Any year that school bus production figures spike is cause for celebration, especially amid “anemic” growth in the larger trucking
industry.

That is how Steve Tam, vice president of ACT Research, put it to me early in the fall. Truck manufacturers were laying o! workers, in part due to Trump administration tariffs and reduced purchase interest among companies. Class 8 forecasts were down by 20 to 25 percent.

But he sounded more optimism for the bus market, as production was up 11 percent in July alone. For school buses specifically, manufacturing exhibited continued resiliency from pandemic induced shortages despite tariff pressures with a 6.7-percent spike in overall output. But within those numbers, the market disruption provided by alternative vehicles appears to account for a big drop-off in smaller school buses.

Total Type A small school bus production fell almost 14 percent from 2023-2024, as Type 1 vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds GVWR came in at 1,041 units compared to over three times as many as the previous year. The good news is larger Type A-2 school buses weighing over 10,000 pounds GVWR nearly doubled to 6,326 units.

As School Transportation News articles and conversations with attendees at STN EXPO and TSD conferences continue to indicate, school districts are foregoing the smaller Type A school buses for light-duty passenger vehicles to transport students experiencing homelessness and those with Individualized Education Programs. It should come as little surprise considering the National Congress on School Transportation last May approved for the first time, a section on the use of alternative transportation vehicles for student transportation.

The Type C conventional category remained vibrant as reported output increased over 17 percent to 30,654 units, the most since 31,834 for the 2018-2018 production cycle and the third-most over the past decade. School districts have long preferred Type Cs for home-to-school routes, and that trend has been buoyed in recent years by OEMs offering wheelchair lifts on their models, which has also further affected the Type A market.

Type D transit-style school buses, on the other hand, came in at 2,324 units manufactured, or about 7 percent of the Type C figure. Type D’s have historically accounted for 10- to 15-percent of the number of Type Cs produced each year.

Another big winner? Diesel rebounded to nearly 27,000 units, similar to pre-COVID-19 levels. That could be largely due to a hiatus in the five-year,$5-billion Clean School Bus Program that has heavily favored electric school bus awards. (Word is funds will start up again in 2026.) Additionally, uncertainty has centered on the status of the pending federal greenhouse gas emission rule and a rollback of California requirements.

Two years ago, the conversation was that the industry might be facing a large amount of pre-buy orders as districts looked to delay the inevitable cost increase associated with more strict diesel emissions
equipment and software. Those fears have subsided as the EPA is in the process of publishing updated rule making to pare back a lot of those requirements.

OEMs led by Daimler Trucks North America are suing the California Air Resources Board over its rules, arguing they are incompatible with the rollbacks from Washington, D.C. For the larger commercial sector, Tam said ACT Research removed the prospect of fuel buys entirely from its forecast.

Electric school bus output was flat. Meanwhile, Blue Bird and Micro Bird remain the lone propane suppliers to the market, courtesy of the
ROUSH CleanTech autogas injection system, which accounts for another year of reduced numbers. Its gasoline cousin remained consistent at over 10,000 units produced. Interest is only ramping up as Cummins’ new octane engine enters the marketplace this year. IC Bus and Thomas Built Buses are already set to o!er models.

As for tariffs? They certainly hit the school bus industry. Unsurprisingly, few OEMs chose to publicly weigh in on their impact to manufacturing costs and purchasing. But two respondents said they indeed had to pass along increased supplier and parts costs to customers, with one of them adding the tariffs forced layoffs of company workers.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the School Transportation News Buyer’s Guide.

Related: Alternative School Transportation: Roadmap for Decision-Making For Children with Disabilities and Special Needs
Related: (STN Podcast E259) Feel the Passion: Debates on Wi-Fi, Technology, Alternative Transportation & Safety
Related: National Specifications Manual Republished to Fix Alternative Transportation Section Omission
Related: Alternative Transportation a Fit for this Catholic All-Girls High School in L.A.

The post As School Bus Production Spikes, So Do Alternative Vehicles? appeared first on School Transportation News.

It’s far from unusual for high-performance models from Porsche’s exclusive GT division to appreciate in value the moment they leave the showroom. That’s been the case with the current 911 GT3 RS, and it’s often true for limited-run, motorsport-infused builds.

But the electric Taycan Turbo GT isn’t following that playbook. Despite its credentials, it seems to be moving in lockstep with the value drop seen across the wider Taycan range.

Read: Taycan Goes Full Psycho Mode To Steal Porsche’s Lost Record From Xiaomi

The standard Taycan, just like its corporate cousin from Audi, the e-tron GT, has taken a beating in resale value since launch. EVs in general depreciate faster than most combustion cars, but the Taycan has faced a particularly steep drop.

Earlier this week, a near-new Taycan Turbo GT went up for auction and came in a staggering $82,000 below its original MSRP before the bidding stopped.

A Bad Day for Taycan Values

Bring a Trailer

The high-performance sedan was listed for auction on Bring a Trailer by Gaudin Classic, a Porsche dealer in Nevada. Prior to the auction, it had never been sold to a private owner and had just 141 miles (227 km) on the clock. It is also equipped with the Weissach package that includes a fixed rear wing, no rear seats, and more pieces made from lightweight carbon fiber.

A look at the car’s window sticker reveals it has an MSRP of $238,300, bolstered by nearly $10,000 in additional options. Among them is a $2,950 Shade Green Metallic paint finish, $1,380 satin black wheels, and $1,760 race-tex-finished inner door-sill guards. As Taycans go, this one ticks every box, but the final bid landed at just $167,000.

Harsh Market Reality

According to the seller, bidding came close to meeting the reserve, and they plan to negotiate with the top bidder to see if a deal can still be made. Whether or not it sells, the takeaway is as clear as ever. That’s a brutal level of depreciation for a car that hasn’t even gone through its first full charge cycle.

