a school bus. A child’s life depends on motorists to drive carefully and do the right thing and stop for the bus.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. Those lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York State law prohibits passing a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, regardless of the direction of travel, even on a multi-lane or divided highway.

NYAPT Operation Safe Stop Committee Chair, Jasen Hibbart, Chenango Valley Central School District, urges motorists to look out for our children, “Our children shouldn’t have to worry about motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus. Slow down and watch for school buses and children. Stop when you see the red lights.”

Law enforcement will follow buses, looking for illegal passings. Penalties for a first-time offense of illegally passing a school bus include a fine of $250 to $400, five points on your driver’s license, and the possibility of up to 30 days in jail. A second conviction within three years may result in a fine of $600 to $750, five points on your license, and up to 180 days in jail. Three or more convictions will result in a fine of $750 to $1,500, 5 points on your license, and up to 180 days in jail.

Additionally, for those school districts and municipalities that choose to use automatic ticketing stop arm cameras on school buses, state law allows fines to be levied on the owner of any vehicle that illegally passes a stopped school bus, beginning at $250 for a first violation and up to $300 for subsequent violations.

NYAPT also noted that the 2.3 million children who ride school buses in New York State are driven by qualified and well-trained school bus drivers on routes carefully planned for safety, on buses that are maintained at the highest safety standards, and that school transportation officials are doing their best to keep students safe when they are on or near a school bus.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, students are 70 times safer riding a school bus to school than in a private car. See www.nhtsa.gov

The list below represents NYAPT chapters that are holding Operation Safe Stop Day public awareness events across the state on October 21, 2026.

Capital Region: Shaker Road/Loudonville
Fire Department 550 Albany Shaker Road
9:30 AM
Contact: Jerry Keenan

Rochester Area: Henrietta Fire Station #6
60 Erie Station Road Henrietta, NY
9:30 AM
Contact: David Richardson

Central New York Area: Lafayette Central School District
Transportation Department 5955 US 20 Lafayette, NY
10:30 AM
Contact: Christine Finch

Buffalo Area: Springville Central School District Transportation Department
369 North Street Springville, NY
10:30 AM
Contact: Eric Nagel

Suffolk County: Patchogue-Medford School District
Saxton Middle School 121 Saxton Street Patchogue, NY
11:00 AM
Contact: John Ryan

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Amid National School Bus Safety Week, teaching young students how to safely navigate the school bus routine is an important part of early childhood education. Gregory Nichols hopes to support those efforts through his children’s picture book, Mr. G Big Yellow Bus, which introduces young readers to school bus safety.

“One thing they can learn is the importance of seatbelts, the importance of not standing in the aisle and not throwing stuff out the windows,” said Nichols, who’s been a school bus driver for nearly a decade, most recently with Bridgeton Public Schools in New Jersey.

By introducing these safety lessons through a children’s picture book, Nichols said he hopes young students will become more familiar with safe behavior on and around the school bus. As a school bus driver himself, Nichols knows the responsibilities he has and the importance of keeping the children safe at all times.

“Our responsibility as bus drivers is no kid left behind, and sometimes if you watch the news, you see kids get left on a bus,” Nichols said. “It’s important for the school bus drivers and the children to be aware of their surroundings to keep this from happening.”

After reading Mr G Big Yellow Bus, Nichols said he hopes young readers will understand that “your bus driver cares about you. I take my job seriously; I go above and beyond. Also, I want to see that they are safe and respect others.”

Nichols is working to reach more students through school readings and outreach effort. He said he hopes to encourage reading the physical copy of a book for young children, as an alternative to electronics. Mr G Big Yellow Bus is available for purchase on Amazon.

Additionally, Nichols is creating a Spanish book version, hoping he can eventually make it available in all languages. Nichols is also working on another children’s book, which will focus more on safety.

“I’m going to continue to write because I found a passion for it now,” Nichols said. “The recognition that I’m getting from the kids and my family, the support that I’m getting now from writing a book, and it’s something positive.”

For Nichols, one of the most rewarding parts of writing the book has been seeing how young readers connect with the story.

“I’m getting a lot of positive feedback from people that bought the book for their kids,” Nichols said. “I FaceTimed a couple of them, just hearing them say, ‘That’s Mr. G! That’s Mr. G!’ It’s really a heartwarming thing.”

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Related: School Bus Driver Creates Children’s Book to Promote School Bus Safety

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While the industry awaits information on the remaining $2.3 billion available through the EPA Clean School Bus Program, three U.S. representatives hope to extend the program through 2031, reauthorizing another $1 billion in funding annually for five more years.

To date, the CSBP has awarded $2.7 billion to replace more than 8,500 school buses, reaching nearly every U.S. state. More than 5,200 electric school buses funded through the program have already been delivered to schools. Ninety-one percent of the new school buses applied for were electric. The remaining 9 percent consisted mostly of propane with a small number of CNG also awarded. No new CNG-powered school bus models are being manufactured.

The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act builds on the Clean School Bus Program funding included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021. The program was expected to award $5 billion over five years, through competitive grants and rebates. However, following President Donald Trump’s return to office, the funding has reached a standstill. The last funding opportunity from the EPA was the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, which opened September 2024. However, the EPA canceled the rebate and no organizations received awarded funds. The last round of distributed funds was the 2023 rebate program.

The new legislation would amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by replacing the program’s current authorization period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 with fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Under the existing statute, the program is authorized to receive $1 billion annually, totaling $5 billion. Rep. Jahana Hays, D-Conn., introduced the bill Oct. 9 and was joined by Reps. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, and Buddy Carter, R-Ga.

