Two California farmworkers were celebrated as local heroes after saving 20 children from a burning school bus in Madera County north of Fresno last month, reported ABC News.
Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco were honored on Oct. 21 by the Madera County Board of Supervisors for their quick thinking and bravery during the Sept. 4 incident, when they pulled students to safety from a school bus engulfed in flames.
“All the students made it out safely without any injuries due to the immediate action taken by the farmworkers and the bus driver,” the Board said via the article. “The Board of Supervisors recognize the two men for their selfless courage and bravery, demonstrating the highest ideals of public service, compassion and community spirit.”
Romero and Zarco were reportedly driving to work when they spotted thick smoke rising from the school bus. Without hesitation, they rushed to the scene and began evacuating the trapped children, battling heat and smoke to reach those seated in the back rows.
“We are profoundly grateful to the two farmworkers whose heroic actions saved the lives of more than 20 children,” said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue via the news report. “Their quick thinking, bravery, and compassion in the face of danger exemplify the very best of Madera County.”
Zarco recalled the urgency of the moment.
“We were just making sure the kids were far away enough so that they wouldn’t get hurt,” he said.
Romero added, “One more moment that would have lasted, I don’t know what would have happened.”
Both men downplayed their heroism, saying they were simply doing what needed to be done. According to the article, CAL FIRE Division Chief Larry Pendarvis also praised the pair, saying their “situational awareness and fortitude” made the difference in saving lives. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
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At the National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show (ACTS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, keynote speaker Darryl Bellamy inspired the audience with creating transparency around common fears and how to move forward from fear paralysis.
Bellamy said during his Nov. 1 presentation that over his career he has collected 75,000 fears handwritten by individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. He explained that across the ages, from 8 years old to 80, the fears seem to fall into the same categories. He led attendees through multiple interactive exercises to analyze their individual reactions to fear.
After the first exercise, where attendees closed their eyes to visualize what thoughts the word “fear” triggered, Bellamy explained that generally people have a negative feeling when it comes to fear. However, he said, fear is not the enemy. Inaction is. Fear is a natural response, a check-engine light to signal us that we are feeling discomfort or unsafe and is something we need to survive as humans. But it cannot stop us from pushing through.
“What I truly want is for you to not feel fearless, but to fear a little less,” said Bellamy.
The next exercise had each member of the audience write down their greatest fears on pieces of paper and then place them in a symbolic fire on the stage. Bellamy read aloud some of these written responses, noting the common themes and statements made. These included fear of how we are perceived, fear of not accomplishing goals, fear of appearing incompetent, fear of not being good enough, fear of losing a job or income, fear of making mistakes and fear of letting others down.
Volunteers from the audience stood up to voice their biggest fears, and Bellamy asked the rest of the attendees to affirm their agreement with each fear by snapping their fingers. This demonstration, he said, proves that while fear can feel very isolating, oftentimes we are facing similar fears as do the people around us.
One attendee said, “My biggest fear is that someone is going to outwork me, that they’re smarter than me.” Another said “People who know me see me as strong, powerful but inside I feel like an imposter. I’m so scared, so anxious.” Many of the attendees nodded in agreement with the statement, “I fear that I’m not being an effective enough leader for my team,” and “I fear that my best won’t be enough.”
“You’re never alone in your journey. We just don’t talk about it enough. The fears we hide are the ones that connect us the most. Don’t keep it in your head, talk with someone about it, you give it less your power and we can work through it a little bit easier,” said Bellamy.
Bellamy said the first step is to “trace” or identify the fear, name it and break out of the “fear loop,” which he defined by feelings of stress, helplessness, distrust, dread, panic and anxiety. The next step is to “embrace” by managing your response and taking action.
He explained his 5-Second Rule. “When a thought comes into our head, we usually talk ourselves in or out of it in five seconds.” He used the metaphor of a retreat, where individuals were on a high-ropes course, and one woman was too afraid to let go of the rope to get back off the course. Bellamy said he counted out loud from five to one, and her instinct helped her let go. He explained that when we’re in a fear loop, our bodies often show physical signs of tension. Making a small change, such as deep breathing or smiling, can unlock the ability to take action. This action, Bellamy explained, may not always be perfect, but it promotes learning and growth as opposed to inaction.
Bellamy gave his list of the five questions he encourages attendees to ask themselves in a moment of fear:
1. What exactly am I afraid of?
2. What if it goes well?
3. If I failed, how would I grow?
4. What would be my first steps?
5. What regret would I have if I didn’t take action?
The final step, said Bellamy, is “grace,” being kind to yourself and bouncing back when things don’t go perfectly. He said reminds himself that we’re all on the same journey of life iwith the statement, “I made the best decision with the information and who I was at the time.”