For as impressive as the Taycan Turbo GT is, there may not be many buyers eager to spend that much on a track-focused electric sedan that, for most owners, will likely never see a circuit. The Weissach package also means it has two fewer seats than some 911s, so it’s not exactly practical either.

What Makes This EV Special?

To be fair, the specs are hard to argue with. The Taycan Turbo GT uses dual electric motors to deliver 1,019 hp with launch control, peaking at 1,092 hp in two-second bursts.

Earlier this year, MotorTrend launched the Weissach model to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.89 seconds using a one-foot rollout, making it the quickest car the publication has ever tested in its 76-year history.

Without rollout, the time comes to 2.1 seconds, beating the Tesla Model S Plaid, Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano, and even the Lucid Air Sapphire.

Source: Bring a Trailer

Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker)

The holiday season means plenty of celebrations, including staff parties, decorated school buses, community events and more! View the gallery of photos shared by school districts and transportation companies below.

1 of 33

Related: Kansas School Bus Drivers Deliver Christmas Gifts
Related: Gallery: Student Transporters Celebrate Holiday Season
Related: North Carolina School’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Drive Returns to Support Local Students

The post Gallery: Student Transporters Share Holiday Festivities appeared first on School Transportation News.

If you thought Lexus was finished updating the RZ, think again. After rolling out in Europe and North America, the refreshed model has now made its way to Japan, and it arrives with a surprise addition. Headlining the lineup is the new RZ 600e F Sport Performance trim, blending aggressive aero elements with chassis enhancements and a healthy jump in power.

The RZ 600e F Sport Performance borrows its carbon fiber bodykit from the limited-run RZ 450e F Sport launched in 2024, itself inspired by the 2023 RZ Sport Concept.

More: Toyota’s Most Expensive Supercar Has Something In Common With Lexus’ Cheapest Sedan

That means a vented hood, a front splitter, wider fenders with integrated aero extensions, reshaped side skirts, a pronounced rear diffuser, and a two-piece rear wing that adds both visual drama and functional downforce.

The special edition comes in two colors, Neutrino Gray and Hakugin II, each paired with black as a base, accented by exposed carbon fiber and blue detailing. It rides on 21-inch matte black Enkei alloy wheels, behind which sit larger 20-inch brakes and six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers up front.

Lexus also dropped the suspension by 20 mm (0.8 inches) compared to the RZ 550e F Sport, the base for this version.

Fastest RZ Yet

More significantly, the dual electric motors have been reworked to deliver a combined 420 hp (313 kW or 426 PS), making the 600e the most powerful RZ yet. It now surpasses the related Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra in output, despite their shared architecture.

More: These Future Supercars From Toyota And Lexus Share DNA But Not A Soul

With the extra power on tap, the RZ 600e F Sport Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds. It uses the familiar 77 kWh battery, which provides a driving range of up to 525 km (326 miles) on a full charge.

Inside, the standout feature is the yoke-shaped steering wheel connected to Lexus’s steer-by-wire system, paired with what the brand calls “Interactive Manual Drive” for a more involved feel. The interior also features blue accents on the dashboard and sport seats upholstered in Ultrasuede, part of the F Sport Performance package.

The RZ 600e F Sport Performance will go on sale in Japan on March 2, 2026. Pricing is set at ¥12,165,000 (equal to $78,100 at current exchange rates) for the version in Black with Neutrino Gray, and ¥12,440,000 ($79,900) for the more distinctive Black and Hakugin II finish.

Interestingly, while Lexus limited the 2024 RZ 450e F Sport Performance to just 100 units, the new 600e will have no such production cap. Availability in other markets remains unknown at this time.

The Rest Of The RZ Lineup

Besides the RZ 600e F Sport Performance, Lexus has rolled out updates across the rest of the lineup, including the RZ 350e Version L, the RZ 500e Version L, and the RZ 550e F Sport.

All models benefit from increased power and improved efficiency, alongside a revised charging system. Range now varies from 579 km to 733 km (360 to 456 miles), depending on the configuration. As before, the Lexus RZ is available in both single-motor and dual-motor setups, with battery capacities of 75 kWh or 77 kWh carried over from the previous model.

More: Japan’s 2026 Toyota RAV4 Gets Something You Don’t

The F Sport trim remains visually distinct, marked out by sportier design cues and the same yoke steering wheel linked to the steer-by-wire system.

Pricing for the updated electric SUV start at ¥7,900,000 ($52,000) for the front-wheel-drive RZ 350e Version L and rise to ¥9,500,000 ($63,000) for the all-wheel-drive RZ 550e F Sport. Buyers can also opt for the “Performance Upgrade Boost + Interactive Manual Drive” package at ¥220,000 ($1,500), which increases peak output and adds simulated manual control.

Lexus

A 15-year-old was taken to a medical facility with minor injuries after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing the highway on their way to a school bus Monday morning, reported WBAY News.

According to the news report, deputies and EMS personnel responded to the incident around 7:23 a.m. Authorities said the school bus was stopped in the northbound lane with its flashing lights activated and stop arm extended, when the teen attempted was crossing the highway.

Investigators determined the teen was hit by a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling southbound. The truck was reportedly driven by a 59-year-old man from the Village of St. Nazianz.

The teen sustained minor injuries and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. A second bus from the Valders Bus Company was dispatched to the scene to transport the remaining students.

Police sited the pickup driver for failure to stop for a school bus and inattentive driving. The sheriff’s office said no additional details would be released. Officials used the incident as a reminder that children’s safety is a shared community responsibility, urging drivers to remain alert around school buses, obey stop requirements, slow down, watch for children in the roadway and at school bus stops, and exercise patience during school pickup and drop-off times.

