INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Jon Petz, aformer sales executive turned professional magician and the “World’s Only Amazement Artist,” demonstrated through magic tricks and puzzle solving that “moments of amazement” can provide opportunities for real connection.

“We fall in love with how difficult a problem is, but what if we tried to simplify it?” he queried at the Transportation Director Summit on Saturday morning. He presented a series of brainteasers with simple solutions, like the college student who suggested letting the air out of the tires of a truck stuck under an overpass.

The transportation directors, managers and vendor partners gathered in the room at The Chateau at Incline Village to discuss examples of novel solutions that they or their teams had come up with in their districts. These included developing an in-house student behavior management class with input from teachers, having a vendor refuel buses to avoid driver overtime and accidental school bus damage at the gas station, and inviting district administrators to work a day as a school bus driver so they gain empathy before making detrimental rules.

While some problems may have simple solutions, Petz confirmed that the jobs transportation directors perform is not at all simple. He posed a word problem: A plane is going down and some passengers need to be thrown off to reach the weight limit. He provided sheets with fictional passengers’ ages, weights and employment status and had the tables discuss who should be thrown off the plane. The exercise showed that everyone comes to different moral and ethical conclusions.

Big decisions cannot be reduced to numbers on a page, he said, which is why leaders must get curious about their employees and clients. He shared a story of a room he once  observed, where a company leader celebrated huge revenue numbers while the team members seemed disengaged.

“Think about those people we serve and how we can serve them better,” Petz stated.

Throughout the day, he called attendees on stage to assist in magic and card tricks, enrapturing the crowd. He demonstrated the need to maintain a poker face in certain difficult situations, like when speaking with a difficult administrator or employee, by passing out playing cards to participants and using their facial cues to guess the correct cards.

Another way to connect with team members is to get vulnerable and share scary or “scarry” — referring to scars many of us still carry — stories. Attendees shared harrowing or gory tales with their tables and then the whole room as Petz explained that such exercises teach us so much about the people we see and work with every day.

“As leaders, we have to put ourselves out there,” Petz stated. He held up a $20 bill and asked who wanted it. Nearly every hand in the room went up but only two people got out of their seats and came forward to get it.

“You become a leader by title, but that doesn’t make you a leader,” Petz said. “Purpose is what drives your passion to do more than what you have to do.”

He recounted a stellar experience at a grocery store, when all employees enthusiastically told him about each department and sent him off with food samples. The CEO later told him, “I empower my people to make decisions that are best for each customer.”

“How do you empower your people?” Petz asked, adding that the ideas discussed during his presentation can help attendees not only better connect with others at the conference, but also their district team back home.

He lastly led attendees through a mimed event in which the audience supported the illusion of a magic trick, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the right moments so that the recipient had an unforgettable moment.

“The simplest of moments are significant for those who we serve,” Petz summed up.

Related: STN EXPO East Offers Sports Lessons for Transportation Leadership
Related: (STN Podcast E262) Assess & Fix: The NJ Transportation Director Managing 63 Contractors
Related: Donning a Leadership Cap
Related: (STN Podcast E199) Managerial Perspectives: From Dairy Farming to Black History Month
Related: Hypnotist ‘Trance-forms’ Transportation Director Summit Minds

Jon Petz will present his keynote “Significance … In Simple Moments” Monday morning at Peppermill Resort Casino.

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RENO, Nev. — The National School Bus Inspection Training Program developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, formerly the director of maintenance for the South Carolina Department of Education, trains technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Friday’s agenda included six hours of classroom instruction, including preparation for a written exam. On Saturday, attendees traveled to Washoe County School District’s south transportation facility, practiced identifying defects on real school buses and got an overview of electric school bus high-voltage identification.

The class was taught by school district fleet maintenance professionals and representatives from Long Beach (California) Clean Cities, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

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RENO, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician, led dozens of transportation supervisors and vendor partners in discussions about creating genuine team connections.

Another group was bused Saturday to nearby Washoe County School District for the hands-on portion of the National School Bus Inspection Training, which included hands-on identification of defects on real school buses and an overview of electric school bus high-voltage components.

Back at the Peppermill Resort Casino, Darren Reaume of sponsor Q’Straint/Sure-Lok led an advanced course designed for experienced transportation directors, supervisors and trainers on wheelchair securement, troubleshooting techniques and best practice recommendations.

Additionally, the “So, You Wanna Be Transportation Supervisor?” seminar returned with an all-star panel of student transportation experts that provided best practices for attendees who wish to transition into a supervisory role, or who are looking to brush up on their managerial skillsets.

The day closed out with a “Fire & Ice” themed welcome party sponsored by Transfinder and School Bus Logistics.

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Wagons may be all but extinct in today’s automotive landscape, cast away by buyers’ love of SUVs, but they still stir enthusiasm among certain corners of the car world. One such example is the Lexus IS SportCross, the only wagon in the brand’s 36-year history.