Often, the uncertainty and the regret of inaction is what will cause more stress in the long run, he said. He referenced a study that asked subjects to write down all the things they were worried about and then track those events over the next 30 days. The study found that only 15 percent of the worries came to fruition while 79 percent turned out better than expected. He ended with words of encouragement. “You’ve survived 100 percent of your bad days. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress,” he shared.
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ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Gatekeeper Systems Inc. (“Gatekeeper” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GSI) (OTC:GKPRF), a leader in video and data solutions for school buses, public transit and smart cities, is pleased to announce the appointment of industry professional Hamish Dobson to its Board of Directors as an independent director.
Mr. Dobson has extensive security industry experience with senior leadership roles in engineering and product management at Motorola Solutions, a global leader in public safety and enterprise security solutions, and Avigilon prior to its acquisition by Motorola Solutions in 2018. Most recently, Hamish was Corporate Vice President of Video Security and Access Control for Motorola Solutions, where he led a worldwide engineering team who delivered AI-powered physical security solutions for the global market. Doug Dyment, Gatekeeper’s President and CEO commented, “We are very happy to have Hamish join our Board of Directors. His extensive experience in video analytics, scaling product teams, and product-led growth strategies will be a valued addition to our Board as we execute on our platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
product strategy”
Hamish Dobson commented, “I have followed Gatekeeper’s impressive growth in transit and school bus video solutions for several years and I look forward to contributing my support as director.” In conjunction with the appointment, the Company has granted 100,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Dobson, exercisable at $2.53 for a term of 5 years from the date of grant. The stock options are subject to vesting conditions and approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
About Gatekeeper Systems Inc.
Gatekeeper is a leading provider of video and data solutions for a safer transportation environment for children, passengers, and drivers on public transportation fleets. Gatekeeper has provided solutions to more than 60 transit agencies and 3,500 school districts throughout North America and has installed more than 63,000 Mobile Data Collectors for customers which record video and data daily from over 200,000 onboard devices. The Company’s hosted software applications facilitate AI-assisted video analytics for incident management and storage. The Company’s Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) business model is centered around the Mobile Data Collectors, which are the cornerstone of its data company transformation. www.gatekeeper-systems.com
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A Fleet Electrification Accelerator launched by Connecticut Green Bank earlier this year provides school districts with a free planning and deployment support program for local school bus fleets, with a focus on distressed municipalities.
The program is designed to help Connecticut school districts transition to electric school buses by offering technical, financial and operational guidance. It helps school districts overcome the various barriers to electrification such as EV adoption, infrastructure planning, vehicle procurement and cost analysis.
As of Tuesday, Preston Public Schools and the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System joined the Fleet Electrification Accelerator Fall Cohort. CTECS serves over 11,000 students across 17 technical high schools and one technical education center.
“The Green Bank is proud of the electric school bus investments we have made in 2025 through the Fleet Electrification Accelerator, which will help communities strive towards a cleaner future,” stated Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “The participation of Preston Public Schools and CTECS reflects a growing commitment among Connecticut’s educational institutions to reduce emissions and deliver public health benefits through improved air quality while continuing to focus on the safe, reliable transportation of their students to and from school.”
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Through the program, Preston Public Schools and CTECS will receive everything from electric school bus basics, vehicle and charger recommendations, a road map, on site assessment, procurement timelines and funding and incentive opportunities.
“Preston Public Schools is one of approximately 10 school districts that owns and operates its fleet of school buses,” said Roy Seitsinger, Preston’s superintendent of schools. “The initial assessment shows the location of our transportation department to be the third best location statewide to provide the necessary power for electrifying our future fleet needs. We are proud to be one of the first school districts to partner with Connecticut Green Bank.”
Recruitment for the spring 2025 Fleet Electrification Accelerator is currently underway. The program is sponsored by CALSTART.
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BMW introduced the updated i4 lineup earlier this year and now the company has announced US specifications. They’re worth getting excited about as customers will find more power and range.
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Kicking things off with the entry-level i4 eDrive40, the model gains more efficient SiC inverters from the i5. Thanks to the change, the car offers up to 333 miles (536 km) of range when equipped with 18-inch wheels. That’s an improvement of 15 miles (24 km).
Upgrading to 19-inch wheels comes at a cost as the range falls to 307 miles (494 km). However, that’s still 12 miles (19 km) more than last year’s model.
Meet The New i4 M60
The i4 M50 gives way to the new i4 M60, which gains power as well as new SiC inverters. Starting with performance, the car now produces 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) at start-up. That’s a sizable increase of 41 hp (31 kW / 42 PS).
When My Modes Sport is selected, the output climbs to an impressive 593 hp (442 kW / 601 PS). That’s up 57 hp (43 kW / 58 PS) and it means the car can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a mere 3.6 seconds. To put that into perspective, that’s a half second faster than the standard M3 and is almost as quick as the M3 Competition xDrive.