“Since I came to Congress in 2019, I have advocated for clean school bus funding. As an educator with over a decade of classroom experience, I know how damaging diesel exhaust can be for student well-being and learning. The consequences of diesel emissions extend to our environment, exacerbating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions,” Hayes said in a statement. “The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act will help to provide cleaner and healthier air for school children in Connecticut and across the country, support clean energy jobs, and protect our environment for decades to come.”

The legislation would maintain the existing funding structure, which allocates $500 million annually for clean and zero-emission school buses and another $500 million exclusively for zero-emission school buses. Funding supports the replacement of older school buses with cleaner alternatives.

It does not establish new grant requirements or change program eligibility. Rather, it extends the existing authorization for five additional years.

According to a press release, The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the American School Bus Industry Coalition which includes Blue Bird, First Student, Beacon Mobility, National Express, Highland, Greenpower Motor Company, National School Transportation, Student Transportation of America, and IC Bus. Additional endorsers include the American Bus Association, American Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, and World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative.

Sue Gander, director of WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative, stated that children’s health is not a partisan issue.

“As this bill shows, there’s real enthusiasm on both sides of the aisle to give children the clean ride to school they deserve,” she said. “This bipartisan support is no surprise, as 51 percent of school districts with electric school buses on the road or coming soon are in Congressional districts represented by Republicans.

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“The Clean School Bus Program has been a game-changer, answering school districts’ call to replace aging diesel buses with clean, zero-emissions vehicles in rural, suburban and urban communities alike,” Gander continued. “Replacing diesel buses with electric buses protects children from the dangers of diesel exhaust pollution, which disproportionately impacts low-income and Black communities.”

She added that electric school buses are popular with school districts that use them, especially the drivers behind the wheel. The number of ESBs on the road today is 12 times higher than it was five years ago, she noted.

“With diesel prices at record highs, Congress has a chance to help school districts save big on fuel costs and improve children’s health at the same time,” she said.

Meanwhile, First Student posted on Facebook that it welcomes the bipartisan introduction of the legislation.

“As the program’s largest recipient of funding, First Student has seen firsthand its importance in helping bring zero-emission school buses to our customers students and communities we serve,” the post reads. “Continued bipartisan support for this program is important to helping school districts and communities access funding for cleaner school bus technologies, including electric school buses.”

The school bus contractor added that reauthorizing the program would help preserve a pathway for Congress to continue supporting ESBs.

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The Anahuac Independent School District board approved a $159,150 in funding for purchasing and installing video cameras on existing school buses after a pickup truck nearly struck a 9-year-old girl approaching her bus in Chambers County, Texas, reported KFDM News.

Angela Nelson told local news reporters that her daughter, Lorigan, was preparing to board her school bus outside her home Sept. 18, when a pickup truck passed the stopped bus.

Video Nelson shared with local news shows Lorigan looking both ways before approaching the bus, which had its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. The girl spotted the pickup and moved away just before it passed, reportedly missing her by inches.

Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said investigators had identified and spoken with the motorist, who could face a reckless driving charge, a Class B misdemeanor.

Angela Nelson said the county attorney indicated that additional video and other evidence would be gathered and that the case could be presented to a grand jury.

Nelson also provided investigators with footage from a camera outside her home. That recording reportedly shows the school bus coming into view with its lights flashing several seconds before the pickup passes.

Texas law requires motorists approaching in either direction to stop for a school bus loading or unloading students, when its required visual signals are activated. Drivers may proceed when the bus moves, its driver signals them to proceed, or the signals stop.

Anahuac Superintendent David Walker told local reporters that the district currently has no cameras on its buses. He presented information to trustees who approved the new bus purchase and additional camera equipment.

The district was reportedly considering systems with approximately five interior cameras and two exterior cameras per bus. Walker is reviewing vendors, costs and potential funding sources, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Supplemental Environmental Projects program.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Wisconsin Teen Injured After Being Struck by Pickup While Boarding School Bus
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Related: Two Students Struck After High School Student Illegally Passes School Bus
Related: Kentucky Motorist Arrested After Illegal Passing School Bus, Hitting Child

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A 13-year-old student is facing an assault charge after she allegedly punched a Guilford County Schools bus driver in the head while the driver was picking up students, reported FOX 8.

The incident reportedly occurred Monday morning as the 59-year-old driver was operating a route serving Southwest Guilford Middle School in High Point, North Carolina.

High Point police officers received a report at approximately 7:35 a.m. that a school bus driver had been assaulted at a bus stop on Brentwood Street. A school resource officer responded and met with the bus driver to investigate the report.

The driver told the officer that she had stopped the bus to pick up several students, when one of the students began punching her in the head.

The driver reportedly sustained minor visible injuries during the alleged assault and told the officer that she planned to seek medical treatment. Police said they did not have additional information regarding her condition following the incident.

The school resource officer subsequently filed a juvenile petition for assault against the student. Authorities also obtained a secure custody order for the 13-year-old girl. Because the suspect is a juvenile, police did not release her name.

In North Carolina’s juvenile justice system, a secure custody order allows a juvenile to be temporarily held in a secure facility under circumstances established by state law while the case proceeds. It was not immediately clear what reportedly led to the confrontation or whether other students were on board the bus when the alleged assault occurred. Authorities also did not say whether the bus route continued following the incident or whether another driver was assigned to transport the students.

Guilford County Schools and the High Point Police Department are investigating the incident.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: 11-year-old Charged in Maine School Bus Incident
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A 15-year-old student with autism was hospitalized for severe dehydration after reportedly spending extended periods of heat exposure on board a school bus without air conditioning, reported New York Post.

Temperatures in Chula Vista, California near San Diego reached 97 degrees during the recent heat wave.