Related: Wisconsin State Police, School Bus Association Promote School Bus Safety
Related: 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey
Related: 11-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in Utah, in Stable Condition
Related: 8-Year-Old Struck, Killed by Vehicle After Exiting School Bus in Texas

The post Wisconsin Teen Injured After Being Struck by Pickup While Boarding School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

As winter settles over Oklahoma City, one school bus driver warms students one hand-knitted beanie at a time.

Tina Hutcherson, 63, drives for the Putnam City School District and has become a beloved figure among her students for a simple but heartfelt mission: Ensuring no child goes without a warm hat during the cold months. Her journey in student transportation began long before she ever picked up knitting needles.

She told School Transportation News that she started as a school bus driver in 2004. She had to take a small break in 2009 to care for her son but returned as a driver in 2013.

The idea of making hats came from what she witnessed each winter on her route.

“I know how cold it gets in Oklahoma, and I see some children who may not have coats, hats, etc., to keep them warm,” Hutcherson said, adding that a recent blanket giveaway inspired her to expand her efforts. “I didn’t want anyone to feel left out, so I decided to make all the students a stocking cap as well.”

Her process quickly became a collaboration with the very kids she serves. Instead of choosing colors herself, Hutcherson invites her students to design their own.

“I draw a picture of a hat and give it to the students to color over the weekend,” she said. “They bring it back to me, and I use their drawings as the design and color guide. Many of the students know exactly what colors they want.”

The project has grown far beyond her original plan.

“I’ve made about 50 or more hats so far,” she told STN. “When my middle schoolers heard about the elementary students getting hats, they asked for some too. So, I gave them hats right before Thanksgiving break.”

In addition to beanies for both elementary and middle schoolers, Hutcherson has also crocheted backpacks for students and hats for local military veterans.

The joy her students express makes every hour of work worth it.

“The kids get excited knowing they’re getting hats that morning,” she said. One student proudly wears his hat every day and makes sure Hutcherson sees it when he steps on the bus. She also received a stack of handmade thank-you cards from her elementary riders; gestures she treasures deeply.

More than warmth, Hutcherson said she hopes the children feel the intention behind each stitch.

“I hope they know I made it with love,” she said. That love, she believes, is what keeps her going. “I just love giving crochet and knitted projects to people who I feel need a little extra love. It’s my favorite hobby, and I love to put a smile on their faces!”.

Related: Student Transporters Celebrate Holiday Season
Related: Students in Alabama Collect Christmas Gift for Local Children
Related: Kentucky School Bus Driver Gifts Pajamas to Student Onboard Bus
Related: Kansas School Bus Drivers Deliver Christmas Gifts

The post School Bus Driver Knits Beanies to Spread Warmth, Love in Oklahoma City appeared first on School Transportation News.

We broke the news on Kosmera’s big debut last week and now the company has revealed they’re actually bringing two cars to CES. While we’ve already seen the Porsche-esque sedan or liftback, the company also announced plans to show a “new energy hypercar.”

The startup isn’t saying much at this point, but promised the model will “blend classic supercar heritage with next-generation technology.” They went on to say both vehicles will be “stunning to behold, thrilling to drive, and exhilarating to enjoy.”

More: A Mystery Brand Called Kosmera Is Coming To CES

That’s not a lot to go on, but the teaser image suggests the hypercar will have a prominent grille that gives off Alfa Romeo and Bugatti vibes. We can also see curvaceous fenders, a sloping roof, and a sizeable rear spoiler.

The company added the car will have a high-performance powertrain that produces up to 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) per wheel. This means we’re looking at a combined output of up to 1,877 hp (1,400 kW / 1,903 PS).

Kosmera went on to say we can expect a nearly 1:1 power-to-weight ratio as well as a high-tech chassis that uses “aerospace-grade composites” as well as 3D-printed metals. This is said to give the hypercar “exceptional torsional stiffness.”

We can also expect an AI Coach, which is designed to turn normal drivers into experts on the track. As part of this effort, the car will apparently use an augmented reality heads-up display to show drivers the ideal racing line.

Kosmera added the model will have a “revolutionary active linear motor suspension system, which is planned to seamlessly transition between a smooth ‘zero-sensation’ ride and a rigid, race-ready chassis setup.” It will be accompanied by a mysterious “dual-steering-wheel unlock mechanism,” which provides further adaptability.

Before you get too excited, the models are being referred to as prototypes and static display vehicles, which will showcase the company’s exterior and interior design chops. These are intended to compete in the premium segment, although the company didn’t mention production plans or availability.

There’s another caveat. It’s unlikely that the cars will be offered stateside as we’ve previously discovered the Kosmera name was trademarked by China’s Xing Chen Future Automotive Technology Co Ltd. This suggests the closest Americans will get to seeing one of these vehicles will be at CES.

A new report has put the spotlight on a troubling pattern of fatal crashes in the US involving Teslas, where passengers were unable to open the doors, trapping them inside. As the brand’s EVs grow more common on American roads, so too does scrutiny over their safety features, or in this case, the lack of physical fail-safes in the event of a crash.

Read: Tesla Sued Again After Doors Wouldn’t Open As Car Burned

The investigation zeroes in on Tesla’s electronic door handles, a signature design feature that has since been adopted by several other automakers, raising concerns about an industry-wide trend toward software-dependent safety mechanisms.

During an ongoing investigation into safety concerns about these door handles, Bloomberg found evidence that at least 15 people have died in the past decade in incidents involving Teslas where locked or inoperable doors were cited as a potential factor in the victims’ inability to escape.

More than half of those deaths occurred within the past year, suggesting the issue may be becoming more common, or at least more visible, as awareness grows.

Behind the Numbers

The report acknowledges a critical limitation. There is no publicly maintained federal database that tracks fatalities specifically linked to electronic door handle malfunctions. As a result, the findings aren’t meant to represent a definitive or exhaustive total.

Instead, Bloomberg built its list by reviewing every known fatal electric vehicle crash involving fire in the US, then analyzing whether evidence suggested that the doors could not be opened either by occupants or emergency responders.