More: BMW’s Most Popular M Car Just Got More Powerful
Aside from the extra oomph, the model is more efficient than its predecessor as M60s with 19-inch wheels have 278 miles (447 km) of range. With 20-inch wheels, the model maxes out at around 232 miles (373 km). Those are improvements of 11 miles (18 km) and 5 miles (8 km), respectively.
Besides increased range and performance, there are a handful of other minor updates. All models now come with a Seal & Drive Tire Kit, while a Drive Recorder has been added to the Parking Assistant Professional package. Customers can also get optional glass controls on all i4 models.
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report. However, black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue calipers are now part of the Shadowline package on the i4 eDrive40 and xDrive40. These items are also available as standalone options.
The 2026 i4 will go into production in November and pricing starts at $57,900 for the i4 eDrive40. The i4 xDrive40 will set you back $62,300, while the range-topping i4 M60 begins at $70,700.
Electric car owners in the UK may soon find their zero-emissions glow dimmed slightly by the Labour government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly preparing a pay-per-mile tax for EVs to help plug the giant hole left by declining fuel duty receipts.
Related: UK Brings Back EV Discounts But Only If You Don’t Spend Too Much
With more drivers ditching petrol pumps for charging cables, the Treasury suddenly finds itself missing billions in the “please drive somewhere so we can tax you for it” department.
The reported figure being floated? Around 3 pence ($0.04) per mile, which at 8,000 miles (12,900 km) a year would equate to a £240 ($315) bill. T
he government is expected to argue that while UK EV drivers might be disappointed by the new charge, they’ll still get a better deal than drivers of petrol and diesel-engined vehicles who pay around £600 ($784) per year in fuel duty.
But there’s no doubt the news first reported by The Daily Telegraph, if true – and these kinds of stories are usually leaked from within government – will be another blow to EV drivers, who from this year have been forced to pay the annual Vehicle Excise Duty previously only payable by petrol and diesel drivers.
Factor in that £195 ($255) annual VED bill, and an EV owner covering 8k miles a year could be asked to pay £435 more to drive their car in 2028, when the scheme is alleged to go live, than they did in 2024.
On the positive side, the new Labour government did introduce grants of up to £3,750 for buyers of new electric cars three years after the previous government axed the original scheme.
It’s not clear how such a scheme would be monitored; reports suggest that it would be up to drivers to volunteer their own mileage estimate figures for the coming year, rather than the government electronically tracking them. If they were later found to have driven more or fewer miles than estimated, they could either get a rebate or a bill.
EV drivers aren’t the only ones left dismayed by the still-unofficial news. The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said it recognized the need for a rethink over vehicle taxation.
However, it described pay-per-mile as “entirely the wrong measure at the wrong time,” one that would end up “deterring consumers and further undermining industry’s ability to meet ZEV mandate targets, with significant ramifications for perceptions of the UK as a place to invest.”
Honda used its Automotive Technology Workshop to share new details about a next-generation platform that will form the backbone of its upcoming hybrid range. The new architecture is set to underpin models such as the Civic, HR-V, CR-V, Accord, and several others, marking a major step in the brand’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient vehicles.
The new platform’s design centers on improved rigidity to sharpen handling, a development that will also influence Honda’s future EV structures. Engineers have managed to reduce overall weight by 90 kilograms (198 pounds) compared to the current setup.
According to Honda, these changes will make future models both more engaging to drive and more economical at the pump.
More: Honda Bets On A New Hybrid V6 Instead Of Going All Electric
Honda has also drawn on its robotics expertise to introduce a new Motion Management System, designed to enhance stability and steering response. Complementing this is an upgraded Agile Handling Assist system, now paired with a pitch control feature to deliver steadier behavior across a variety of road surfaces.
Another focus area is modularity. The updated platform will allow for more than 60 percent parts commonality between models, streamlining development and manufacturing while reducing costs.
Next Civic Prototype
Among the vehicles being tested on this new foundation is a camouflaged Civic mule, previewed in these official photos you see here. The test car wears the body of the current Civic but features a noticeably bulkier front end, boxier bumper design, and a longer overhang. These changes are purely functional, meant to accommodate and evaluate the new underpinnings rather than preview final styling.
More: Honda’s New Electric SUV Might Be Small But Its Global Ambitions Are Big
The extensions on the front and rear fenders hint at wider tracks, while the inserts on the hood could be related to aerodynamics.
The tail is carried over from the existing Civic sedan, but it gets dual tailpipes. Of course, the design of the final product will be different, as this vehicle is only intended for testing the new underpinnings.
Prelude Tricks Trickle Down The Range
The upcoming hybrid powertrain is expected to pair a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with electric motors, offering better performance with higher efficiency. It will also borrow certain traits from the Prelude coupe, including the Honda S+ Shift system. This feature mimics gear changes through sound and torque modulation, adding a familiar rhythm to the driving experience despite the absence of a physical gearbox.