Marisol Wojciechowski told local news reporters that her son, Gabriel, is a freshman at Hilltop High School. He released from school about 30 minutes before other students because he receives special education services. She said he was required to wait on the school bus until the other students arrived.

Wojciechowski added that her son’s autism makes it difficult for him to communicate when he is becoming overheated or feeling ill. She first noticed symptoms in early September, when Gabriel began experiencing nosebleeds, severe headaches and lightheadedness after riding the school bus.

“Right away, I would put ice pack on him on his neck and gave him water,” Wojciechowski told local news reporters.

After Gabriel repeatedly displayed the symptoms, his mother took him to an emergency room. She said medical personnel determined that he was severely dehydrated and administered intravenous fluids.

Wojciechowski later boarded the school bus herself and experienced the conditions inside. She said the bus driver told her that Gabriel could not leave the bus after he had been released into the driver’s supervision.

She said that she instructed her son to get off the bus and wait in her air-conditioned vehicle. According to Wojciechowski, the driver told her it was normal for students to remain on the bus during high temperatures.

The mother is now calling on Sweetwater Union High School District officials to implement additional precautions to protect students during periods of extreme heat.

“I want them to put the kids first,” she told local news reporters. “Leaving them on the bus is not safe, not even for five minutes during the heat.”

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Day three of a school bus driver strike has left nearly 6,000 Princeton City Schools students without their usual transportation, reported WCPO 9 News.

Contract negotiations between First Student and its school bus rivers represented by OAPSE/AFSCME Local 184 broke down last week. The union formed a picket line as drivers call for higher wages, better benefits and improved working conditions. Those talks were reportedly set to resume Tuesday.

The strike affected approximately 5,900 students and prompted the district to activate a contingency plan. DLocal 184 President Tarelle Harris said via the article that some employees struggle to afford basic necessities. “We can’t pay for fuel to even get to work. We can’t pay for food for our families,” Harris said.

Lead union negotiator Derryl Hall said via the article that the lack of employer-paid health insurance remains a major sticking point. According to Hall, many drivers rely on Medicaid, Medicare or plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act.

Union representatives also cited staffing shortages, saying the school year began with several routes unfilled, and some employees were required to drive additional routes.

Veteran driver Bobby Cornett reportedly said that improved compensation and benefits could help First Student recruit and retain drivers. Cornett said he owes $146,000 from one surgery and was required to pay $39,000 before undergoing another procedure.

Drivers said they want to return to transporting students. Harris, a Princeton graduate, said he became a driver because he wanted to give back to the district.

First Student said via the news report that it was “deeply disappointed” by the strike and disputed the union’s description of negotiations. The company said its latest proposal included an average wage increase of approximately 27 percent over a four-year contract.

First Student also said it offered to pay for mediation and provided multiple opportunities to continue bargaining. It alleged union leaders canceled scheduled negotiations, declined private mediation and ended discussions despite progress.

“The facts are clear: We came back to the table, and they did not,” the company stated via the report.

Hall disputed those claims, saying negotiations continued late Sept. 29, but produced “absolutely no progress.”

The district distributed instructional packets before the strike and provided online learning resources. Students who miss school because of transportation problems will not be penalized, district officials said.

Related: School Bus Drivers Strike in Southern California
Related: Washington School Bus Drivers Authorize Strike
Related: School Bus Driver Shortages Create Wider Consequences for Students
Related: Iowa Bus Driver Fighting for Improved Wages, Benefits

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A 4-year-old student was dragged approximately 15 feet by a Cato-Meridian Central School District bus in New York after her backpack became caught in the door as the vehicle began moving, highlighting the importance of safety in the danger zone, especially as School Bus Safety Week approaches this month.

According to New York State Police the incident occurred Sept. 23. Investigators determined that the child’s backpack remained caught in the door after she exited the bus and that the driver traveled approximately 15 feet before realizing what had happened and stopping.

The student was not injured, State Police said.

Donna Cooper, the child’s grandmother and legal guardian, told local news reporters that she was waiting outside the family’s home on Follett Road when her granddaughter, Riley, arrived home from school.

Cooper said the bus doors closed after Riley stepped outside while her backpack was still caught inside. She and her husband ran after the bus and screamed for the driver to stop. The bus eventually stopped between their driveway and the next driveway, she said.

“The bus driver closes the door, catches her backpack in the door and then just drives right away, dragging her,” Cooper told the news outlet.

Cooper recalled watching Riley attempt to move forward before the bus pulled away.

“All I see is her face when the door closed,” Cooper said. “I’m watching it in slow motion and I can see her trying to step forward. But then the bus takes off and just the look on her face.”

Cooper said the driver briefly apologized but did not exit the bus to check on Riley. The family took the prekindergarten student to an urgent care facility, which confirmed that she had not been physically injured.

Riley’s grandfather called 911 and later met State Police at the school. State Police told School Transportation News that investigators reviewed video of the incident and spoke with those involved. The school district was notified and began its own administrative investigation.

“Following a review of the circumstances, no criminal charges will be filed,” State Police said. “The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office also reviewed the incident and declined prosecution.”

The district has not publicly disclosed the driver’s employment status, citing restrictions on discussing individual personnel matters. Riley’s family told local reporters that the driver had not returned to the route following the incident.

In a statement provided to local news reporters, the district said student safety and well-being remain its highest priority. The district said it was reviewing the circumstances, cooperating with law enforcement and had procedures in place to prevent another occurrence.

“We remain deeply committed to ensuring every child arrives home safely each day,” the district stated.

STN contacted the district for its official statement and additional information about the driver’s status and the preventive procedures but did not receive a response as of publication.

Cooper questioned why school bus doors do not use sensors that prevent them from closing when an object is caught between them, similar to systems used on elevators and automatic doors. Several companies have displayed such technology at STN EXPO trade shows, though adoption is minimal.