In each of the 15 cases they flagged, nonfunctional door handles were cited as having “impeded either the occupants’ efforts to escape or rescuers’ attempts to save those inside the vehicle.”

One such incident happened in Virginia, where a Tesla Model 3 skidded off a snowy highway, hit a tree, and caught fire. Footage from inside the patrol car shows that the officer was unable to open the Model 3’s door, forcing him to bash open one of the windows and pull out the driver.

Audio from the Wreckage

One fatal crash occurred in Wisconsin last year, killing five people inside a Tesla Model S. Audio from three 911 calls was later obtained, including one placed automatically by an occupant’s Apple Watch.

At least two of the occupants can be heard screaming and crying for help in the recordings, with one clearly saying, “I’m stuck” as the fire spread through the vehicle, ultimately claiming their lives. It remains unclear whether the other three victims survived the initial impact before the blaze took over.

Tesla Responds to Design Concerns

Tesla, for its part, appears to have quietly acknowledged the concerns in part. In September, reports surfaced that the company was exploring revisions to its door handle system. Future models may include a combination of electronic and manual release mechanisms, something already standard in brands like Audi and Lexus.

Perhaps eager to reassure shoppers about the safety of its vehicles, Tesla recently launched a new page on its website focused purely on safety. There, the company explains that its vehicles are designed to automatically activate hazard lights and unlock doors in the event of a serious collision. It also notes that the vehicle can contact emergency services autonomously.

However, Tesla also includes a key disclaimer: these features “may not be available in all regions or for all vehicles based on build date.”

While Tesla appears to be making some moves to address the issue in the future, questions still remain, not just about the company’s design choices, but also about the regulatory landscape and the lack of clear oversight. The analysis doesn’t claim that electronic door handles are inherently unsafe, but it does point to the need for more reliable fail-safes in situations where delays can be deadly.

General Motors is looking to the future and planning ahead. Some of its biggest targets surround software innovation, EV profitability, and autonomy. To help make those goals a reality, it has brought in Sterling Anderson, a former Tesla executive and Aurora co-founder with a strong track record in exactly those areas.

If he manages to lead GM to success in those targets, he could very well be the next CEO of the entire brand.

Read: GM’s Mary Barra Promises Cleaner Engines, But Looser Rules Fuel More Gas Guzzlers

Anderson officially joined the team in June of 2025, and according to people familiar with the matter, he did so with the CEO’s chair in mind. That’s according to Bloomberg, which also received official comment from GM stating that no succession plan is currently in place.

Anderson himself also declined to engage in CEO chatter, saying his focus remains squarely on his current responsibilities. “My focus is on what I’m doing. I’ve got plenty work to do where I am,” he said.

Succession Speculation Inside GM

Current GM CEO, Mary Barra, turns 64 soon and is under no obligation to hang it up. GM President Mark Reuss, 62, is also very much in the mix, underscoring that Anderson’s potential rise, if it happens at all, is likely years away.

That all said, Anderson could make all the sense in the world if he really does manage to successfully help GM achieve EV profitability while pushing its software and autonomy far ahead of where they stand today.

Anderson is 42 and before GM, he was chief product officer at Aurora Innovation, where he helped steer the company away from robotaxis toward fully autonomous freight trucks now operating in Texas. Before that, he led development of Tesla’s Model X and played a major role in the early Autopilot system.

From Tesla to Trucks

He ultimately left Tesla following disagreements over how Autopilot was being developed and deployed, a technology that has since drawn scrutiny from federal safety regulators. So far, his strategy at GM has been to listen first and change later. 

As he put it, “You simply cannot afford to break a company and hope to pull the pieces back together. What you want to do, and what I told Mark was my intent, is understand how it works and then start to surgically make changes across the company to where they needed to be made. And that’s been the attack, that’s been the approach.” 

Expect several changes over time, including more software subscriptions, SuperCruise-style autonomy taking on urban environments, and changes to EV supply chains and materials. If those changes lead to success over time, he could be the next person at the top of one of the nation’s largest automakers.

Source: Bloomberg

When Huawei partnered with JAC to launch the Maextro S800, few took the brand’s aim of challenging Maybach and Rolls-Royce at face value. For a new Chinese marque to set its sights on the pinnacle of automotive luxury seemed like a stretch.

One year on, it’s Maextro that has the last word. Their flagship sedan has become China’s best-selling vehicle priced above $100,000.

More: New Ultra-Luxury Sedan For The People Gives Rolls-Royce A Run For Its Money

Until recently, foreign automakers had a firm grip on China’s high-end car market. That grip has loosened. Local buyers are increasingly turning to domestic brands, even when shopping in the upper echelons, something that would’ve seemed far-fetched just a few years ago.

European Brands No Longer Lead the Pack

As Bloomberg reports, the Maextro S800 outsold both the Porsche Panamera and BMW 7-Series combined in November. It had already taken the top spot in September.

The S800 also surpassed the Mercedes S-Class and, somewhat ironically, the Maybach variant, despite (or perhaps because of) its resemblance to a mash-up of Maybach and Rolls-Royce.

More: The Chinese Brand That Fell On Stairs Now Aims For Le Mans Glory

Weibo user Chu Xiaomin notes that Maextro received 18,000 orders for the S800 within just 175 days of launch. The company says it’s currently selling more than 2,000 units a month and intends to ramp up production to reach 4,000 per month.

How Did Maextro Pull It Off?

A major part of the S800’s appeal is price. At 215.7 inches (5,480 mm) long, this is a proper full-size luxury sedan, yet it’s priced between ¥708,000 and ¥1,020,000 (equal to $100,600 to $144,900 at current exchange rates).

For reference, the BMW 7-Series starts at ¥919,000 ($130,000), the Porsche Panamera at ¥1.1 million ($156,200), and the Mercedes S-Class at ¥1.47 million ($208,800). A Rolls-Royce Phantom? That’ll be ¥8.47 million ($1.2 million).

