New data shows that nearly three-quarters of all registered school buses are powered by diesel, even as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program is expected to extend federal funding to include the fuel.

The S&P Global Mobility TIPNet data for December 2025 indicates internal combustion engines account for 98 percent of all power in U.S. commercial vehicles, 76 percent being fueled by diesel. Gasoline is powering 23 percent followed by 0.5 percent natural gas and propane. Electric vehicles account for the other 0.5 percent.

A deeper analysis conducted this spring by the Engine Technology Forum (ETF) found that school districts are opting to replace their aging school bus fleets with diesel. The ETF said 72 percent of the 2010 and newer model-year school buses are diesel, a 5-percent increase from 2023. The diesel buses rely on SCR and particulate matter filters, the latter introduced in 2007, to reduce levels of PM and nitrogen oxide, or NOx, by more than 90 percent compared to pre-2007 engines.

“Fleet turnover is one of the most effective tools we have to improve air quality today,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of ETF, in a statement last week. “The increasing share of 2010 [and older] model-year diesel buses show that school districts are making practical, cost-effective investments that deliver immediate environmental and operational benefits for students.”

Meanwhile, diesel school buses make up over 87 percent of the total fleet of school buses. The ETF analysis found about 18 percent of the national fleet regardless of fuel are pre-2007 model years.

The analysis also found that electric school buses account for only 1.1 percent of the national fleet. Meanwhile, ETF said a news report last year indicated propane school buses make up about 5 percent of the national fleet.

Diesel School Buses to Further Benefit from Federal Rulemaking, Funding?

The school bus and larger commercial truck industry await a new final rule on 2027 NOx and PM levels from the EPA, which is expected this summer. EPA is also expected to announce the return of the five-year, $5-billion Clean School Bus Program, which has been on hiatus since January of last year. The agency indicated in an RFI published earlier this year that it was considering adding biodiesel and renewable diesel as fundable fuel types.

“If we get back to the idea that an EPA program on school buses is to bring the most benefit to the most school districts to make school bus emissions cleaner, using renewable fuels ranks high on the list of accessible and affordable and good options,” Schaeffer, told School Transportation News.

Additionally, Congress is currently debating increased funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. Senate bill 2235 and would also increase spending to $100 million for each fiscal year 2026 through 2029, according to the Congressional Budget Office. H.R. 2140 contains the same spending amounts and remained in the Energy and Commerce committee.

An online STN survey of transportation directors conducted in April indicated that only 11 percent of 193 respondents are prioritizing electric or alternative school bus purchases for the upcoming school year compared to the previous school year. Diesel school buses also continue to be the most common fuel type, according to registrants of next month’s STN EXPO West conference who are signed up to attend the Transportation Director Summit.

---

Related: Survey: Half of School Districts Paying At Least 6% More for Diesel
Related: Propane Grabs Spotlight as Fleets Seek Less Expensive, Cleaner Fuel
Related: Engine, Truck Manufacturers Support EPA Easing Derate of SCR Diesel Emissions Controls

---

Still, some school districts are maintaining previous plans to phase out diesel and expand electric and propane school bus purchasing. Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in the Houston, Texas area — the largest school bus operation in the state — has no current plans to purchase diesel school buses as it focuses on propane and electric, said Bobby Williams, assistant director of transportation for fleet maintenance.

He said propane now represents 41 percent of the district’s fleet, with diesel coming in second at 34 percent.

Pittsburg Unified School District near San Francisco, California, operates a small fleet of 33 buses, with nine powered by renewable diesel.Matthew Belasco, the district’s director of transportation, cited California’s 2035 mandate to transition to zero-emissions school buses as a leading reason why fellow districts have moved away from diesel, despite technically still being able to purchase them for the next nine years.

The district currently operates seven electric school buses and 17 propane.

“Most state and federal funding programs have been focused on supporting zero-emission and, in some cases, low-emission alternatives, like propane,” he added. “We got some funding for propane a few years ago. Generally, though, districts that seem to be looking to replace buses have moved toward electric or propane options.”

The post Diesel School Buses Continue Market Domination Amid Move Toward Lower-Emission Alternatives appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tony and Taylor are back with their recommendations on sessions you must attend at STN EXPO West in July. It’s a packed conference and trade show including an in-demand mentorship program, CEO Tech Talks, military-inspired leadership and the Best of the Dick & Pete Show.