“My main goal here is I want awareness brought to this,” Cooper said. “I mean, both my husband and I have done a lot of research online, and this happens a lot, way more than it should. And nobody’s talking about it.”

Related: Indiana Student Dragged Down Street by School Bus
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Related: Video Shows 8-Year-Old Autistic Girl Dragged Off School Bus

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A Polk County school bus driver and attendant were arrested after onboard video allegedly showed them repeatedly spraying a 15-year-old student with disabilities with disinfectant cleaner to “teach him a lesson.”

According to arrest affidavits provided to School Transportation News, Jeffrey Larson, 65, and William “Cody” Roberts, 32, were each charged with one count of aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony. Both were taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without incident.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Sept. 22. Maggie Reynolds, the Karen M. Siegel Academy principal, noticed an increase in student behavior referrals involving bus No. 1611 and requested video footage from the Polk County School Board, the affidavits state.

The school bus transported three students and was staffed by Larson and Roberts. Authorities described the 15-year-old student, who was not identified at this writing, as having an intellectual disability, functioning at a toddler-level mental capacity, and being unable to speak for himself.

Affidavit Provides Scope of Child Abuse Allegations

Video from Aug. 31 allegedly showed Larson spraying liquid directly in front of the student before spraying his face, torso and legs. A second clip allegedly showed Larson leave the driver’s seat, approach the student, and spray his face and the front of his body while saying, “Stop spitting.” The student then rubbed his face after Larson walked away, according to the affidavit.

During a second incident recorded on Sept. 2, Roberts allegedly looked toward an onboard camera, pulled a spray bottle from beside his body, and sprayed a stream of liquid onto the student’s back while the teenager was secured in his seat.

Investigators said they also heard someone say, “I’ll put a gag in your mouth if you don’t knock it off,” and “You’re gonna regret this.” Authorities could not determine who made the statements.

Roberts told investigators his first day working as the attendant on bus No. 1611 was Aug. 11. He admitted spraying the student in the face with a disinfectant cleaner “no more than five times” and said it was done to “teach him a lesson,” according to the affidavit.

The affidavit alleges that Roberts said he witnessed Larson spray the student in the face twice for the same reason. He acknowledged that their actions were wrong because the disinfectant was an irritant that could adversely affect the student’s health and because the student did not understand their commands due to his disability and could not speak for himself.

Larson told investigators there were no spray bottles containing water aboard the bus but that it carried three bottles containing different cleaning products. He then invoked his right to an attorney.

Deputies obtained a search warrant and recovered a bottle labeled “Morning Fresh, Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner.” Its warning label said the product should be kept away from children and could cause eye and skin irritation.

Polk County Public Schools told School Transportation News that Larson and Roberts also served Boswell Elementary and Tenoroc High School.

“PCPS does not tolerate this kind of behavior from our employees, and these two individuals will no longer have any involvement with our district,” the district stated. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”

The district did not clarify whether the men were terminated or resigned. The affidavits did not state whether the student received medical treatment or whether investigators had identified other alleged victims.

Related: New York School Bus Aide Arrested for Allegedly Abusing Children
Related:Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs
Related: Michigan Student with Special Needs Forgotten, Left on School Bus
Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge

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MEDIA, Pa. – Through one of its operating companies, Krise Transportation, American Student Transportation Partners, Inc. (“ASTP”), a portfolio company of CVC DIF, announces the acquisition of AJ Myers and Sons, a leading provider of student transportation in western Pennsylvania.

“For over 75 years AJ Myers and Sons has built a strong reputation in western Pennsylvania, and we’re proud to welcome their team to the Krise/ASTP family,” said Tod Eskra, President & CEO of ASTP.

Jason Dobry, President of Krise Transportation said “We are honored to welcome AJ Myers and Sons to the Krise/ASTP family. AJ Myers has earned the trust and respect of the communities it serves through its commitment to safety, reliable service and strong relationships with its employees, school district partners and local communities. We recognize the responsibility that comes with this acquisition and are committed to being thoughtful stewards of the AJ Myers legacy while providing for the company’s continued success.”

Since 1950, AJ Myers has successfully served the student transportation needs of communities in western Pennsylvania.

“As we considered the next chapter for AJ Myers and Sons, it was important to find a partner that shared our commitment to our employees, school district partners, students, parents and communities.” Said Jordan Myers, Vice President of AJ Myers and Sons. “ASTP and Krise Transportation respects the values that have defined AJ Myers and Sons while bringing the resources and capabilities to support its continued growth. I am confident this partnership will create new opportunities for our team and is positioned to deliver safe, dependable service for many years to come.”

Established in 2021, ASTP is driving the future of student transportation by focusing on customers, safety, embracing technology, and leading with a people-first approach. The company refers to its team members as “HEROES” and has built contemporary and digitally enabled marketing, recruiting, and training programs. ASTP seeks to deliver great service, every day, to families, students, and business partners. The company’s network of leading operators currently serves more than 110,000 students daily.

About American Student Transportation: Partners
American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP) is a national student transportation platform built around strong local operators working together to strengthen student transportation through investment and innovation. The result is student transportation that stays rooted in the communities they serve, delivered by drivers invested in the students’ safety and well-being. ASTP’s platform of companies, including Krise Transportation in Pennsylvania and Assisted Student Transportation in Kansas and Missouri safely transports over 110,000 students daily.

Learn more about American Student Transportation Partners.

About Krise Transportation: Krise Transportation, Inc., a leader in Pennsylvania for safe and reliable student transportation, holds a single vision of being the student transportation provider of choice for education partners in Pennsylvania. Krise’s mission is to create and maintain reliable, efficient, and safe transportation programs. Krise Transportation is built on the principle that every child deserves equal access to education. The Krise team brings this principle to life through comprehensive student transportation programs, providing the labor, training, equipment, and operational expertise our school districts deserve.