But competitive pricing alone doesn’t explain its traction. The Maextro S800 is heavy on features. There’s a triple-screen dashboard, a 40-inch rear projector that turns the back seat into a private cinema, automatic doors, crystal-effect buttons, and a starlit ceiling reminiscent of Rolls-Royce.

The cabin is finished with wood and leather, and the ADAS system comes courtesy of Huawei’s tech suite.

Speaking with CCTV, Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, said: “Maextro S800 is the first time that a Chinese brand has managed to get a foothold in the 1 million yuan ultra-luxury segment. We’re in the intelligence and electrification era and we’re leading through smarter technologies and innovation.”

German Giants Lose Their Footing

Bloomberg reports that BMW, Mercedes, and Audi continue to lose market share in China, struggling to keep up with the local competition in terms of pricing and tech features. Huawei’s challenge now is to maintain this momentum, not just spark early interest.

Meanwhile, rival brand YangWang, owned by Chinese-powerhouse BYD, is also pushing into six-figure territory with models like the U8 SUV, which starts at around $150,000. It also offers the YangWang U7 sedan, positioned slightly lower between ¥628,000 and ¥708,000 ($89,200 to $100,600).

Sources: Huawei, Bloomberg

Renault wrapped up 2025 with an impressive achievement, pushing the outer limits of electric vehicle efficiency. Its ultra-aerodynamic single-seater prototype managed to cover 626 miles (1,008 km) on a single charge. Even more striking, it did so in less than 10 hours, maintaining an average speed of 102 km/h (63 mph) throughout.

More: French Carmaker Unlocks Its Secret Design Vault And The Scale Models You Can Buy Are Wild

After the run, the EV still had 11 percent of its battery charge remaining. According to the company, that would have been enough for another 75 miles (120 km) at the same average speed, potentially extending the total range to 673 miles (1,083 km).

A Prototype With Unexpected Stamina

The car in question is the Filante Record 2025, a purpose-built concept that made its first appearance back in January. Originally, Renault aimed to attempt the record in July, but meeting the aerodynamic targets proved trickier than expected.

By October, the prototype was ready. Then weather in France got in the way, delaying things again. Eventually, the team relocated to Morocco and ran the test on December 18 at the UTAC high-speed proving ground, where conditions finally cooperated.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 (above) compared to the original prototype (below).

The design draws inspiration from Renault’s past record-setters, notably the 1925 40 CV and the 1956 L’Étoile Filante. Even so, several elements from the original prototype had to be reworked in the wind tunnel to meet the strict aerodynamic targets.

More: This Renault Prototype Launches Drones And Could Save Your Life

Changes involved removing the futuristic LED lighting, reducing the number of air intakes, and refining the fender shapes. Still, key features remained intact: the extended hood, transparent canopy, aircraft-style tail, F1-style driving position, and the ultraviolet-blue paint finish all carried through to the final version.

The engineering effort went beyond just slicing through air. Renault also aimed to reduce rolling resistance and weight. To do this, the team used carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and 3D-printed Scalmalloy components.

Michelin provided a bespoke set of low-drag tires, while the car’s steering and braking systems operated entirely by wire.

French firm Ligier handled the platform, chassis, and carbon tub, integrating an 87 kWh battery pack. For comparison, that’s the same capacity as the battery in the Scenic E-Tech, Renault’s midsize electric crossover.

The Impressive Record

On record day, three drivers rotated in and out of the single seat, covering 239 laps of the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) Moroccan circuit over 10 hours. There were no charging stops, just brief halts for technical checks and driver changes. That consistency helped maintain the 102 km/h (63 mph) average.

More: One Of Renault’s Hottest Badges May Be Coming Back Sooner Than You Think

The car posted an energy consumption figure of 7.8 kWh/100 km. That’s nearly half the official WLTP figure for the Scenic E-Tech, which uses the same battery and consumes 14.1 kWh/100 km under standard testing. And unlike those lab figures, this test was run at real-world highway speeds.

Renault developed the Filante Record 2025 not only to celebrate its legacy of record-breaking prototypes, but also to explore ways of improving efficiency in production EVs, particularly for long-distance driving.

The hope is that insights from the project will carry over to future Renault models, helping drivers spend more time on the road as advances in battery and motor technology continue to evolve.

Renault

DENVER, Colo. — EverDriven, the nation’s leader in alternative student transportation, today shared new insights on the three forces expected to shape modern student transportation in 2026. Drawing from national district trends, operational data, and daily conversations with transportation teams, EverDriven outlines how greater flexibility, deeper equity considerations, and technology as essential infrastructure are reshaping transportation planning in the year ahead.

To support district leaders in understanding these emerging pressures, EverDriven is providing a structured, Q&A-style overview of the factors influencing modernization across districts nationwide.

What key pressures are driving districts to modernize student transportation in 2026?
Student transportation is entering a new era, shaped by key pressures including the changing demographics, evolving mobility patterns, tighter funding conditions, and heightened expectations from families.

According to EverDriven’s Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report, 98% of districts report active modernization efforts, signaling a nationwide shift toward transportation systems that are more flexible, more equitable, and more technology-enabled.

EverDriven’s work with transportation teams across the country offers real-time visibility into these pressures and how they are reshaping planning for the year ahead.

How will funding volatility elevate the need for flexibility in student transportation?
Many districts are heading into 2026 with uncertainty surrounding key federal programs—including EHCY, IDEA, and Title I—that support transportation for vulnerable student groups. At the same time, student needs are becoming more individualized, and mobility patterns are shifting more frequently.

These realities are prompting districts to explore flexible operating models, including:
Blended fleets that mix small-capacity vehicles with traditional buses
Partnerships with vetted, compliant transportation providers
Dynamic routing and communication tools that allow rapid adjustments

Flexibility is becoming non-negotiable—a foundational strategy for maintaining service reliability when financial or demographic conditions change quickly.