Dr. Michael Hout, professor of psychology and kinesiology at New Mexico State University, joins Ryan to discuss research into illegal school bus passing, effective ways to count incidents, the brains of offenders, the role of technology and AI, and his upcoming STN EXPO West session on the topic.

Read more about STN EXPO.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School Radio.

 

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

The post (STN Podcast E311) Leadership & Lawbreakers: Top STN EXPO West Picks, Illegal Passing Deep Dive appeared first on School Transportation News.

Students at Spoede Elementary School gave longtime school bus driver Carolyn Taylor a hero’s farewell on the last day of school, celebrating her retirement after 27 years behind the wheel and more than 1 million miles safely driven, reported KSDK News.

Lining the school walkway with pom-poms in hand, students cheered and chanted “Ms. Taylor! Ms. Taylor!” as she made her final walk-through campus, stopping to give high-fives to children she had transported for generations.

“She greets us with the warmest smile every time,” said student Avya Kumar to local news reporters.

Taylor began working for the Ladue School District in 1997 as a school bus monitor. She became a driver after realizing she could earn more with a commercial license. “I’m like, ‘No, no. Come on Carolyn. It’s time to get your license,’” she recalled with a laugh.

She spent the next 27 years driving the same Route L-10, becoming a familiar presence for countless families in the neighborhood. “Ms. Taylor is like part of our family,” said Lisa Ross, whose four children rode Taylor’s bus over the years. “She’s the best and she knows every kid, every parent, every everything.”

Ross reportedly loved Taylor so much that 19 years ago, she started an annual tradition called the “Bus Stop Bash,” a celebration for everyone at her bus stop held on one of the last day of school. The event features donuts and chocolate milk for students and families. What began as a small gathering at Ross’ home gradually spread down Grazer Road, growing into a neighborhood tradition that became as much a part of the school year as the first day of class.

Taylor reportedly made it a point to know far more than the names on her route roster. She learned students’ siblings, remembered family stories and kept in touch with generations of riders. Holiday cards from families decorated her bus each year, and she often asked parents about former students who had long since graduated and were now adults.

At Christmas, Taylor handed out candy canes to riders and made sure younger siblings at home received one, too.

Former rider Riley Deutsch, now a second-grade teacher at Spoede, said Taylor built trust with students through kindness and consistency. “The kids love and trust her, and they want to do well for her,” Deutsch said via the article.

Transportation Director Joe Griffin described Taylor as “the grandmother of the Ladue School District Transportation Department,” praising both her compassion and reliability. “She is so sweet and so loving and would do anything for any of the kids,” Griffin said to reporters.

District officials estimate Taylor drove more than 1 million miles during her career, enough to circle the Earth roughly 46 times. Though she considered retiring several years ago, Taylor said students persuaded her to stay. “The kids kept saying, ‘Ms. Taylor, please don’t go,’” she said.

Now approaching her 70th birthday, Taylor plans to undergo knee replacement surgery, visit her grandchildren in Arizona, and take a long-awaited trip to Dubai.

When asked what she will miss most, Taylor pointed to the students. “I may come to work feeling bad, but those kids say something and that pain goes away,” she said.

Written with assistance from AI.

---

Related: Wisconsin School Bus Driver Retires After 54 Years Behind the Wheel
Related: Virginia School Bus Driver Retires After Over 50 Years of Service
Related: Texas Retired Couple Hands Out Easter Baskets at School Bus Stop
Related: Champions in Education Award Honors Washington School Bus Driver, Teacher

The post Beloved Missouri School Bus Driver Retires After 27 Years, More Than 1 Million Miles appeared first on School Transportation News.

School districts across the country are preparing for a wave of summer retirements of school bus drivers, adding pressure to an already strained student transportation workforce.

To address the growing shortage, school districts are ramping up recruitment efforts through hiring events, sign-on bonuses, paid training programs, referral incentives, and retention initiatives aimed at attracting and keeping qualified drivers.

One district taking a hands-on approach is Branson Public Schools in Missouri. The district’s transportation department hosted its first annual “Take the Wheel” Driving Event on June 13, giving community members the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a school bus, meet transportation staff and learn more about available career opportunities.

The event was designed to provide prospective applicants with a firsthand summer-time look at what it is like to serve as a school bus driver while highlighting the benefits of the profession, including flexible schedules and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ daily lives. Participants visited multiple event locations throughout the community, while bus test drives were available at Buchanan Elementary. Branson’s initiative reflects a growing trend among school districts looking beyond traditional job postings to recruit new drivers, especially to address retirements.