Learn more about Krise Transportation.

About CVC DIF: CVC DIF is the infrastructure strategy of CVC, a leading global private markets manager. CVC DIF manages approximately $28.5 billion in assets and invests in critical infrastructure sectors, including transportation, energy transition, digital infrastructure and utilities. With deep sector expertise, operational capabilities and long-term capital, CVC DIF partners with businesses that provide essential services and have strong potential for sustainable growth.

Learn more about CVC DI

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The rollover of a school bus north of Dallas, Texas, killed one student and resulted in minor injuries to the driver and three other students. The incident renews the scrutiny over a new Texas law expanding requirements for lap/shoulder seatbelts on school buses operated by or contracted for state districts.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a Sanger Independent School District school bus was involved in a single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old student Julian Amador.

At approximately 4:55 p.m. Sept. 24, DPS troopers responded to the crash in unincorporated Denton County north of Dallas. Preliminary information indicates the school bus was traveling northbound. Editor’s note—Viewer discretion advised. Dashcam video obtained by local news station WFAA shows the school bus veer off the roadway, strike a culvert and begin to roll over. Initial DPS information corroborates that sequence of events.

Reasons for the school bus veering off the roadway have not been disclosed at this writing.

Amador, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The bus driver, 38-year-old Jesse Padgett of Sanger, Texas, and three students were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Sanger ISD confirmed with School Transportation News that the bus driver and four students were on board the bus at the time of the accident. The district said it is working with law enforcement and emergency personnel and will share additional information when appropriate.

Texas has required three-point, lap/shoulder seatbelts on all new school buses and for students to wear them since 2007. A new law removes the previous blanket exemption for model-year 2017 and older buses and expands the three-point seat belt requirement to older buses still in service. Districts are not required to comply with the expanded requirement before Sept. 1, 2029, although the law retains exceptions based on district budget limitations and vehicle warranties.

It also directs ISDs to report to the Texas Education Agency the number of school buses with lap/shoulder seatbelts, with two-point lap belts, or no seatbelts at all. ISDs will also need to provide the estimated cost of equipping the school buses in their fleets that do not have lap/shoulder seatbelts, including how much it will cost to retrofit existing school buses to three-point belts or replace the buses with new models equipped with the seatbelts. Sanger ISD district website currently lists 35 total school buses in its fleet.

WFAA also reported Thursday evening that Sanger ISD said only 15 of its 29 school buses had the seatbelts as of earlier this year, with 10 of those buses having no seatbelts at all and four not having the type of seatbelts required. The local news station reported that Sanger ISD asked the state for an exception, as it would cost $500,000 to fully install the occupant restraints throughout the fleet. Local voters did not approve a district-wide bond that included $1 million for new school bus purchases.

STN asked Sanger ISD if seatbelts were installed on the school bus that rolled over, but the school district did not address that question. But CBS11 News reported that a student who rode the bus about a half hour before the crash said there were no seatbelts on board.

The investigation remains ongoing, and DPS said no additional information was available at this report. STN will provide updates as more details are released.

Related: Florida School Bus Driver Dies After Being Struck at District Lot
Related: 6-Year-Old Illinois Student Killed in School Bus Collision
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Related: Family Seeks Answers After 7-Year-Old Dies on Ohio School Bus

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A 7-year-old Cincinnati Public Schools student with special needs died while riding a school bus, and her family is seeking answers about what occurred during the approximately 90-minute trip home.

Ngone Talla, a Roselawn Condon School student, was nonverbal with developmental disabilities and rode the school bus in a wheelchair. Her father, Abdoula Talla, told local media that Ngone appeared healthy and happy when she went to school Wednesday morning.

Cincinnati Public Schools confirmed in a statement provided to School Transportation News that Ngone died later that day while on her school bus.

“Our hearts remain with her family and everyone who knew and loved her,” the district stated. “This is an unimaginable loss for them and a heartbreaking time for the entire CPS community, and especially those at her school.”

Ngone’s family said the bus arrived late at their Northside home at approximately 5 p.m. Abdoula said home surveillance video showed the bus remaining outside for 10 to 15 minutes before its wheelchair ramp was lowered.

Ngone’s 12-year-old sister, Marema Talla, reportedly went outside after her mother told her the school bus had arrived. She said a bus employee eventually invited family members on board, where they found Ngone motionless in her wheelchair.

Marema told local media that Ngone’s lips appeared dry, cut and bleeding, and that she could not detect a pulse or breathing. She said an bus attendant told her something had been coming from Ngone’s mouth before she became still.

Authorities have not confirmed that account or said when during the ride Ngone became unresponsive.

Abdoula said his wife and children called him after discovering that Ngone was not breathing. He said he called 911 while rushing home. Ngone was transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The family is questioning why emergency responders were not called before the bus reached their home. Investigators have not said if district transportation staff or other students on school bus knew Ngone was in distress during the route or whether earlier intervention could have affected the outcome.

Substitute Monitor Working the Day of Fatality

Abdoula said the school bus route typically had a driver and an attendant responsible for monitoring students. He said the attendant working Wednesday was not Ngone’s regular attendant.

First Student, which operated the bus, stated in an email to STN that it is cooperating with local authorities and the school district.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of a student in Cincinnati and are fully cooperating with local authorities and the school district on conducting a thorough investigation,” the company stated.

First Student declined to answer questions about when employees noticed Ngone was unresponsive, whether they contacted emergency services and whether the attendant was a substitute. The company cited the active investigation.