How are shifting student needs elevating equity as a core priority in student transportation?
Districts are seeing rapid changes in the populations they serve. Since 2020:
McKinney-Vento transportation requests increased 167%
62% of districts report growth in special education populations
Family homelessness increased nearly 39%

These shifts are reshaping what equitable transportation must provide, including shorter ride times, reliable access regardless of housing status, and seamless continuity when students move or experience instability.

With 88% of district leaders identifying access disparities, equity is moving from an aspirational goal to a central planning lens for 2026. Districts are prioritizing modern transportation models that offer stability and predictability for students who need it most.

Why is technology becoming core operational infrastructure for transportation teams?
Transportation operations have become more complex due to individualized routing, expanded compliance requirements, and demands for real-time communication with families. According to EverDriven’s report, 68% of district leaders say technology will play a significant or critical role in their 2026 strategies.

As a result, districts are turning to systems that:

• Integrate routing, planning, and driver credential management
• Automate verification and reporting
• Consolidate parent communication and visibility tools
• Reduce manual workload across transportation teams

In 2026, technology becomes core infrastructure—the backbone that enables districts to respond to student needs quickly, operate transparently, and maintain high levels of safety and compliance.

What does this mean for the year ahead?
Flexibility, equity, and modern infrastructure will define how districts adapt in 2026. These forces are reshaping the foundation of modern student transportation planning, helping districts build systems that are more resilient, more adaptable, and more student-centered.

Whether managing shifting funding, meeting the needs of highly mobile students, or navigating complex operational requirements, districts are using modernization to create transportation experiences that help every student arrive at school safely, consistently, and ready to learn.

To learn more about how EverDriven supports districts in modernizing student transportation through flexible, equitable, and technology-enabled programs, visit www.EverDriven.com.

About EverDriven

EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Identifies 3 Forces Quietly Reshaping Modern Student Transportation in 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read online articles from stnonline.com during 2025, which focused on illegal passing incidents, school bus driver misconduct and students injured or killed. Training is needed for students, parents and drivers.

Read all our latest news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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

The post (STN Podcast E288) 2025 in Review: Top STN Online Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

WARRENVILLE, Ill. – As Partners Beyond the Bus dedicated to supporting the communities we serve, our teams from Durham School Services, along with its sister brands such as Petermann Bus and Stock Transportation, have proudly given back to their communities for the holiday season.

Throughout the year, our teams across North America actively participate in community outreach activities and events to support its students and community members as part of the Company’s Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. From Touch-a-Truck events to clothing and toy drives and fundraisers, our teams have demonstrated their dedicated commitment to their communities as Partners Beyond the Bus and continue to do so for the holiday season.

The holiday season is an especially important time to support our communities, and every year, our teams go above and beyond to give back. To highlight this, we’ve featured a few events below.

Durham School Services:
Coppell, TX – Decorated a Toy Story themed “float” that won first place at the Coppell Annual Christmas Parade. Hutchinson, KS – Hosted a Stuff the Bus event in support of their community’s Reno County Toy Run.

Petermann Bus:
Oxford, OH – Together, as a project with a student, created Thanksgiving food baskets for 14 families from $900 raised in donations. West Clermont, OH – Provided transportation for local children to participate in the community’s annual Shop with a Cop event

Stock Transportation:
Calgary, AB, Canada – Hosted a toy drive for the Calgary Children’s Hospital.
Sunderland, ON, Canada – Decorated a bus to participate in their community’s Christmas Parade.

Corporate:
Rochester, NY – Together, with our sister brand, Monroe Transportation, donated over 800 warm, winter coats to Rochester City School District students as part of the Company’s first Operation Warm event. Warrenville, IL – For the fourth consecutive year, partnered with Alliance for the Children to host a holiday wish-list fulfillment initiative, the Giving Tree, for local children in need.

“Giving back is second nature to our team and Company, and I say this all the time, but I truly believe we have the best, most kindhearted team members who never hesitate to go above and beyond to support their students and community,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “During the holiday season when extra support and kindness is often needed, our teams have very generously extended a helping hand to families around them in hopes of making their holidays brighter and more cheerful. Thank you to our team members for everything that they do for their students and community. I hope everyone has a happy holiday and stays safe and warm.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, such as 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.

The post Durham School Services and Sister Brands Spread Holiday Cheer by Giving Back to Communities appeared first on School Transportation News.

The most read School Transportation News magazine articles in 2025 explored AI and other emerging technology, leadership, workforce development and evolving student transportation models.

Specific topics included illegal school bus passing prevention, routing optimization, artificial intelligence and future-focused fleet technology, to reflect a transportation industry actively adapting to new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, human-centered stories, highlighting leadership, recognition and professional growth continued to resonate strongly with readers.

Together, these articles underscore the industry’s dual focus on innovation and culture as transportation departments prepare for the future.

STN reports below on the top-viewed article from each monthly magazine issue in 2025, organized by publication month.

January – Atypical Student Transportation

This article examined nontraditional student transportation scenarios that fall outside standard home-to-school routes on school buses. It explored how districts are adapting to serve students with disabilities and special needs who need alternative schedules and specialized programs. The piece emphasized flexibility, collaboration and policy considerations required to safely and effectively manage atypical transportation models.

February – Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Focusing on one of the most persistent safety threats in pupil transportation, this article addresses strategies to reduce illegal passing of stopped school buses. It highlighted the role of public awareness campaigns, stop-arm cameras, and enforcement partnerships, reinforcing the importance of both education and technology in protecting students at bus stops.

March – On the Block

Procurement and decision-making challenges faced by transportation departments, particularly as districts evaluate new vehicles, services and technologies, underscore the importance of planning, transparency and stakeholder input when making large-scale transportation investments.