The five-door model lasted just a single generation before being discontinued, yet it still holds a place in the hearts of wagon fans. One of them is digital artist Theophilus Chin, who recently imagined what a modern Lexus wagon could look like in the current lineup.

Also: Lexus Sedan’s Radical Redesign Could Finally Bring Back The IS Spirit

Instead of starting with the aging IS sedan, Theottle chose the larger and more contemporary Lexus ES as the foundation for his design. The familiar sedan form is reworked with a taller, more upright rear, and styling cues borrowed from the all-electric RZ.

In this reimagining, the rear glass wraps around seamlessly into the side windows, visually slimming the D-pillars and giving the rear a cleaner profile. The roofline is less sloped than the standard ES, flowing into a pair of aerodynamic fins that replace the more conventional rear spoiler.

The lower portion of the tail is carried over from the regular ES, including the slim LED bar, the integrated ducktail spoiler, and the rear bumper. The wheelbase and the rear overhang haven’t changed, meaning that the ES Sport Cross retains the footprint of the sedan.

Illustrations: Theottle

The new Lexus ES is based on Toyota’s TNGA-K architecture, which is compatible with self-charging hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. The flagship ES 500e trim with AWD capability would be the most fitting for the Sport Cross variant, generating 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) from its zero-emission powertrain. Furthermore, the 75 kWh battery would be good for a WLTP range of around 530 km (329 miles).

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

If it ever reached production, the ES SportCross would go up against premium wagons like the BMW i5 Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate. But while the idea might appeal to wagon enthusiasts, Lexus appears far more focused on sedans and SUVs these days, making this actually happening quite unlikely.

Still, there was a hint of possibility back in late 2021, when Lexus previewed a compact EV concept showcasing a variety of body styles, including a sedan, shooting brake, crossover, and convertible. At the time, many believed these prototypes hinted at the next generation IS, a model that now seems destined to offer more than just battery-electric powertrains when it eventually arrives.

Lexus

We’ve been hearing a lot about how tough the Chinese market is for long-established brands that are familiar to us in the West. Automakers like VW, Porsche and Mercedes have all suffered big sales slides in China, but Toyota has proved that’s it’s still possible to beat the increasingly competitive domestic brands at their own game.

Also: How Toyota’s $15K EV Ended Up Costing $48K In Its First Export Market

The bZ3X is an electric SUV built by a joint venture between Toyota and China’s GAC and it’s been selling like crazy following its debut four months ago. More than 200,000 examples have been delivered since March, GAC Toyota wrote on China’s Weibo social media platform, and the company also mentioned it had received over 30,000 orders.

A Price That Turns Heads

So how did Toyota manage to win where many other legacy brands have failed? One reason is the bZ3X’s incredibly competitive sticker. Prices for the electric SUV start at 109,800 yuan, or roughly $15,000 at current exchange rates. That makes it less than half the price of the GAC Toyota Highlander, which starts at 284,800 yuan ($39,300), and also undercuts the 171,800 yuan ($23,700) Camry.

Naturally, you’re not getting a fully-loaded, long-range EV for for your $15k, though versions with Lidar-based ADAS are available. The base bZ3X, the 430 Air, comes with a small 50 kWh battery that’s rated at 267 miles (430 km) on the generous Chinese CTLC cycle, but probably only offers 200 miles (320 km) of real range.

For a few yuan more, the 430 Air+ adds extra equipment but retains the base model’s battery, and the 58 kWh 520 Pro and Pro+ stretch the range to 323 miles (520 km) while still using the same single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor as the lower-tier versions.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Top of the tree is the 610 Max, which gets a bump to 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) and promises 379 miles (610 km) of range from its 68 kWh pack. But even that flagship trim will only set you back ¥159,800 (~$22,000).

Momentum Beyond a Single Model

The bZ3X isn’t the only GAC Toyota performing well in China. The joint venture’s total sales reached 364,218 in the first six months of 2025, and importantly they were up 5.6 percent, making the company one of the few similar collabs to make gains.

Camry sales were up 66 percent to 20,358 in June, Ziniu News reports, and the company’s Saina minivan registered 8,846 deliveries in the first half of the year, up 16 percent.

GAC Toyota

We’re only two months out from the electric GLC’s debut at the Munich Auto Show and Mercedes is on the teaser offensive. As he did with the CLA and electric G-Class, CEO Ola Källenius has taken a camouflaged prototype of the compact SUV for a spin and dropped a couple of interesting spec details in the process.

Related: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

One detail we now know is that the first model to launch will be called the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology, following the (somewhat clunky) trend started by the electric G-Class. Källenius also revealed the 400 can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW.