The Cincinnati Police Department also confirmed in an email to STN that it is conducting a death investigation but declined to release additional information because the investigation remains ongoing.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has not publicly announced Ngone’s cause or manner of death.

Ngone’s family remembered her as funny, energetic and loving. Abdoula said he had communicated with her teacher earlier Wednesday and was told his daughter was having a good day.

“I just want to know the truth,” he said. “She’s a lovely baby, and I just want to know the truth.”

Cincinnati Public Schools said its Crisis Response Unit has been supporting students and employees at Roselawn Condon School and throughout the district.

Related: (STN Podcast E321) The Mission: Supporting Education & Independence for Students with Special Needs
Related: Gallery: Safe, Caring Transportation Promoted for Students With Special Needs
Related: Special Needs Roadeo Returns to TSD Conference with Expanded Training, Team Challenges
Related: Alternative School Transportation: Roadmap for Decision-Making For Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

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A school bus aide charged after a 12-year-old boy found his gun and fired it through a bus window was released under court-ordered conditions Wednesday, reported CBS News.

According to the news report, Steven Dixon Jr., 22, faces a felony count of carrying or possessing a firearm at a school, along with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and reckless conduct.

The shooting reportedly occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. Monday outside Minnie Miñoso Academy in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. Police said the student took the firearm from Dixon’s unattended bag and fired one round that struck a school bus window. Other students were on board, but no injuries were reported.

The school’s assistant principal said the 12-year-old has disabilities.

During Dixon’s initial court appearance, prosecutors reportedly sought to have him detained before trial, arguing that bringing a loaded gun onto a school bus and leaving it unattended around children was extremely reckless and dangerous. They said the shooting could have injured students or parents inside or outside the bus.

Prosecutors said Dixon possessed a valid firearm owner’s identification card but did not have a concealed carry license and had not completed required training. Dixon’s attorney argued that he did not handle or fire the weapon or threaten anyone with it. The defense also noted that Dixon voluntarily surrendered himself and the firearm to police.

The judge agreed that Dixon’s conduct was dangerous and directly led to the student finding and firing the gun. However, the judge noted that Dixon has no criminal or juvenile record and credited him for turning himself in and providing police with evidence.

According to the article, the judge determined that Dixon’s behavior posed a danger when the incident occurred but did not present an ongoing threat requiring detention.

Dixon was ordered released under supervision while the case proceeds. He must surrender his firearm owner’s identification card and any weapons he owns within 48 hours. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms and from having contact with children other than his own.

School officials said the firearm did not enter the school building. The Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools Office of Safety and Security were notified immediately after the shooting.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Mother Granted Bond After Child Brings Loaded Gun on School Bus
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Related: Loaded Gun On South Carolina School Bus Leads to Quick Arrest

The post Chicago School Bus Aide Released After Student Fires Gun appeared first on School Transportation News.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., – First Student, North America’s largest student transportation services provider backed by EQT Infrastructure, and Con Edison, today announced the completion of the first phase of an electric school bus project serving the New York City Department of Education. The project brings together electric school buses, First Student’s First Charge infrastructure solution, advanced bi-directional charging technology, and a cost-effective approach to fleet electrification in one of the nation’s most complex urban environments.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we’re doing with Con Edison and the progress we’re making together to advance electric school bus transportation,” said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. “Our mission is to provide the safest, most reliable, and efficient ride to school, so that students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential. Living that mission means continuing to live our values, including setting the highest standards for student transportation. Safety will always be at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to pair that commitment with innovation that is improving the sustainability of student transportation.”

At the center of the project is First Charge, First Student’s innovative trenchless, modular charging infrastructure solution that reduces costs and accelerates time to market. By avoiding traditional underground trenching, the installation reduced infrastructure construction costs by 13% while minimizing construction complexity and disruption, an especially important advantage in dense urban environments like New York City.

“Con Edison supports innovation to help make transitioning to electric vehicles affordable for our customers,” said Vicki Kuo, senior vice president of Customer Energy Solutions at Con Edison. “Eliminating the need to bury the service line to these chargers lowers the upfront costs for First Student and is a strategy that other fleet owners can replicate to save money and complete projects more quickly. Replacing inefficient, fossil fuel-powered buses with vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions will help keep our region sustainable.”

Con Edison and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) contributed funding for the project. The funding included six bus vouchers awarded through NYSERDA’s New York School Bus Incentive Program through First Student’s school bus manufacturer, International, as well as funding for four retrofit buses.

This project is also exploring ways to decrease energy costs for fleets. Using advanced load management software, the electric school buses charge during off-peak hours when energy is less expensive, not only decreasing complexity but also ensuring energy is used efficiently.

First Student is continuing to expand its electrification operations in New York with the addition of 40 new electric school buses. First Student is also considering additional initiatives at its Brooklyn facilities, including expanded solar use and the creation of a smart energy hub.

NYSERDA is supporting the purchase of six electric school buses for this project through the New York School Bus Incentive Program and through First Student’s vendor, International, and four retrofit buses through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program.

“This project is exactly the kind of critical infrastructure investment to which EQT is committed across our portfolio – pairing patient, long-term capital with practical innovation that strengthens energy security and accelerates the shift to cleaner transportation,” said Crosby Cook, Partner at EQT Infrastructure. “First Student’s work with Con Edison demonstrates that the right partnership between fleet operators and utilities can make electrification more affordable and scalable.”

“Electric school buses offer a healthier, quieter transportation experience for students while reducing pollution in the communities they serve,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful planning, innovative charging solutions, and strong partnerships can help lower costs and accelerate the deployment of electric school buses in New York City and across the state.”