The fake gearshifts will also find their way into the Super-One EV. The urban hatchback that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show will have a simulated seven-speed setup, an active sound control system, and a “Boost” driving mode, making the best out of the fully electric powertrain.
It rides on a lightweight platform evolved from the N Series kei cars, with a wider stance and a battery pack mounted under the floor. The Super-One will arrive in Japan from 2026, followed by the UK, Europe, and other Asian countries.
Honda’s long-term vision reaches well beyond product development. By 2050, the company intends to achieve full carbon neutrality across all its vehicles and corporate operations. In that same timeframe, it also aims for a world where traffic collisions involving its motorcycles and cars result in zero fatalities.
Low-resolution images of Renault’s new Twingo E-Tech leaked earlier this week, proving that the production car delivers almost all of the want-one factor that made the 2023 concept such a hit. But that leak only gave us half the story.
Today Renault gave its new baby EV a proper debut and filled us in on all the technical details that reveal whether the Twingo has some substance to go with that style.
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We’ll not dwell too much on the exterior in light of the earlier leak and the fact that you can make up your own mind about the appeal of the cartoonish DRLs and whether you prefer the finished Twingo’s conventional door handles to the concept’s flush-fit versions.
However, we can probably all agree that the design works whether or not you remember the 1993 original it clearly apes, and to our eyes, it kicks BYD’s Dolphin Surf into next week.
The platform
So what is under the skin? Renault’s kept things simple, using a shortened version of the AmpR Small platform found under the 4, 5 and the 5’s Nissan Micra cousin. But where the 5 gives buyers the choice of 40 or 52 kWh batteries, the Twingo E-Tech makes do with a much smaller 27.5 kWh LFP battery to keep costs down and reflect its urban intent.
Small battery, solid city range
Renault says the pack has a new type of chemistry that is less dependent on cobalt and nickel and gives a WLTP range of 163 miles (262 km), versus 155 miles (250 km) for VW’s ID. Every1 concept, a thinly disguised preview of next year’s ID. Up.
DC charging is capped at a slothful 50 kW in the Twingo, but that should be viewed in the context of the battery size. Because it’s so tiny a 10-80 percent fill takes around 30 minutes.
How Quick Is It?
Power and performance figures follow a similar trend: they’re acceptable, but nothing special. We’re willing to bet Renault will add more powertrain options in time, but the sole setup available from launch consists of a single, front-mounted motor that makes 81 hp (82 PS / 60 kW) and a marginally more impressive 129 lb-ft (175 Nm). A Model 3 Plaid, it is not.
Zero to 62 mph takes 12.1 seconds, but let’s be honest, the Twingo’s natural habitat is the supermarket car park, not Silverstone.
Tiny, but only on the outside
The party trick here isn’t the drivetrain anyway – it’s the packaging. At just 3,790 mm (149 inches) long, with a 2,490 mm (98 inches) wheelbase and weighing only 1,200 kg (2,650 lbs), the Twingo squeezes in what Renault says is proper adult space that rivals the roominess of cars from the segment above.
And the two independently sliding rear seats that can move up to 170 mm (6.7 inches) to trade legroom for the luggage kind.
And there’s a ton of it. Up to 360 liters (12.7 cu-ft) or over 1,000 liters (35.3 cu-ft) if you fold the rear seats. Now those are impressive stats – a Fiat 500e has half the carrying capacity, the supposedly bigger Renault 5 only provides 326 liters (11.5 cu-ft), and even a bigger-again VW Golf only gives you 381 liters (13.5 cu-ft).
Renault says you can also access the 50-liter (1.8 cu-ft) underfloor storage area even when you’ve already got stuff in the trunk.
Inside, Renault has tried hard to retain as much of the concept’s pizazz as possible while also cutting out enough cost to bring the Twingo to the street for “less than £20,000,” according to the UK PR team.
The final bill could be much lower because earlier reports suggested Renault was targeting €20,000, which is only £18k/$23k, and what Renault needs to reach to compete with BYD’s Dolphin Surf.
Lipstick gearstick
The dashboard features color-coordinated trim, the roof lining hides a “Twingo alphabet” pattern, and the gear selector is a customizable “e-pop shifter” shaped like lipstick. Because why shouldn’t your car be allowed to have personality, eh VW?
Tech is handled by a 7-inch digital cluster and a 10-inch central screen, with Google Maps and Google Assistant on top trims.
The Twingo even has its own avatar sidekick named Reno, who can help with charging info or answer questions like a tiny electric French Jeeves, and delivers an electronic welcome fanfare courtesy of Jean-Michel Jarre.
Is Renault Onto Something?
To sum up then, the Twingo looks great and has a freakishly large trunk but won’t set any records for range or acceleration. But if Renault can keep that price low enough – we’ll find out in the coming months – it has all the makings of a massive hit, and one that could potentially steal more than a few sales from the more expensive 5 E-Tech.