April – Seeing Into the Future

One of the most-read magazine articles of the year looked at emerging AI trends shaping student transportation. Topics include predictive maintenance technologies, data-driven operations and forward-thinking approaches to safety and efficiency. The article encouraged readers to view innovation as a proactive tool rather than a reactive solution.

May – Q&A: Wyskiel Steers Blue Bird Toward Its Second Century

This Q&A featured leadership insights from Blue Bird President and CEO John Wyskiel, focusing on the company’s vision as it moves into its second century. The discussion touched on innovation, electrification, manufacturing priorities and the evolving needs of school districts.

June – Peeling Back the Routing Layers

Routing remains one of the most complex aspects of school transportation, and this article took a deep dive into the many variables that influence route design. From staffing shortages to bell times to special needs transportation, the piece highlighted how layered decision-making and technology tools can help districts improve efficiency and service reliability.

July – Leadership Perspectives on the Future of AI

This article examines how AI may shape the future of student transportation. Industry leaders share perspectives on potential applications, from routing and predictive maintenance to training and operations, while also addressing concerns around implementation, data, and workforce readiness.

August – 10 Years: Garage Stars

Celebrating a decade of recognizing excellence, this article highlights the critical role maintenance professionals play in student transportation. It honored the dedication, expertise and behind-the-scenes work of garage staff who keep fleets safe, reliable and road-ready every day.

September – Future-Focused Technology

This article explores technology solutions designed to support long-term transportation goals rather than short-term fixes. Topics included vehicle systems, software integration and tools that improve safety, accountability, and operational visibility for transportation departments.

October – Transportation Director Salaries by U.S. Region

Providing data-driven insight into compensation trends, this top-viewed article breaks down transportation director salaries by region across the contiguous U.S. It offers valuable benchmarking information amid ongoing workforce recruitment and retention challenges.

November – Rising Superstars

The most-viewed magazine article of 2025 spotlighted emerging leaders in the student transportation industry. By recognizing rising professionals making meaningful contributions, the article reflects the industry’s focus on mentorship, succession planning and cultivating the next generation of transportation leadership.

Related: (STN Podcast E240) 2024 in Review: Top STN Magazine Articles
Related: (STN Podcast E241) 2024 in Review: Top STN Online News Articles
Related: Top 10 Most Popular STN Web Articles of 2024
Related: 2024 STN Magazine Top Articles

The post 2025 STN Magazine Top Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex transportation challenges with safety, access, and care, has announced strong momentum with its enhanced Caregiver Great Start Program. This initiative introduces a dedicated support team that provides proactive and personalized outreach to new parents and guardians of HopSkipDrive riders. The goal is to ensure every family feels supported, confident, and well-equipped to fully utilize the HopSkipDrive platform once their school district books a ride.

While HopSkipDrive is built on a foundation of rigorous CareDriver vetting including caregiving experience and a 15-point certification process with fingerprint-based background checks—the Caregiver Great Start Program recognizes that even the best technology requires a trust-building human connection to ensure full confidence in every ride. The program is specifically designed to bridge this gap, guiding new caregivers through key processes and ensuring a positive, secure start to their experience.

“Having someone from the Caregiver Support team talk directly with a parent and student who are new users of HopSkipDrive builds trust and success from the start… I noticed far fewer calls and emails this year, especially at the start of the year, and I think it’s because their support team took that task off my plate. This support has made a huge difference,” said Brianne Nakayama at Southern California Regional Occupational Center.

The Caregiver Great Start Program’s core strategic focus is on ensuring a seamless and confident start for new caregivers. This involves personally welcoming them with a proactive call placed at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the first ride. During this touch-point, the support team provides immediate, personalized guidance on ride logistics, safety measures (such as HopSkipDrive’s ride verification mechanism which pairs a code word and birthdate to ensure each CareDriver meets the right rider), and how to utilize the HopSkipDrive app for maximum peace of mind.

The Caregiver Great Start Program has already demonstrated significant impact since the start of the Back-to-School season, delivering high-touch support that reinforces family confidence and platform adoption. The program actively engages all eligible caregivers for new riders from our client partners, ensuring 100% of contacted caregivers receive full guidance on the safety protocols and app features necessary for a smooth first ride.

By guiding caregivers to use the app to confidently track rides and access details, the program directly reinforces HopSkipDrive’s commitment to transparency and peace of mind. The personalized outreach ensures families fully grasp the power of the platform’s safety tools, including:

● Real-Time Tracking: Providing step-by-step instructions on how to track their child’s ride live on a map, from CareDriver arrival to safe drop-off.

● Ride Verification Reinforcement: Reiterating the two-factor verification process, which involves a two-way code word and birthdate communication, to ensure the right child is picked up by the right, vetted CareDriver.

● Self-Service Convenience: Empowering caregivers to manage their trips, including quick edits, cancellations, and updating specific location or rider notes directly in the app without relying solely on phone support.

● Safe Ride Support and Proactive Detection: Providing access to our dedicated team that monitors every ride, including the ability to measure driving behavior before a ride starts to ensure road safety and prevent dangerous driving.

About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a technology company that solves complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care. HopSkipDrive is modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through two core solutions: a care-centered transportation marketplace and an industry-leading transportation intelligence platform, RouteWise AI. HopSkipDrive’s marketplace supplements school buses and existing transportation options by connecting kids to highly-vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities. RouteWise AI helps schools and districts address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive has supported over 13,500 schools across 21 states, with nearly 1,300 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. More than five million rides over 95 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

The post HopSkipDrive Elevates Family Trust with Personal Calls to Families of New Riders appeared first on School Transportation News.

Authorities in Kemah, a small city just southeast of Houston, will soon be cruising the streets in an American-made pickup truck, though it’s not the kind most Texans are used to seeing.

Rather than another lifted, gas-hungry behemoth, the Kemah Police Department has added a Tesla Cybertruck to its fleet. The move didn’t exactly spark hometown pride. Judging by the comments on the department’s Facebook post, locals are having a field day with the decision.