“Deploying electric school buses at scale requires more than vehicles; it requires the right infrastructure, technology, and utility partnership,” said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. “Working with Con Edison, we’ve demonstrated a more efficient approach that can help overcome some of the cost and construction challenges that have traditionally made fleet electrification difficult in dense urban environments.”

During the 2025-26 school year, First Student operated approximately 490 electric school buses, with more than 550 additional vehicles on order. The company has surpassed 11.2 million miles driven in electric buses.

To learn more about First Student, visit www.firststudentinc.com.

About First Student
First Student, the leading student transportation services provider in North America, safely transports millions of students across the U.S. and Canada each day. With a fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles and a workforce of highly trained drivers, the company partners with school districts, divisions, and boards to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions that families can depend on. Recognized as a CIO 100 Award winner and named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list, First Student provides a range of transportation services, including special-needs transportation, routing and fleet management, vehicle electrification, maintenance services, and charter transportation. Through its proprietary HALO technology platform, First Student is helping shape the future of student transportation by integrating safety, operations, maintenance, workforce management, and customer communications into one intelligent transportation ecosystem that enhances safety, improves operational performance, and creates a more connected transportation experience for students and families. Learn more at https://firststudentinc.com

The post First Student and Con Edison Advance Electric School Bus Infrastructure in New York City appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 6-year-old elementary school student died after her school bus struck her moments after she disembarked in a residential Frankfort neighborhood.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to School Transportation News that the child was identified as Jenna Menias. She was pronounced dead Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Menias had reportedly just exited the school bus near her family’s home when she was struck by the same bus, her mother, Yvette Menias, told local media. The article added that it was not the route’s usual bus driver. Police have not confirmed that sequence of events.

In a news release, the Frankfort Police Department said officers were dispatched at approximately 3:24 p.m. for a traffic collision involving a school bus and a juvenile pedestrian.

Officers arrived and found Menias unresponsive with serious injuries caused by the collision, the release states. Witnesses and first responders immediately administered CPR and other lifesaving measures at the scene.

An ambulance transported Menias to a local hospital for treatment, where she was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Several other passengers were aboard the school bus when the collision occurred. Police said no additional injuries resulted from the crash, and arrangements were made to safely reunite the other passengers with their families.

Frankfort School District 157-C confirmed in a Sept. 9 statement provided to STN that Menias was a student at Grand Prairie Elementary School.

“It is with profound sadness that we share that our school community has experienced an unimaginable loss,” the district stated. “Tragically, the bus accident that occurred yesterday has resulted in the passing of one of our Grand Prairie Elementary students.”

The district extended its condolences to Menias’ family and friends, saying the entire District 157-C community was devastated and mourning alongside them.

District officials said schools remained open Wednesday to receive students and employees as they processed Menias’ death together. Additional support resources were made available throughout the district, including social workers, psychologists, and other trained personnel.

The district added that more mental health professionals would be available as needed to offer individual assistance to students and staff experiencing grief, anxiety, or other emotions related to the collision.

“Our hearts remain with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those who have been affected by this tremendous loss,” the district stated.

Police described Menias’ death as a tragedy with far-reaching effects on the community.

“This tragic incident has had a profound impact on those involved, their families, and our community,” the department stated. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.”

Police also asked the community and media to respect the privacy of those involved and allow their families time and compassion during the period of grief.

Authorities have not said what happened immediately before the collision. The police release did not identify the bus driver. No charges have been announced at the time of this writing.

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The post 6-Year-Old Illinois Student Killed in School Bus Collision appeared first on School Transportation News.

An 11-year-old Connecticut student died Wednesday morning after his bicycle collided with a school bus in North Stonington.

Police identified the student as Torren O’Grady of North Stonington. The Sept. 2 collision occurred near the intersection of Old Colony and Pinecrest roads shortly before the start of the school day. The crash occurred less than a mile from North Stonington Elementary School.

According to a preliminary crash report released by Connecticut State Police, a Blue Bird school bus was traveling east on Old Colony Road at approximately 8:27 a.m. O’Grady was riding a mountain bike east behind the bus as both approached Pinecrest Road.

Old Colony Road traffic entering Pinecrest Road is controlled by a stop sign, the summary states. Police said the school bus made a left turn and entered the northbound lane of Pinecrest Road as O’Grady also entered the intersection.

O’Grady’s bicycle collided with the left front wheel and tire of the school bus, according to investigators. A “run-over event” subsequently occurred, and O’Grady sustained fatal injuries, police stated.

The preliminary summary identifies the bus driver as a 76-year-old Stonington resident. State police had not announced any charges or citations as of Friday.

The investigation remains active. Police asked anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to it to contact Connecticut State Police Troop E in Montville at 860-848-6500.

O’Grady was a member of the Stonington Bears Youth Lacrosse and wore No. 49. The organization described him as a teammate, friend and member of a family extending far beyond the playing field.

The youth lacrosse organization asked area families, community members and local sports leagues to place lacrosse sticks outside their homes and leave their porch lights on in O’Grady’s memory.

“Let every porch light shine for Torren,” the organization stated. “Let every lacrosse stick remind his family that they are surrounded by a community standing beside them in love and support.”

The organization encouraged neighboring towns to participate in the tribute, writing, “From one field, one team and one collective community, we remember #49.”

Gov. Ned Lamont expressed condolences to O’Grady’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the North Stonington community. He said Connecticut State Police and the state Department of Education were prepared to support the schools and students affected by the death.

Lamont also urged drivers throughout Connecticut to exercise additional caution around school buses, school zones, bicyclists and children traveling to and from school.

“Slow down and help keep our students safe as they start this new school year,” Lamont stated.

State Rep. Greg Howard, whose district includes North Stonington, said he had communicated with local emergency services, law enforcement and the Connecticut Department of Education following the collision.