We’re looking forward to seeing how VW’s ID.Up compares when the two go head to head in 2026.
The Trump administration is using different tactics that his predecessor to get the states the share the Colorado river to agree how to do it in a climate changed world.
RICHMOND, Va.– As fleets continue to shift away from diesel and toward cleaner, reliable energy sources, a new generation of skilled automotive service technicians is needed to maintain alternative fuel vehicles, like those running on propane autogas. The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is providing schools across the country with valuable training and resources needed to prepare students to work on propane autogas buses, trucks, vans, and more.
This innovative grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs. The goal is to equip students with real-world experience maintaining and servicing vehicles powered by propane autogas. These skills are increasingly in demand as more fleets turn to propane autogas to reduce emissions and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
“The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans, and buses on the road for years to come.”
Now in its second year, the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service, and maintain propane autogas engine systems. Each participating school receives propane-specific curriculum, as well as funding to purchase propane autogas training equipment and to send an instructor to a “Train the Trainer” course. Eligible institutions must already offer an automotive program.
Today, more than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the United States, providing dependable service to transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews, and more. Propane autogas is not only reliable but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime.
“Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit said. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”
The application window is open through December 19. To learn more about the grant program or to apply, visit propane.com/autogasgrantprogram.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
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Heliox, A Siemens Business, is proud to announce its Heliox 44 kW V2G charger, a next-generation, all-in-one DC fast charging system engineered to meet the evolving needs of today’s electric vehicle (EV) fleets. Purpose-built for versatility and future-readiness, the Heliox 44 kW V2G delivers intelligent vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, empowering fleet operators to maximize ROI while supporting energy resilience and sustainability goals.
The Heliox 44 kW V2G sets a new standard in fleet charging by providing robust bidirectional charging and discharging capability, allowing vehicles to return energy to the grid, lower operational costs, and play a pivotal role in local grid stability. With a powerful 44 kW output, the charger enables fast, efficient transitions for high-utilization fleets, optimizing uptime while supporting both networked and standalone operation. ISO 15118-20 and SAE J2847 compliance ensures broad compatibility EVs of today and tomorrow, while compact, all-in-one design allows for seamless installation across a range of facility layouts.
Operators benefit from flexible AC input settings, adjustable from 15A to 56A, making deployment possible even in locations with limited power supply. The NEMA 3R-rated enclosure delivers dependable performance indoors or outdoors, with wall-mount and pedestal options to accommodate varied site requirements. For intuitive fleet management, the Heliox 44 kW V2G features a LED indicating real-time EV State of Charge (SoC) and 7-inch LCD display for charging session information.
The charger’s advanced programmability enables time-of-use charging and scheduled energy transfers, unlocking energy cost savings for fleet managers. With V2G energy sales, operators can generate new revenue streams by selling surplus energy back to the grid. This technology also strengthens operational continuity, allowing vehicle batteries to provide backup power during outages. In addition, the system is designed, manufactured, and tested in the United States, making it fully compliant with the Buy America Act and eligible for government projects. A comprehensive suite of safety certifications, including UL 2202, UL 1741 SB, UL 9741, further demonstrates Heliox’s commitment to compliance and reliability.
With multiple cable length options (5m, 7m), robust communication features such as OCPP (1.6J and 2.0.1, ready for 2.1), Ethernet and 4G cellular connectivity, and preventative maintenance support, the Heliox 44 kW V2G is truly designed for long-term dependability. Fleet operators enjoy peace of mind with a 24-month warranty and the backing of a U.S.-based support team. With operating temperature capacity from -22°F to 122°F and an altitude rating up to 2,000 meters, the charger is ready for deployment across a broad spectrum of geographical and climate conditions.
The Heliox 44 kW V2G charger redefines what’s possible for EV fleets, delivering rapid charging, enhanced energy flexibility, and new potential for operational savings. For modern fleet operators, it represents a smart investment in efficiency, resilience, and the future of intelligent mobility.
About Heliox, A Siemens Business
Heliox, A Siemens Business, delivers world class EV charging equipment, EV charger maintenance and support services, and robust solutions for a broad range of EV fleets. Our portfolio encompasses all aspects of smart and efficient AC and DC charging infrastructure, including IoT-connected hardware, software, and a comprehensive service offering. Heliox manufactures UL compliant products that meet Buy America Act (BAA) and Build America Buy America (BABA) standards. Heliox’s high-quality, field-proven charging products are now backed by Siemens’ financial strength, global reach, and long-term stability—delivering the best of both worlds.
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In the heart of rural Tennessee, Stewart County Schools spans over 400 square miles, with just two traffic lights and a student population of around 1,900.
For decades, the district’s transportation system relied on the experience and memory of longtime Transportation Director Eric Watkins, who knows every road, house, and student by heart. But as Watkins contemplates retirement, he realized the next person in his role wouldn’t have the same institutional knowledge. That’s when Transfinder entered the picture—and changed everything.