Read: Vegas Cops Just Got 10 Cybertrucks And Elon Had Nothing To Do With It

A growing number of police forces across the United States have started to add Cybertrucks to their fleets. Just a couple of months ago, police in Texas took delivery of ten highly-modified Cybertruck police cruisers built by Unplugged Performance.

A Different Kind of Cop Car

By comparison, the Cybertruck delivered to cops in Kemah looks completely standard, except for the police livery. They say that the truck was donated by Enterprise Leasing and that it will be used for testing to see if the Tesla works as a patrol vehicle.

Importantly, the police say they didn’t spend any taxpayer money on the acquisition. That hasn’t stopped residents from weighing in, many of them voicing strong opinions in the comments section of the department’s Facebook post.

What Do Texans Think?

“Lmaooo imagine the battery dying tryna chase someone,” wrote one commentor, while another posted “Y’all ain’t catching anyone in that.” There’s no word on what specify Cybertruck variant this is, but even if it’s the base model, we’re willing to bet it could easily be used to catch most motorists in Texas.

One Facebook user left this gem of a comment: “Hey guys, if anyone’s missing their refrigerator I found it, it’s having an identity crisis and is now trying to identify as a cop car.” Another wrote, “Flood waters, here we don’t come!”

One comment summed up the skepticism in classic internet style: “If that thing is chasing me, ain’t no way I’m stopping for a garbage can.”

Whether or not the Cybertruck proves practical for police work in Texas remains to be seen. The vehicle does offer notable performance and strong safety credentials, both potentially valuable in patrol scenarios. The biggest question may be around charging logistics, especially for a force built around the consistency and familiarity of combustion engines.

The all-electric BMW M3 is no longer just a concept talked about in forums or teased through obscure patents. It’s taking shape in the real world, and these latest spy shots give us the clearest view yet of BMW’s upcoming super sedan.

The idea of an all-electric M3 might ruffle a few feathers among traditionalists, but there’s little need for panic. Alongside this electric version, BMW will continue to offer a combustion-powered M3 that carries over the same twin-turbo inline-six as the current model without being fully hybridized. Purists won’t be left out in the cold.

Read: The Electric M3 Ushers In A New Era Of BMW Design

The electric version, possibly named iM3, will be built on the new i3 platform that’s set to debut next year as BMW’s reimagined electric 3-Series sedan. As with that car, the M variant will follow BMW’s Neue Klasse design philosophy.

That includes abandoning the current M3’s polarizing grille in favor of something sleeker and, arguably, more cohesive.

Stephen Hancock

Judging by the latest prototype, the headlights look close to production spec. The daytime running lights are integrated cleanly into the headlight units and line up precisely with the redesigned kidney grilles.

There’s a strong sense of alignment here, literally and visually, something that hasn’t always been a given with recent BMWs.

It’s also hard not to be taken aback by just how beefy this prototype looks. Both the front and rear wheel arches sit nice and wide, giving it an ultra-aggressive look, perfectly fitting of an M-branded model. It may not sound as good as the current M3, but it’s definitely shaping up to have just as much visual presence.

What Will Power It?

Then there’s the matter of performance. We know that BMW is developing an electric powertrain with four motors for the new model, and has said its setup can deliver up to 1,341 hp.

That said, it’s unlikely the production model will hit those numbers. BMW is expected to limit output to around 700 hp, which keeps it safely below the upcoming electric M5 and maintains a performance hierarchy within the lineup.

Even so, with that kind of power it would comfortably outpace the next-generation combustion M3, which is projected to land somewhere near 550 hp. That performance edge could be a major talking point once both cars hit the road.

One key tradeoff will be weight. Spy shots from earlier this year suggest the electric M3 could come in as much as 465 kg, or 1,025 lbs, heavier than the current petrol version. That’s a significant increase, and how BMW balances that extra mass with chassis tuning will be crucial to the car’s driving character.

Stephen Hancock

It’s always a shame when something rare goes up in smoke. That’s evidently what just happened in Uganda. According to circulating reports, a Tesla Cybertruck rolled while tearing around a local dirt race track, leaving it in a mangled state with little hope for recovery.

If the accounts are accurate, this electric pickup isn’t just rare in the African nation. It was the country’s only Cybertruck, privately imported and likely the pride of its owner until now.

More: Cybertruck Nails Crash Tests Until The Lights Go Out

Footage of the incident popped up on social media late last week, and while details are sparse, we can see the crash and the aftermath.

The video shows the truck approaching a left-hand turn, possibly cutting the corner a little too hard. Whether it was a berm on the inner side of the bend or just the weight of a huge vehicle trying to navigate a tight turn at high speed, the result is the same.

The Cybertruck rolls hard to the right, onto its side, then onto its roof, and finally it comes to rest on the driver’s side. So far, no confirmed details about the owner have been released.

Reddit

Previous reports suggest the truck was privately imported by a wealthy individual, but no local authorities, event organizers, or the owner themselves have stepped forward publicly.

Based on photos and videos of the aftermath, it’s clear that the truck will need significant repairs if it’s ever going to get back on the road. Just about every piece of glass is broken. The roof is crumpled to a degree and plenty of the plastic bits are damaged beyond repair.

Since Uganda doesn’t have any Tesla dealers, it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any route to salvaging the truck. It might end up being cheaper to just import another one.

The site of the crash, Garuga Race Track, located near Lake Victoria, is often used for casual motorsport events and recreational driving rather than professional racing. While most photos available of the track online show motorcycles, it’s clear that some vehicles, mostly rally-focused ones, have used the course.

Surface conditions, speed, and driver inputs remain unknown, and there has been no official statement explaining exactly what caused the rollover. Hopefully, everyone walked away without significant injury.

Credit: ClaudeVille1