Howard said state resources were being made available to help North Stonington cope with the loss. He also thanked the first responders, firefighters, medical personnel, school and town officials, and law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.

“I know our community is hurting right now; but I also recognize the way in which North Stonington knows how to pull together,” Howard stated. “Please keep this family in your thoughts and let us all hold our loved ones a little closer tonight.”

Related: 7-Year-Old Girl Fatally Struck by School Bus in New York
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Related: Michigan School Bus Strikes Bicyclist
Related: New Jersey School Bus Hits, Kills 7-Year-Old Pedestrian

The post Connecticut Sixth Grader on Bike Dies in Collision with School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Roanoke City Public Schools kindergartener was mistakenly placed on a school bus and dropped off at an apartment complex, prompting his parents to search for him for about two hours, reported WSLS News.

Terry Mills and Daniel Howard arrived Thursday at Round Hill Elementary School expecting to pick up their 5-year-old son, D’Terrion. His parents said he was a regular car rider and did not have a bus pass.

When D’Terrion was not at the designated pickup area, school staff checked buses and reviewed surveillance footage as the family tried to determine his location.

“I’m just still frantic,” Mills said. “At this point, I just, I want to know where my son is.”

According to the school division, D’Terrion mistakenly boarded a bus on his second day of attendance. The bus’ only stop was Westwind Apartments.

After the bus dropped him off, another student accompanied D’Terrion to the apartment complex’s leasing office. An assistant manager recognized that the child was at the wrong location and contacted the school.

The district said approximately 17 minutes elapsed between D’Terrion exiting the bus and the leasing office notifying school officials. His parents said the overall ordeal lasted about two hours from the time they initially began searching until they were reunited with him.

Mills said the family was relieved D’Terrion avoided walking into the street, entering a stranger’s home or getting into an unfamiliar vehicle.

Roanoke City Public Schools said it immediately notified D’Terrion’s parents after receiving the call. The family subsequently met with a school division leader to discuss the incident.

The district said it investigated the situation and is taking appropriate personnel actions. It is also working with its transportation provider, Zum, to reinforce bus and car-rider procedures among students, staff members and drivers.

District officials thanked Westwind Apartments management for helping keep the student safe.

Howard said the family shared its experience to emphasize the importance of closely monitoring young students. The parents are now working with the district to transfer D’Terrion to another school. Officials declined to provide additional information about that request, citing student privacy laws.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Related: New Jersey Boy Left Asleep on School Bus, Found Wandering District Bus Yard

The post Virginia Kindergartener Dropped at Wrong Location Following Transportation Mix-Up appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Valley High School student was critically injured in a shooting at a Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky bus stop, district officials confirmed.

Louisville Metro Police responded Tuesday at 7:58 a.m. to a teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to University Hospital in critical condition.

JCPS confirmed in a statement to School Transportation News that the incident occurred at a school bus stop. The district did not release the student’s name or provide details about what happened immediately before the shooting.

“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the student and her family, as well as everyone impacted by this troubling incident,” Barnard Baker, JCPS executive officer of communications and community relations, stated via email. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”

Baker said the district has provided staff and resources to those who may have been affected and is working with law enforcement and school officials to support students and the school community.

Questions about the student’s activities immediately before the shooting, whether other students were present, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain part of the police investigation, Baker added. He explained that the district’s jurisdiction is limited to its schools, buses and campuses, but said JCPS recognizes that student safety extends beyond school property.

“Bus stops are part of our students’ journeys, and we recognize the importance of working with our community partners to address concerns that extend beyond our direct responsibilities,” Baker stated.

Valley High School Principal Jennie Currin first notified families Tuesday that LMPD and JCPS Police were investigating near the Beech Street bus stop. She asked families to avoid the area and said the school implemented heightened security measures out of an abundance of caution.

In a follow-up message Wednesday, Currin confirmed that the critically injured teenager is a Valley High School student. She said the school had resumed normal operations after heightening security Tuesday.

“This is a devastating example of how community violence impacts our students,” Currin stated. “It is completely unacceptable, and our hearts are with the student, their family and everyone who loves them.”

Members of the JCPS Crisis Response Team and JCPS Police Department were on campus Tuesday and returned Wednesday to support students and staff, added Currin. The JCPS Violence Prevention team and LMPD were also at the school Tuesday. Specialized counseling resources will remain available for as long as needed.

LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said at an on-scene news conference that investigators were following leads concerning a suspect and urged community members to share any information they may have.

“We want to make sure that we bring justice to the people who perpetrated this act and make sure that we get dangerous people off the streets,” Humphrey said. Authorities have not publicly said whether the shooting was targeted or disclosed any possible relationship between the student and the suspected shooter.

“As the investigation continues, we ask that the privacy of the student and family be respected,” Baker stated. “Additional information will be shared when it becomes available and when it can be responsibly released.”

Related: Fatal Shooting at Pennsylvania School Bus Drop-Off Leads to Arrest
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Related: Teen Charged in Pennsylvania School Bus Shooting, 3 Others Wanted
Related: Mother Granted Bond After Child Brings Loaded Gun on School Bus

The post Kentucky Bus Stop Shooting Critically Injures High School Student appeared first on School Transportation News.

School districts focus on service and safety amidst students returning to school nationwide and new research on cellphone distraction among motorists. Plus, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services reiterated its support of lap/shoulder seatbelts on school buses.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Patrick Mulick, the director of student engagement at Auburn School District in Washington state, and an upcoming fan-favorite TSD Conference keynote speaker, brings a voice of clarity and care to safely and appropriately transporting students with special needs, as well as supporting their independence.

Read more about special needs.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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

The post (STN Podcast E321) The Mission: Supporting Education & Independence for Students with Special Needs appeared first on School Transportation News.