In Alabama, Tuscaloosa City Schools recently hosted a Bus Driver Hiring Fair, where prospective applicants could receive assistance with the application process, schedule fingerprinting appointments and participate in on-the-spot interviews. The school district is also offering a $2,000 signing bonus for new drivers, starting pay of $23.80 per hour, and paid commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, helping remove barriers for individuals interested in entering the profession.

Retirements Spur Need for More School Bus Driver Hiring

The urgency behind these recruitment efforts is driven not only by ongoing nationwide school bus driver shortages, but also by the retirements of a number of longtime drivers retiring this summer who have spent decades serving their communities.

In Georgia, Fayette County school bus driver Diane Vaughn recently retired at age 82 after an extraordinary 50-year career. According to local news reports, Vaughn began driving in 1976 to secure health insurance for her child’s cancer treatment and quickly developed a passion for the profession. Over the past five decades, she safely transported thousands of students and became a familiar face to generations of families. The Fayette County School Board honored her service with a specially made 50-year service pin and a standing ovation, recognizing a career that exemplifies the dedication many veteran drivers have brought to student transportation.

In Tennessee, retiring Wilson County Schools bus driver Frances Theiring is also marking the end of a remarkable career. According to local news reports, Theiring, who spent nearly 50 years driving a special education bus and teaching in a special education classroom in Mt. Juliet, will become the first woman from Wilson County inducted into the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame. Honored recently by fellow drivers and district staff at the transportation department’s year-end cookout, Theiring said she felt “overwhelmed but grateful” as she reflected on a career dedicated to serving students and families.

Theiring’s induction recognizes not only her longevity but also her commitment to safe and reliable transportation. According to the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame, inductees must have at least 45 years of uninterrupted service as a daily route driver and demonstrate exceptional dedication, integrity and service to students. Wilson County Schools officials praised Theiring’s impact on the community, with school board chair Joe Padilla noting that her influence on generations of students and families cannot be measured.

Retirements like those of Vaughn and Theiring underscore the challenge facing school transportation departments nationwide. According to recent reports, Tuscaloosa City Schools continues to seek hiring additional drivers this summer for the upcoming school year, while school systems across the country are investing in recruitment and training programs to strengthen their transportation workforce.

From interactive experiences like Branson’s “Take the Wheel” event to hiring fairs, signing bonuses, competitive wages, and paid CDL training, districts are employing a variety of strategies to attract new drivers before students return to classrooms this fall. As veteran drivers leave the workforce after decades of service, transportation leaders are increasingly focused on finding innovative ways to ensure students have safe and reliable transportation for the school year ahead.

---

Related: Wisconsin School Bus Driver Retires After 54 Years Behind the Wheel
Related: Survey: Driver Shortages, Underutilized Buses and Community Pressures Top Challenges to School Transportation Efficiency
Related: Pasco County Schools Rolls Out New Cash Incentives to Tackle School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Retired Man Now Drives a School Bus and Sings to Children

The post Retirements Spur Summer Hiring Push to Address School Bus Driver Shortages appeared first on School Transportation News.

We can’t stop the fact that our world is changing rapidly. The question is, who will adapt to this new normal and who will be left behind? AI is accelerating at a blistering pace, and so is the movement of electrification, autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Last month, I sat in the audience at ACT Expo in Las Vegas for a fireside chat with Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe. My wheels were spinning as he described a future that will surely impact the direction of school transportation.

He laid out a vision for the future over the next decade, predicting a significant share of both passenger and commercial vehicles becoming electric, deeply connected, software-defined, and increasingly capable of driving themselves.

“If you’re a large-scale vehicle manufacturer, consumer or commercial, and you don’t have a connected, highly intelligent platform running the vehicle’s software and electronics, and the vehicle lacks self-driving capability, it’s hard to imagine holding market share by 2035,” he told the audience.

School buses always trail the commercial trucking market when it comes to adopting new technology. But many of the connectivity, safety and efficiency tools now standard on big rigs eventually make their way to school buses. The same pattern is likely to be true with autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems.

I believe a world with fully driverless school buses transporting students are decades away, even further without an adult on board. But that doesn’t mean autonomy has nothing to offer us. The chance to redeploy school bus drivers from a pure vehicle operation standpoint into a dedicated safety or behavioral enhancement role is an interesting concept.