800v Architecture and Practical Charging Solutions

Mercedes itself dropped some other factoids, including that a converter allows the 800-volt SUV to hook-up at more common 400-volt charging stations. Surprisingly, that was not possible with the first examples of the new CLA sedan, though a fix for them is in the works.

Källenius performs a standing start in the GLC, and while he doesn’t give out power or performance figures, he implies that the acceleration is the kind that you’d expect from a Mercedes-AMG GT, which suggests a sub-4-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time.

Design Cues With Classic Inspiration

When it comes to the front-end design however, the CEO reckons the GLC takes its lead from much older Mercedes models. He waxes lyrical about the huge grille on a classic 300SEL 6.3 and claims we’ll see elements of the same design when the covers come off the GLC in September.

“It’s a future techy interpretation of that iconic Mercedes style,” he says of the new car’s grille.

The SEL isn’t only on hand to drop styling clues, but to demonstrate the GLC’s towing ability. Mercedes says it can tow a 5,300 lbs (2,400 kg) braked trailer, which betters the Porsche Macan Electric’s tow rating by 880 lbs (400 kg).

Roomier Cabin and Smarter Suspension

Interior packaging has also seen some changes. Mercedes confirmed the GLC EQ’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the 113.7 inches (2,890 mm) of the current combustion GLC, which is good news for rear-seat passengers, and there’s more luggage space, too.

The trunk swallows 20.1 cu-ft (570 liters), which is 0.7 cu-ft (20 liters) more than the ICE SUV, and can be extended to 61.5 cu-ft (1,740 liters) with the seats folded. And there’s still 4.5 cu-ft (128 liters) of frunk space to add to that.

The new GLC will feature air springs for maximum ride comfort, though only as part of an optional Agility & Comfort Package that also includes 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering. Both of those tech solutions are also available on the Porsche Macan Electric, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the two fare in the – inevitable – face-off next year.

Mercedes

RENO, Nev. – STN EXPO West kicked off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening and proceeded into intensive training classes on Friday.

Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, who together have over 100 years of service in pupil transportation and are both are expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions, led a class on school bus accident investigation.

The specially developed National School Bus Inspection Training Program and the official NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training also took place, as well as a new 4-hour seminar on school bus routing.

AMF-Bruns also presented its Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement Training Certification Class.

The education continues Saturday.

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RENO, Nev. — In a four-hour seminar on routing, consultant Kerry Somerville spoke to attendees at STN EXPO West about everything from implementing routing software and the RFP process to training and using the software.

Whether attendees came to the class Friday to become up to date on the offerings after retirement, or because they were a school bus driver being told to route themselves, or even due to being the director of safety and wanting to see the benefits of routing, all left with a deeper understanding of route specifics.

“I’m not here to talk bad about [any company], but I want you guys to be aware, to ask questions about what you’re buying and how you’re implementing it,” said Somerville owner of Transportation Planning Solutions as well as a transportation supervisor for Show Low Unified School District in Arizona.

Related: (STN Podcast E263) Not an Easy Button: Expert Gives School Bus Routing Technology Tips

Somerville explained that the RFP is the district’s opportunity to specify exactly what they want and need from software. “Designate who’s going to run the software,” he shared, adding that there needs to be a backup in case that person is unavailable.

He noted that when creating the RFP, one needs to be realistic and not ask for things that aren’t possible. Similarly, he noted it’s important to be prepared to pay for solutions that meet the requirements being asked for. He also advised not asking for good references, which any company can provide. Instead, he suggested asking about failed implementations and why they occurred.

Somerville noted that a phased implementation is a better approach, rather than implementing technology all at once. And while some districts have the expectations that the lowest bid must be accepted, that may mean they don’t get the features or functions they want or need.

One attendee shared his operation is in search of its third routing software.

When discussing what is wanted versus what is needed, Somerville noted that the bandwidth of people and the size of operation play important roles. Ask yourself, what is your end goal, he noted, adding that sometimes it’s not necessarily about implementing a new product but training on a current one.

Once new routing software is implemented, the next stage is training. He noted that five days of intense training may seem like it’s the best approach, but when it gets to day five, employees might have forgotten what you learned on day one. Instead, he advised districts engage in continuous ongoing training, citing the importance of creating a training plan.

He also said training is both the vendor and district responsibility and should include routes. If a district is implementing remote training, he said it’s important to determine if it will really work for the team.

Other aspects of implementation include student data and working with one’s IT department to make sure the nightly download is accurate. He also advised working with the district’s management team to ensure that student data is accurate and highlighted the importance of how good address data is critical.

Plus, he asked, how does your software handle changes such as adding students and routes, changing bus stop locations and deleting information? “There is no such thing as a perfect map,” he said.

He outlined pros and cons to the various type of maps available.