“I’ve always said that my routing is in my head, but my head is getting very old,” he joked, “and it’s getting close to the time for me to call it quits here one of these days. I just said, ‘Listen, the next person that does my job is going to have something [Transfinder] because they don’t know where the roads are, they don’t know where the houses are, they don’t know where the kids are.”
Watkins had seen Transfinder at trade shows for years but always assumed it was too expensive for a small district like his. That changed when he met representatives from Transfinder, who walked him through the full package and pricing.
Watkins took the proposal to the school board with a clear message: “You either do it today or you do it when I leave. But at some point, you’re going to have to do it because I’m not going to be here forever.”
He successfully made his case and “they let me have the entire package,” he said.
Watkins was so confident in Transfinder’s award-winning solutions that he told the board that the technology would save enough money to pay for itself.
He was right.
One of the first major wins came from route optimization. Stewart County operates 32 bus routes, transporting about 1,500 students daily. With Transfinder’s GPS and mapping tools, Watkins could see exactly where each student lived, when they were picked up, and how long each route took.
This visibility is helping him consolidate routes without cutting jobs. When a driver announced an upcoming retirement, Watkins uses Routefinder PLUS to see where he can combine routes among existing drivers.
Watkins said he could easily adjust nearby routes and start shifts 15 minutes earlier which will essentially absorb that route. That single change eliminated the need to hire a replacement and saved enough money to cover the entire cost of Transfinder for the year.
But the savings didn’t stop there.
Using Transfinder’s fleet maintenance and inventory management tool Servicefinder, the district’s mechanics gained remote access to bus diagnostics. If a driver reports a warning light, the garage can instantly assess the issue and advise whether the bus can continue on its route or if it needs to be swapped out. This reduces downtime, avoids unnecessary dispatches, and keeps students on schedule.
Transfinder also helped improve fleet management. Watkins now monitors every bus on a 32-inch screen in his office, tracking location, speed, fuel levels, and more. Even buses on field trips 100 miles away are visible. This level of oversight has improved safety, accountability, and efficiency across the board.
The district is also rolling out Viewfinder, which allows school secretaries to instantly access bus assignments for students—no more radio calls or delays. “We’re in a different world now,” Watkins said. Now school officials can assist those elementary students about what bus to get on.
Tripfinder is another tool Watkins is excited about. Previously, the district used a separate system for field trip scheduling, but Tripfinder will allow drivers to log mileage and time directly, automatically generating invoices and sending them to payroll. It’s a seamless process that saves time and reduces paperwork.
Watkins also championed Stopfinder, a parent app that provides real-time bus tracking. “It was all me,” he said. “I want parents to have every bit of knowledge they can have. Plus, they won’t be calling me asking where the bus is.”
It’s a game-changer.
The impact of Transfinder on Stewart County Schools goes beyond savings. It’s about preparing the district for the future, improving safety, and serving the community more effectively. Watkins, who has served the district for 38 years, sees Transfinder as a legacy investment.
Watkins is sold on Transfinder.
“It’s been exactly what they told me it would be,” he said.
In a place where relationships matter and every dollar counts, Transfinder has proven to be more than just software—it’s a partner in progress.
To learn more about Transfinder’s award-winning solutions, call 800-373-3609, email solutions@transfinder.com or visit transfinder.com.
The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.
The post How Transfinder Helped Tennessee District Save Money and Modernize Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Students from Rochester City School District and the community were provided brand-new coats as a result of a new partnership between Monroe School Transportation, its sister brand, Durham School Services, and Operation Warm. Operation Warm is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing warmth, confidence, and hope for children in need by manufacturing brand-new, high-quality coats for them.
Just in time for the winter season, over 800 new, high-quality coats were donated to students of Rochester City School District at the school district’s Operation Warm event. The event was held on November 4, 2025, at the school district’s Dr. Freddie Thomas Learning Center, where students were given the opportunity to personally choose their own winter coats based on their own color preference. During the coat selection process, each student was guided and provided assistance by a volunteer from the school and/or Monroe School Transportation and Durham School Services team to ensure each student chose a coat that fit comfortably and was size appropriate.
“A warm coat is more than just protection from the cold; this ensures our students have the warmth and confidence they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools, Rochester City School District.
“We are very proud and excited to have forged this new partnership with Operation Warm,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “This new partnership is especially significant because of how it perfectly aligns with our Company’s value of giving back to our students and communities and directly benefits the well-being of our most precious cargo – our students.”
As student transportation leaders dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, Monroe School Transportation and its sister brand, Durham School Services, continuously seek out opportunities to support its communities as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. This new partnership with Operation Warm is of especial significance because it fulfills an important need – a warm coat– that directly relates to a student’s well-being and can impact a student’s ability to attend school and receive a well-deserved education.