We’ve known for years that onboard student behavior is one of the leading reasons why school bus drivers leave the profession. Many drivers cite a lack of support from administration when incidents occur. If autonomy (or even advanced driver assistance features) can safely handle more of the driving task on certain routes, districts could reimagine the driver’s job as a mobile safety aide. Someone whose primary focus is managing the students, de-escalating issues and supporting mobile learning and still operate the vehicle in a pinch.

That shift could meaningfully ease the massive driver shortage we’ve been suffering from while improving the onboard student experience and safety. During the ACT Expo discussion, Scaringe also talked about his new robotics company, Mind Robotics, which is exploring AI-powered, human-like robots for industrial settings using real factory data from Rivian. Could school bus OEMs re-imagine how they build school buses in the foreseeable future?

I invite you to join us at STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada on Sunday, July 12, as we assemble key school bus OEMs. They will share how they see AI, robotics and connected school buses impacting school transportation operations. The promise of AI route planning systems is closer to being realized than you think. Imagine continuously learning from every bus in the fleet and from the broader connected-vehicle ecosystem around them.

We’ve discussed this concept at STN EXPO in the past as passenger cars, school buses and connected cities interact for improved safety and efficiency.

Imagine a future where a robot or automated safety system safely stop traffic at a busy intersection so students can cross, while a safety aide stays focused on the children boarding or exiting. These aren’t science-fiction scenarios. They’re logical extensions of the connected, data-driven world Scaringe and others envision.

School transportation has never been just about moving kids from point A to point B. It’s about safety, equity, reliability and supporting the people who do the hardest part of the job every day. The technologies Scaringe outlined, electrification, connectivity, intelligence and autonomy won’t replace that human element. Done right, they can strengthen and supplement it.

The sky has always been the limit in this industry. Now, the technology is finally starting to catch up with the ambition. I can foresee a higher adoption of electric school buses as a biproduct of this rapidly evolving
technology environment, especially if one is dependent on the other. The timing couldn’t be better with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program expected to return this spring. The use of CSBP and grant funding has already helped hundreds of districts move toward electric school buses and other alternatives like propane. That renewed federal support is clearly re-energizing interest across the industry.

School transportation leaders need more viable pathways backed by federal and state dollars to move toward cleaner alternatives and more efficient fleets on their own terms. Budget pressures are mounting from higher fuel costs, and that pressure will undoubtedly push more fleets to consider new ways to adapt and evolve in our every changing world.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the June 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

---

Related: (STN Podcast E257) The Paths Forward: AI, Clean Energy, Manufacturing Discussed at ACT Expo
Related: School Bus Fuel Innovation, Technology Education Meet at STN EXPO West
Related: How Technology Powers Daily Student Transportation Operations
Related: How Technology Can Assist the 2026 State of Student Transportation

The post Bus Tech, Energy Take Center Stage appeared first on School Transportation News.

The use of AI is revolutionizing many industries and student transportation is among them. While AI can seem like a daunting new technology to implement, industry experts at STN EXPO West will explain exactly how it can be used to improve operations.

Following the STN EXPO West Trade Show on Tuesday, July 14 attendees will spend the afternoon learning how AI can assist them in tackling transportation’s biggest challenges, increasing productivity and be more effective as transportation leaders.

The “Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution in Student Transportation” session will kick off the afternoon with an overview of the evolution of AI and how student transporters are currently using it in their operations.

This session will be moderated by STN Editor in Chief Ryan Gray and feature panelists Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, Richard Jimenez, Timothy Purvis and GP Singh. Vann-Jackson is the executive director of enrollment and student services at Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma as well as the NAPT secretary and Region 4 director. Jimenez serves as the director of transportation at Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Southern California, and Purvis is the principal consultant at Pupil Transportation Information and a retired director of transportation. Singh is the founder of Bytecurve and a strategic advisor to Transit Technologies after selling his company last year.

What the AI Revolution Means

The panel will discuss what AI currently is and is not, the safeguards that transportation departments and school districts need in place before its use, the training of staff to correctly utilize AI, and more. Much of the conversation to date has been marketing and product related. Yet some student transportation leaders and their staff are utilizing AI more than what vendors are providing for solutions such as routing, cameras and telematics. The panel will discuss the importance of close communication and collaboration with district or organization IT departments in implementing AI as well as developing policies for how and how not to use it.