Maps change, Somerville explained, and there needs to be away to update them. Plus, he added that data affects the quality of routes. For instance, a left turn may have a greater penalty than a right turn, adding that UPS trucks in the U.S. are programmed to minimize or avoid left turns due to safety and efficiency benefits. On the other hand, being able to adjust speed data via software can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your runs. Other data that affect routing include attendance boundaries, hazards and walk zones.

Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Innovation Awards Returns to STN EXPO, Vote on Site
Related: Download App for 2025 STN EXPO West Conference

Somerville said optimization should be used as a tool, not a solution. He said every year there’s a big story about a school district being promised to save millions of dollars with optimization and then it failed day one of school start up. He said all data elements affect optimization. He advised testing the runs — everything from timing, routing, time spent at each stop, and speed — the software products prior to the first day of school.

Overall, when using software, he advised using it every day as practice makes perfect. He said he finds that most school districts only use about one-tenth of the function that the software can do. “Keep the data fresh,” he said, adding to avoid the “this doesn’t work trap.”

This, he said, is why it’s important to get what you want in the RFP process.

He concluded by urging the audience to not give up. “Learning new software, new ways of doing things can be a challenge, difficult and frustrating but the reward is at the end when you can provide the answers people need quickly and easily,” he said.

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RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West kicked off with school transportation experts Richard Fischer and Peter Baxter, who presented the “School Bus Accident Investigation: Be Prepared for a Lawsuit” session.

“You need to know more than you need to know,” said Peter Baxter Friday as the four-hour-long accident investigation session began. With the play on the famous Oscar Wilde quote, Baxter aimed to emphasize the need for transportation professionals to acquire more knowledge than they believe they will need to know in the industry.

Attendees at the session were taught about the importance of safety and preparedness within the student transportation sector, particularly as it pertains to handling incidents involving school buses. Both Fischer and Baxter said their goal was to equip attendees with essential skills in mitigating risks associated with school transportation.

Dick Fischer is widely recognized as the Father of School Bus Safety Week for successfully petitioning President Richard Nixon in 1972 for the first federal proclamation. He and Pete Baxter, a retired state director of student transportation for the Indiana Department of Education are both members of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. Baxter is one of only two people to serve as president of both NAPT and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services.

Fischer, who was recognized at the 2024 STN EXPO West with a lifetime achievement award, noted that the main priority of transportation professionals should be the students they transport. He emphasized the acronym “GOAL,” short for get out and look, when addressing how drivers should not be reluctant to exit the bus when they can’t see if a student crossed or to do a  maintenance check on the bus if needed during a route.

Fischer explained that many student transportation professionals believe that it is illegal for school bus drivers to exit the vehicle while on route. However, that is not the case. Currently, California is the only state where drivers must get off the bus to cross the road with elementary students when the bus is stopped on the opposite side of where the student’s home is located. This law was established in 1932, and since then reportedly no student or driver has been killed by an illegal passing incident.

During the seminar, Fischer transitioned into the topic of the danger zone, which refers to the 10- to 12-feet hazardous area surrounding school buses where students are at the most risk during loading and unloading. He highlighted the importance of being able to look over the hood of the bus when driving.

A scenario was acted out, where two attendees with different heights represented the difference between a shorter and taller school bus driver and how their respective danger zones are different. Fischer explained the importance of setting the driver’s seat at its lowest point to get an accurate description of the true danger zone for each driver. The ability to maintain awareness of one’s surroundings is pivotal in preventing incidents and ensuring student safety.

When the question, “What do you think the toughest task is in preventing a collision?” was asked by the speakers, many attendees were quick to respond. Some of them agreed that the toughest task is predicting the other behavior of other motorists on the road.

Fischer recommended that school bus drivers conduct department safety meetings. He suggested for directors of transportation and/or safety trainers to assign a month to drivers for organizing safety meetings while sharing ideas with them on what they could discuss during these meetings.

He also pointed out that school districts with school buses equipped with cameras should look at the recorded videos on a daily basis to prevent school bus related incidents from continuously occuring. Safe behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated but wrong behavior that is not called out or reported will be repeated as well. This is why both Fischer and Baxter emphasized the importance of reporting any unprofessional behavior instead of looking the other way. They referred to this as “CYA” or covering your “Adam’s apple.” In other words, the advised taking appropriate measures to protect oneself from potential blame, legally or otherwise.

Related: Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West

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DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced a major investment in technology and talent as part of its bold vision to redefine the modern student transportation experience. EverDriven’s commitment is driven by a clear mission: to build a future where every student’s journey is safe, reliable, and fully transparent. Central to that mission is future-proof technology that puts students, caregivers, and districts at the heart of our approach.

“As we look ahead, we see technology as the key enabler of modern student transportation, where seamless access, real-time visibility, and peace of mind are the standard for every ride,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “This vision drives our investment in both world-class talent and next-generation technology. We’re not just responding to today’s needs; we’re actively building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s student journeys.”