About the success of the event, Wertner shared, “We couldn’t have done it without the help of over 38 volunteers, which included those local to New York and those who traveled from all over the country, and, of course, the support from the Operation Warm team and Rochester City School District. With the success of this first event, we plan on holding one every year with a different school district partner so that we can continue to positively impact and support our students’ well-being and education. Thank you again to everyone who provided a helping hand in making this inaugural Operation Warm event such an incredible success.”
About Monroe School Transportation: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Monroe School Transportation has served the Rochester community for over a decade and is a sister brand to Durham School Services. Together with its sister brands, such as Durham School Services, we are dedicated to the safety of our students and People.
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, such as Monroe School Transportation, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.
About Rochester City School District
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) serves more than 20,000 students across the City of Rochester. Guided by a mission to cultivate a culture of academic excellence for all and a community of empathy, equity, and accountability that empowers students to succeed beyond graduation, the District’s vision, activating dreams and unlocking potential, drives opportunity. A high-quality education is every child’s civil right, and that principle remains at the heart of everything RCSD does.
About Operation Warm:
Operation Warm is a respected national nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering warmth, confidence, and hope to under-resourced children through basic need programs that connect them to vital community resources. For 26 years, Operation Warm and our esteemed supporters have utilized the powerful gift of brand-new coats and other essential clothing items to empower children and families in need. Together, we are transforming lives and making a lasting impact on communities across the nation. To get involved, visit operationwarm.org.
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CAMPBELL, Calif., – ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of EV charging solutions, today announced it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide EV charging solutions to public agencies in the U.S. and Canada. The award represents ChargePoint’s third consecutive agreement with Sourcewell, dating back to 2017.
Through the agreement, entities such as municipalities, transit authorities, and public schools can deploy ChargePoint EV chargers, software, and services through a streamlined procurement process with preferred pricing. ChargePoint secured the Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements while delivering exceptional value and service. This agreement enables any public agency access to purchase from ChargePoint using Sourcewell-vetted pricing, streamlining the public purchasing process.
“This latest agreement extends our longstanding relationship with Sourcewell to accelerate and simplify the adoption of EV charging solutions for local governments, schools and other public agencies,” said David Vice, Chief Revenue Officer at ChargePoint. “Over the course of our relationship we’ve enabled hundreds of Sourcewell member agencies go electric, meeting their sustainability and ESG goals.”
Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated, competitive pricing contracts, Sourcewell enables government, educational, and nonprofit organizations to secure cost-effective and efficient purchasing solutions.
ChargePoint and the ChargePoint logo are trademarks of ChargePoint, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
About ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
ChargePoint has established itself as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging innovation since its inception in 2007, long before EVs became widely available. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the entire EV ecosystem, from the grid to the dashboard of the vehicle. The company serves EV drivers, charging station owners, vehicle manufacturers, and similar types of stakeholders. With a commitment to accessibility and reliability, ChargePoint’s extensive portfolio of software, hardware, and services ensures a seamless charging experience for drivers across North America and Europe. ChargePoint empowers every driver in need of charging access, connecting them to over 1.25 million charging ports worldwide. ChargePoint has facilitated the powering of more than 16 billion electric miles, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying the future of transportation. For further information, please visit the ChargePoint pressroom or the ChargePoint Investor Relations site. For media inquiries, contact the ChargePoint press office.
The post ChargePoint Awarded Sourcewell Contract to Provide EV Charging Infrastructure for U.S. and Canada Public Agencies appeared first on School Transportation News.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Durham School Services is proud to share that Krystal Tenace, General Manager in Schenectady, New York, was named a Rising Star by School Transportation News (STN) and is featured in the November issue of their magazine. Rising Stars, as defined by STN, are remarkable rising leaders making a difference in the School Bus Transportation industry. This recognition is based on nominations, and Krystal was selected as one of ten Rising Stars from a pool of 60 incredibly qualified nominees.
“When I was notified that I was named a rising star, I was shocked!” said Krystal Tenace, General Manager, Durham School Services. “Being a general manager in student transportation is the most stressful, rewarding career you could possibly have. You stress making sure your team is successful, and when they outshine your expectations, you cheer them on and feel so much pride! I am very grateful for my team and this recognition from my manager, Britt Liotta, and STN.”
Krystal began her career in student transportation as a bus assistant almost twenty years ago, when she was just 19 years old. She credits her mom, who was a bus driver and is currently a manager in the transportation field, for inspiring the start of her student transportation tenure. Since then, with the experience she has built by transitioning to various roles ranging from a bus driver, safety and training supervisor, and to a site supervisor, Krystal was most recently promoted to General Manager in August of this year.
Having held various roles in student transportation with such an expansive career, when asked about a memorable story, Krystal shared, “I cherish the years I spent on the buses as a monitor and a driver. That was the greatest experience. The students were always the best part of the job. Regardless if they were having a good day or bad day, before getting on my bus, I always tried to make sure they were smiling by the time they got off the bus.”