Following the opening session, attendees will choose between a variety of breakout sessions based on their interest and operational needs, all led by the speakers from the opening session. Each of these discussions will allow for a more exploratory conversation into the individual facets of transportation.

• Using AI Decision-Making in Dispatch
• Using AI Decision-Making for Personnel Productivity
• Using AI Decision-Making in Budgeting
• Using AI Decision-Making in Fleet Management
• Using AI Decision-Making in Risk Mitigation
• AI Decision-Making to Build Master Bell Schedules

Attendees will be able to gain practical takeaways and starter prompts so they can begin to determine how AI can help them in their everyday operations.

Meanwhile, the “Defensive Driving” session on Monday, July 13 will also feature a discussion around the use of AI in safety training, featuring Jackson and Sandy Dillman, CEO of SLD Consultation and a former California and Texas transportation director.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation, and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

---

Related: Professional Development Training for Rising Student Transportation Leaders at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry
Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West

The post AI in Student Transportation Discussion at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

MEDIA, Pa — American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP), one of the nation’s leading student transportation companies, today announced that President and CEO Tod Eskra has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Award winner in the Greater Philadelphia region, by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), one of the nation’s most prestigious programs recognizing high-growth business leaders transforming industries, creating jobs, driving innovation, and building companies that deliver long-term value.

Founded in 2021, ASTP and its operating companies (Krise Transportation Inc. and Assisted Student Transportation, LLC) have rapidly expanded and become one of the ten largest student transportation providers in the United States, serving school districts across Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Kansas through a technology driven approach focused on safety, reliability, operational excellence, and strong local partnerships.

“Today’s student transportation environment demands more than simply moving buses and students from point A to point B,” said Eskra. “It requires innovation, local engagement, and a relentless commitment to the safety of the families and communities that depend on us. One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown by strengthening local relationships and community trust, not by replacing people with technology, but rather by giving our front-line team members technology that lets them closely engage with our school district partners to deliver safety and service excellence. I am honored and humbled by this recognition but it’s really a reflection of our incredible front-line local leaders and team members who work tirelessly to ensure students have access to education by delivering them to school safely, on time and ready to learn.”

A veteran transportation executive, Eskra has championed a people-first leadership philosophy while helping guide ASTP’s expansion into new markets and partnerships. Since its founding, ASTP has differentiated itself through a modern operating model that combines deep operational expertise, advanced technology, performance analytics, and with a commitment to preserving the local relationships and community trust that have long been hallmarks of smaller successful student transportation providers. This approach helps school districts navigate increasingly complex transportation challenges while maintaining the personalized service and accountability that families and communities expect.

Under Eskra’s leadership, the company has maintained a focus on supporting and investing in ASTP’s local operating team members, strengthening customer relationships, and building upon the transportation legacies established within the communities it serves. By pairing local expertise with national resources and technology enabled solutions, ASTP continues to enhance the transportation experience for school districts, parents, and students.

About American Student Transportation Partners

American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP) is a technology-enabled provider of student transportation services for K-12 school districts. Founded in 2021, ASTP combines experienced local operators, innovative technology, and a safety-first culture to deliver reliable transportation solutions that support students, families, and communities. By building strong local partnerships and longstanding transportation legacies, ASTP helps school districts meet evolving transportation needs while advancing operational excellence, innovation, and service.

The post ASTP’s Tod Eskra Earns EY Entrepreneur of the Year Recognition for Leading One of Nation’s Fastest Growing Student Transportation Companies appeared first on School Transportation News.

In this presentation you will learn about the latest innovations in radio communications and dispatching solutions for K-12 education and student transportation.

Whether you are deploying a new radio and GPS location tracking system or looking to add range and capacity to your existing system, this presentation will help you determine the best solutions for your school or district. We will present an overview of current two-way radio systems and standards that use licensed UHF and VHF frequencies, and nationwide 4G/5G/LTE Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC).

Here are some of the valuable take-aways from this complete guide to two-way radio communications webinar:

• How to choose the best radio system for your specific coverage and call capacity requirements
• How to migrate from analog to digital for improved performance
• How to extend the range and expand the capacity of your existing radio system

Brought to you by Hytera

 

REGISTER BELOW:

Presenters:

Ty Estes
Marketing Director
Hytera

Ty Estes is the Marketing Director for Hytera US, Inc., where he oversees promotion of the company’s radio communication products. Ty has over twenty years of experience in marketing wireless communications and network technologies, and he has chaired committees in telecommunications trade associations and authored several technical papers. Ty has a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Long Beach.