To realize this vision, EverDriven is expanding its product engineering hub and tripling its technology workforce, adding new roles across product development, UI design, engineering, and quality assurance. This investment will accelerate platform innovation and support the infrastructure needed for a more intelligent, user-centered transportation system—one that evolves alongside the changing needs of the districts, caregivers, and students EverDriven serves.

EverDriven’s innovation rollout is already underway, with new features launching in August, including real-time vehicle tracking, historical trip analysis for smarter routing, and automated driver assignment capabilities. These advancements mark the first step in a broader strategy to set new standards for safety, efficiency, and transparency in student transportation.

“We’re investing in the people and technology that will define the future of student transportation,” said Mon-Chaio Lo, Chief Product and Technology Officer at EverDriven. “Our next-generation platform will empower districts, caregivers, drivers, and students with the tools they need for the safest, most efficient experience with 360-degree visibility today and for years to come.”

To learn more about EverDriven’s commitment to modernizing student transportation through a tech-enabled, human-led approach, visit https://www.everdriven.com/technology/.

About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 31,806 students served last year alone, EverDriven is the leader in safe and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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Audi of America is growing their electric vehicle lineup as the 2025 Q6 Sportback e-tron and SQ6 Sportback e-tron will arrive at dealerships later this month. Both will be available in three different trims with prices starting at $69,600.

The entry-level Q6 Sportback Premium costs $5,800 more than the standard model and features a swoopy roofline that is 1.4 inches (37mm) lower than the traditional SUV. The crossover coupe also comes equipped with an S line exterior and 19-inch wheels. Rounding out the highlights are leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.5-inch infotainment system.

More: Audi Q6 And SQ6 Sportback E-Trons Bow With Sleek Styling And Up To 510 HP

The $73,400 Premium Plus trim adds an upgraded interior with a heated steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and an LED interior lighting plus package. The model also sports additional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise assist and an augmented reality head-up display.

The $75,400 Prestige goes even further thanks to acoustic front door glass and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. Buyers will also find an adaptive air suspension and fancier daytime running lights.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS). However, this climbs to 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) when using Launch Control.

The setup enables the Q6 Sportback e-tron to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Customers can also expect up to 319 miles (513 km) of range as well as a battery that can go from 10-80% in as little as 21 minutes when using a 270 kW DC fast charger.

The SQ6 Sportback e-tron is similar, but starts at $76,300. It’s distinguished by a slightly more aggressive design with alu-optic accents and 20-inch wheels.

Interior changes are more noticeable as the crossover coupe comes equipped with a three-spoke sport steering wheel and leather/Dinamica sport seats. They’re joined by stainless steel pedals, carbon fiber trim, and massaging front seats.

Styling aside, the SQ6 has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) or 509 hp (380 kW / 516 PS) with Launch Control. Thanks to the extra oomph, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time falls to 4.1 seconds, while the top speed climbs to 143 mph (230 km/h). Unfortunately, the range drops to 283 miles (455 km).

On the topic of performance, the crossover has a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension as well as an upgraded front braking system. The latter boasts six-piston calipers as well as larger 14.8-inch (375 mm) discs for added stopping power.

2025 Audi Q6 / SQ6 Sportback E-Tron Pricing

Launching a robotaxi service in a major city has long been a benchmark for autonomous driving technology. Last month, Tesla took a step toward that goal by quietly rolling out a small-scale robotaxi program in Austin, Texas.

Although the service remains limited in scope and footage has shown autonomous Model Ys making some questionable moves, Elon Musk already has his sights set on expanding. His next target? The San Francisco Bay Area.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi Was Caught Making A Turn It Immediately Regretted

Musk made the announcement on X when asked about a potential expansion into San Francisco. According to the him, Tesla is “waiting on regulatory approvals,” but said the service will “probably [launch] in a month or two.”

In all likelihood, Tesla will adopt a similarly cautious approach in San Francisco as it did in Austin. Currently, the Austin pilot operates within a tightly geofenced area and every vehicle includes a human safety supervisor in the passenger seat. In a recent post on X, Musk said the service’s footprint in Austin will grow this weekend, though he didn’t say how much additional ground it will cover.

San Francisco is likely to prove a more challenging area for Tesla’s self-driving systems. The city is significantly more densely populated and has more challenging roads, largely due to its extreme topography and steep streets.

Stricter Regulations

Unlike Texas, where autonomous services face relatively few restrictions, California enforces tighter oversight. To operate in San Francisco, Tesla will need to secure approvals from both the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission, according to Reuters.

And with Waymo already running its own robotaxi service in the city for quite some time, Tesla will not only need to navigate regulation but also public perception and direct competition. Earning the trust of San Francisco riders may prove just as crucial as earning the trust of regulators.