Once Krystal became a general manager, she carried that same sentiment and mindset when interacting with her team and vice versa, stating, “As a manager, I try to have the same effect on the employees, if they’re having a bad day, we crack jokes, tell stories, and try to make the day better. When I am having a bad day, my employees are what pull me through. They ask if they can help, tell “dad jokes”, and just in general, make our workplace the great place that it is each day!”
Britt Liotta, Regional Manager for Durham School Services, and the one who nominated Krystal as a Rising Star, shared, “I have seen Krystal’s growth as a leader and her determination to uplift her team and set them up for success so that they can focus on transporting students to school safely every day. The team has a great working relationship with Krystal, and together, they have built a supportive, positive work culture. Beyond that, Krystal has also helped build a strong relationship with our school district partner and demonstrates an incredible sense of responsibility and ambition in driving her team to positive results and performance. Congrats again, Krystal!”
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.
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Bentley has shared new details about its upcoming electric SUV, the brand’s first, while also suggesting that its petrol engines, which were once set for retirement by 2030, may now continue beyond 2035.
Related: This Is Bentley’s First EV And It’s Built To Haul More Than Just Your Ego
The British company claims their upcoming EV, working title: Luxury Urban SUV, will offer “industry-leading” charge speeds that will enable it to add 100 miles (161 km) of range in just seven minutes.
The posh electric utility, which at just under 5 m (197 inches) long is smaller than a Bentayga, is due to make its world debut in late 2026 before arriving in dealerships the following year.
Teasing the Shape
A teaser image of the EV covered by a black sheet and parked inside Bentley’s Crewe factory shows an SUV with a Range Rover Velar-style sporty profile.
It has a dramatic windshield rake, narrow glass area and a tapering roofline that drops into rear window with a slant that says the designers were definitely prioritizing glitz over cargo capacity. The links to Bentley’s recent EXP15 concept are clear, even if the production EV is more SUV than coupe.
Shared DNA With Porsche
Under the skin it will likely share plenty with Porsche’s Cayenne Electric, and could get the same 108 kWh battery. The Porsche will come with three powertrain options delivering 394 hp (400 PS / 294 kW) for the base Cayenne, 592 hp (600 PS / 441 kW) in S trim, and 794 hp (805 PS / 592 kW) as a Turbo, and Bentley could cherry pick the more potent two of those three.
“Our first fully electric Bentley, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV, represents a bold step forward, it embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence,” said Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser while offering an update on Bentley’s Beyond100+ electrification strategy.
“With industry-leading charging capability and unmistakable Bentley character and design, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our brand – a future defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability,” Walliser added.
But behind the scenes Walliser knows that the market for electric luxury cars hasn’t exploded with anything like the force experienced by mass market brands.
How Long Will Gas Survive?
Bentley, which once planned to go EV-only by 2030, and later extended the deadline to 2035, now says it will continue to sell hybrid-engined cars until “at least” that date, hinting that it is prepared to push the switchover date back again depending on customer demand and legislation.
And that wasn’t the only good news for combustion fans. Bentley confirmed it’s developing a limited-production ICE model with no hybrid technology, due to make its first appearance next week.
Wearing the Supersports badge, the car will be a stripped-out, rear-wheel-drive GT powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 producing around 640 horsepower. Perhaps more importantly, it’s expected to lose several hundred pounds over the GT Speed.
The automaker also recently revealed a new Bentayga Speed whose 641 hp (650 PS / 478 kW) comes from a non-hybrid V8.
The red pigments in some fall leaves have proven to be a puzzle for researchers who debate why leaves bother to go red.
(Image credit: Charlie Riedel)
School Transportation News was on-site at the National Association for Pupil Transportation ACTS in Grand Rapids, Michigan Oct. 31 – Nov. 4. Browse photos from the conference and trade show, including the induction of new board members, elected officials, Hall of Fame members, annual awards and industry sessions.
Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: NAPT Announces Election Winners Ahead of Annual Conference
Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
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Discover the new STN Transportation Director of the Year featured on our November issue cover. Other headlines include a NHTSA investigation after a driverless Waymo car illegally passed a stopped school bus and NTSB recommendations on seatbelts following a Texas school bus crash.
Frank Girardot, senior communications director for RIDE, discusses the electric school bus manufacturer’s School Bus Safety Week efforts.
Jennifer Gardella, director of transportation for Rockwall Independent School District in Texas and a 2025 STN Rising Star, discusses her childcare background, improving student relationships, training staff and receiving inspiration from fellow student transporters.
Read more about operations.
This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.
Message from Ride.
Message from School Radio.
Images courtesy of Jennifer Gardella.
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The post (STN Podcast E281) Catalyst for Change: Electric School Bus Safety, Inspired Texas Rising Star appeared first on School Transportation News.
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