Electric vehicles may be at the center of the automotive industry’s future, but the road to widespread adoption remains anything but smooth. Most legacy automakers say that they are huge fans of electric vehicles and want nothing more than for them to dominate the auto industry and to be in every motorist’s garage.

However, according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, the biggest resistance to electrification isn’t coming from political opposition, but from the industry’s very own heavyweights.

Read: Rivian’s New R1 Quad Has 1025 HP And Tesla Charging

Since returning to the White House for a second term, President Donald Trump has made EVs a frequent target. Even before getting elected, Trump promised to scrap the ‘EV mandate’, even though no such mandate technically existed. He followed through with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminated both new and used EV tax credits.

Perhaps surprisingly, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe doesn’t appear overly concerned with recent policy changes. Speaking with Business Insider, he downplayed the impact of political shifts. “Policy changes, in the end, don’t change anything,” he said.

His view is that recent shifts may even benefit Rivian and its competitors in the EV-first space “I think that the move away from some of the tailwinds that were previously in place for electric vehicles is actually good for Rivian, it’s good for Tesla, it’s bad for the US auto industry, and it’s bad for my kids,” Scaringe added.

Since neither the R1S nor the R1T qualified for the $7,500 credit to begin with, Rivian isn’t directly affected by the change. Scaringe’s focus lies elsewhere, as he is much more concerned with legacy carmakers.

The Fight Against OEMs

“We’re basically on an island fighting all the other OEMs,” he told BI. “They would never say this publicly, because publicly they’re pro-EVs — but the biggest adversaries against electrification are big OEMs. So we fight that hard. It’s so frustrating to see companies talk out of both sides of their mouth when they say they’re pro-electrification, but they’re just gloves off on the policy side. So anti-EV.”

It’s easy to understand where Rivian’s boss is coming from. Executives from many US carmakers frequently change their positions depending on which political party is in power and which policies will impact them in the short term.

Earlier this year, GM pushed tenaciously to stop California from having the ability to set its own emissions standards. Soon after, they got what they wished for, as Senate Republicans voted to strip the state of its authority to determine its own vehicle emissions rules.

Volvo’s U.S. sales have grown 6 percent so far this year, reaching 64,680 units by midyear. Even with that upward trend, the company is taking a cautious turn, announcing plans to cut around 15 percent of its local commercial workforce in an effort to reduce expenses and brace for potential instability.

Read: Volvo Laying Off Hundreds Of US Workers Over Tariff Fallout

On the surface, the job cuts seem to be happening at an inopportune time. Volvo has several new models in its line-up, including the all-electric EX90 and ES90. However, it’s been revealed that most of the workers affected by these cuts were hired during the pandemic, and some cuts were made through attrition.

Jobs Cut at U.S. Headquarters

Citing an unnamed sourced within Volvo, , approximately 60 jobs have also been eliminated, with most of these positions located at the company’s headquarters in New Jersey. According to Volvo, it “is taking measures to become a leaner, more efficient organization with a structurally lower cost base.” The company added this “will better position us to build a profitable … future for the Americas region and for Volvo Cars overall.”

It’s not just in the US where Volvo is reducing its workforce, Auto News reports that the company is looking to slash 15 percent of its global workforce, or roughly 3,000 jobs. The majority of these will be in Sweden and come in part due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Approximately 90 percent of all vehicles Volvo sells in the US are imported, and to offset the costs of these tariffs, it plans to save the equivalent of $1.87 billion.

Other Layoffs

In April, Volvo announced that it would lay off roughly 800 workers across its US operations, impacting factories in Dublin, Virginia, and Hagerstown, Maryland, as well as its Mack Trucks plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

At the same time, Volvo is reportedly looking to make better use of its Ridgeville, South Carolina plant. Just 20,000 vehicles were produced there last year, representing only 13 percent of the facility’s total capacity. To boost output, the company is considering adding XC60 production to the site.

Environmentalists are celebrating a rare win of keeping a mining operation from opening up next to a National Wildlife refuge in South Georgia.

All across the U.S., there are aging oil and natural gas wells no longer in use.

A lot of them don't have anyone on the hook to seal them up. Some estimate over a million such "orphan wells" still exist.

Because they haven't been plugged, they're still leaking greenhouse gases and other chemicals into the atmosphere and into the land around them.

What would it take to plug them — or even just one of them?

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

(Image credit: Chandan Khanna)

An Arkansas transportation director and payroll specialist sang the praises of integrated technology company Bytecurve.

Using manual paper timekeeping is a common issue in the industry, said Bryan Mitchell, marketing director for Bytecurve parent company Transit Technologies, during a sponsored webinar Tuesday. He reviewed how school bus operations are complicated by elements like increased transportation costs, driver shortages, inflation, angry parents, payroll errors, union pressure and siloed tech systems. He noted that while half of U.S. students rely on bus services, school bus drivers have decreased by 15 from 2019 to 2023.

“There is so much pressure on transportation to operate darn near perfection,” he quipped. “These challenges are profound.”

Jonathan Agenten, director of North American sales for the scheduling, dispatch and payroll solution that is Bytecurve, reviewed how combining GPS tracking, routing and payroll systems though a customizable dashboard helps districts provide automation and easy answers for both parents looking for their kids and staff needing to get paid.

“You as transportation professionals should not have to spend time on the things that run well,” Agenten said. “Our system is dying to be customized specific to your department’s needs, your rules and the way you pay your people.”

Russellville School District in central Arkansas transports 3,200 students on 43 daily routes covering 99 square miles. Transportation Director Christopher King said payroll was previously a process taking up to 15 days per month and involving inaccurate entries, extra time required to verify them and a 4 to 5-inch stack of timesheets to be signed.

“We were spending hours and days on tasks that should take us minutes,” he said. “It was almost a stone tablet and chisel, that how we did payroll.”

King shared how the district modernized by replacing those outdated, paper-based payroll and dispatch systems with a fully integrated solution powered by Zonar GPS and tablets along with Bytecurve’s digital timekeeping and payroll platform. He shared that tracking the time spent, staff needed and stress involved in the manual processes helped convince administration that the Bytecurve solution was a good investment.

Christina Herdman, Russellville School District’s payroll specialist, spoke to how the phased roll-out required school bus drivers to accept the new processes. Most drivers are between 50 and 80 years old and some needed her help to set up the apps on their phones. Having rapport goes a long way, she added. “When they come into your office, give them your time. It goes a long way,” she said.

She relayed that over 95 percent of Russellville’s drivers, even those who use flip phones and are “terrified” of technology, have adjusted. She shared how staff are pleased with how easily they can clock in and out or adjust their timesheets.

Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E259) Feel the Passion: Debates on Wi-Fi, Technology, Alternative Transportation & Safety
Related: Roundup: Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO Charlotte 2025
Related: (STN Podcast E252) Onsite at STN EXPO East in Charlotte: School Bus Technology Interviews
Related: New Technology Provides Data to School Bus Routing

Stats shown during the webinar confirmed that the district has nearly eliminated payroll errors. This has saved 10 hours per week in driver communications and payroll reconciliation, and resulted in $15,000 monthly labor cost savings, even after wage increases.

Having a one-stop shop to monitor school buses and handle employee information streamlined operations and saved valuable time, King confirmed. Herdman noted that procedural changes and driver substitutions can easily be made through the system and pushed out digitally to affected parties. Communications are vastly improved and any type of reports needed can be quickly pulled.

“It has changed our lives, changed the way we operate,” King declared.

“It’s amazing,” Herdman agreed. “Payroll went from 1,000 manual tasks to [pressing]five buttons.”

Both King and Herdman praised Bytecurve’s customization and customer service, with most questions answered in hours.

Bytecurve technology is used on 55,000 buses and by over 60,000 employees nationwide, said Mitchell. Field trip management software busHive, interior cameras, and AI-powered safety solutions like driver monitoring systems and lane departure warnings can be used in tandem.

Leveraging technology thoughtfully and accurately helps put dollars back into the classroom and save administrative staff’s time, he added.

Watch the webinar on demand. 

The post Arkansas District Uses Technology to Save Money and Time appeared first on School Transportation News.

MG has used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce two new models, a concept, and an apparent styling exercise. The company also showcased the EX4, which is a reimagining of the Metro 6R4 rally.

Starting with the IM5 executive liftback, it’s an aerodynamic EV that vaguely recalls the Porsche Taycan. It features soft flowing curves, flush-mounted door handles, and a low drag coefficient of 0.226.

More: China’s Most British Roadster Freshens Up For 2026

Buyers will also find a panoramic glass roof and 19-inch wheels with an aerodynamically optimized design. The model also sports a prominent spoiler, LED taillights, and a liftgate that opens up to reveal a 16.1 cubic foot (457 liter) boot.

MG didn’t say much about the interior, but it has a 26.3-inch screen that functions as a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The screen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and is accompanied by a lower 10.5-inch touchscreen.

The IM5 has heated and ventilated “leather-style” seats and a 20-speaker audio system. We can also see metallic accents and a wireless smartphone charger.

MG didn’t release detailed specifications, but confirmed the IM5 will be offered with 75 and 100 kWh battery packs as well as single and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems. The 100 kWh Long Range variant can travel up to 441 miles (710 km) on a single charge. When the battery is low, it can go from a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 17 minutes.

The company also confirmed a Performance variant with 742 hp (553 kW / 752 PS) and 591 lb-ft (802 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds.

Pricing starts at £39,450 and climbs to £48,495 for the Performance variant.

IM6 SUV

The IM6 is essentially a taller IM5 positioned as an SUV. As a result, it has a familar design but sports cladding and a revised front end. The model is also a tad more spacious as it has 23.5 cubic feet (665 liters) of cargo space.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack, which delivers up to 388 miles (624 km) of range. Rear steering is standard and the Performance variant can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.

Pricing starts at £47,995 and jumps to £50,995 for the Performance version. There will also be a Launch Edition for £52,995.

Cyber X

Besides production models, MG showed the Cyber X. Designed to preview the brand’s new design language, the concept is a boxy electric “urban explorer.”

It features a nearly vertical front fascia with a full-width light bar and headlights that can apparently be hidden by covers when not in use. Further back, there are blacked out A-pillars and a stylish greenhouse. They’re joined by sleek bodywork, muscular fenders, and flush-mounted door handles.

Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof and plastic body cladding. They’re joined by aerodynamic wheels that are wrapped in meaty tires.

Cyberster Black

Last but not least is the self-explanatory Cyberster Black. It features a “luxurious black finish” thanks to a premium paint process that is usually reserved for luxury cars. MG didn’t go into many specifics, but said the paint has ultra-fine glass particles that help to create a subtle sparkle as well as a “shimmering effect” when in motion.

Besides the fancy paint, the roadster has been equipped with chrome wheels that contrast with red brake calipers. The model also has an all-black interior.

A Waymo self-driving robotaxi in Los Angeles recently found itself in a bit of a pickle after stopping abruptly in traffic, making an illegal left turn, and then being pulled over by a police officer in the heart of Los Angeles. While a human driver might have ended up with a ticket, fully autonomous vehicles currently dodge that fate in California since there’s no person behind the wheel to hold accountable.

Read: Waymo’s NYC Debut Comes With Training Wheels

A clip of the incident was recently shared on social media. It shows a white Jaguar I-Pace stopped in the middle of a road in Beverly Hills, much to the dismay of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class driver behind it.

According to the individual filming, the man slapped the rear of the car, either purely out of frustration, or in the hope it would get the car to start moving. Not the most reliable method, but hey, it occasionally works on stubborn toasters at home.

Maybe it did in this case too, because moments later, the robotaxi began moving again. But its next moves didn’t exactly smooth things over. A police officer in a Ford Explorer pulled in behind it, just as the Waymo SUV slipped in front of an electric Mercedes and made an awkward, and illegal, left turn.

After appearing to get confused by the flashing red and blue lights behind it, the robotaxi eventually pulled over to the side of the road.

@kiefer_d_live Replying to @himothee55 I used the song to cover up my hysterical laughter 🫣 #waymo ♬ original sound – Kiefer_D

It’s unclear what happened after the officer stepped out and approached the Jag, but they likely spoke with a human operator over the phone as there was no one onboard at the time.

No Ticket, But Not Off the Hook for Long

In the end, Waymo’s car probably without a ticket. According to The Washington Post, autonomous vehicles are currently exempt from receiving moving violations in California, as these must be issued to a human driver.

However, this policy is set to change. Starting in July 2026, police will be able to issue “notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” when a self-driving vehicle breaks the rules of the road. Not a moment too soon, if we may add.

Screenshot TikTok @kiefer_d_live / Waymo

Rivian has stood out among EV startups over the past decade, with its R1T and R1S showing that electric trucks and SUVs can match their gas-powered rivals in speed, capability, and comfort. Now, as it prepares to launch smaller, more affordable models like the R2 and R3, the company is also quietly supporting a new player in a very different space: a micromobility startup called Also Inc.

This new company was spun out of Rivian earlier this year with $105 million in funding from the carmaker and Eclipse, a well-known venture capital firm. While Also is remaining tight-lipped about what products it will launch, company president Chris Yu confirmed earlier this year its technologies would work for e-bikes and small three- and four-wheel neighborhood EVs and micro cars.

Read: Sales Slip Shows Rivian Needs Affordable Models Now

In July, Also reached a valuation of $1 billion following a $200 million investment from Greenoaks Capital. That’s a significant jump for a company still in stealth mode, signaling strong confidence from investors in its potential.

According to Bloomberg, Also operates out of Palo Alto and is expected to start with a team of about 80 employees. Yu mentioned that its vehicles would likely be a good fit for US communities where golf carts and other micromobility options are already part of daily life. The company is also aiming to launch several products tailored for both consumer and commercial use in regions like Asia and South America.

By establishing Also as a separate entity, Rivian can keep its focus on core vehicle development without diluting its attention. Even before the spin-off, Rivian had been exploring the idea of an electric bike, which hints at the early roots of this new venture. Although now independent, Also is expected to benefit from its connection to Rivian, gaining access to an established supply chain and possibly sharing some components between the two companies.

“When you get a small vehicle, one size doesn’t fit all,” Yu noted. “We want to give customers confidence and a brand technology platform customers can rely on with the same principles and technology, regardless of what the end solution looks like.”