 

Morné Stramrood
Director of Engineering
Hytera

Morné Stramrood is the Sales Engineering Director with Hytera US, Inc., managing a team of Engineers helping customers achieve their communication goals. He has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, with 27+ years of experience in telecom systems engineering and writing standards as part of technical working groups for RTCM, IEC and IALA. Morné has designed and deployed large analog and digital trunked radio networks, both in the US and internationally.

The post (Free Webinar) The Complete Guide to Radio Systems for Education and Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

A northwest Ohio pastor as well as a school bus driver was arrested on allegations involving sex crimes against minors, prompting his dismissal from a local church and a suspension from his job with a public school district.

According to the Deshler Police Department, Christopher Walter, 52, was charged with grooming and sexual battery. The sexual battery charge alleges the victim was a minor, and that Walter was more than two years older than the alleged victim.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03, sexual battery can apply in cases involving adults who hold positions of authority or trust over minors.

Walter was booked into the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio on June 2, court records show. During an initial court appearance the next day, a judge set bond at $30,000, with 10 percent permitted for release.

Administrators with Patrick Henry Local Schools confirmed Walter was employed by the district as a bus driver. Following his arrest, the district suspended him without pay.

“Patrick Henry Local Schools is aware of the arrest and criminal charges involving an employee of the district,” the district said in a statement. “The employee has been suspended without pay. Because this is a personnel and legal matter, the district will have no further comment.”

Walter also served as lead pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Deshler. Church officials confirmed he was removed from that position following the allegations.

According to local news reporters Bishop Daniel Beaudoin described the accusations as serious and deeply troubling. He said the church acted after hearing of the allegations and emphasized that abuse has no place within the faith community.

“The abuse of anyone, especially minors, has no place in our church,” Beaudoin said via local reports. “We will continue to pray for those harmed, the congregation and all involved as we navigate this troubling situation.” The bishop did not provide additional details about Walter’s termination or any internal actions taken by the church.

Authorities have released few details about the investigation. The Deshler Police Department said it is not providing additional information at this time. “The matter remains under investigation, and no further information is being released currently.”

Court records do not indicate whether Walter had entered a plea at this report. Information regarding legal representation was not immediately available.

School officials did not say how long Walter had worked for the district. Church officials likewise did not provide details about his tenure as lead pastor. No information about the alleged sexual battery victims has been released. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

---

Related: Illinois School Bus Driver Arrested Following Child Sexual Assault Allegation
Related: New York School Bus Aide Arrested for Allegedly Abusing Children
Related: School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Asking Student to Hike Skirt
Related: South Carolina School Bus Driver Arrested, Charged with Solicitation of a Minor

The post Ohio School Bus Driver Arrested on Alleged Sex Crimes Involving Minors appeared first on School Transportation News.

Vision’s Director of Commercial Sales, Dan Strock. “With Birdseye 360° AI, we’re delivering a solution that not only shows drivers what’s around them but helps them understand and react to risks in real time. We also recognized the need to avoid siloed technology, which is why the video can be integrated into a unified video management or telematics platform.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is calling on school districts to take extra precautions when selecting motorcoaches, small buses or vans for charter trips.

In a new safety alert released June 3, the NTSB stated that districts when scheduling charter trips should choose passenger carriers with a strong safety record, proper licensing and insurance, and vehicles equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts for seating position. NTSB added that drivers should provide pre-trip safety briefings, including how to use seatbelts, where emergency exits are located and what passengers should do in an emergency.

The agency noted that past crash investigations have shown that serious injuries and deaths can occur when seatbelts are not available or worn. It highlighted past crashes, one of which took place in Orland, California in April 2014. ​A truck-tractor was traveling south when it crossed the center median and collided with a passenger vehicle traveling north. It continued south in the northbound lanes and collided head-on with a bus that was chartered to transport high school students and adult chaperones to a local university.

A post-crash fire ensued. The truck-tractor driver, the bus driver and eight bus passengers died. The remaining 37 bus passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees, and the two occupants of the passenger vehicle sustained minor injuries. The bus driver did not play the bus company’s prerecorded safety briefing, which showed where to find the bus emergency exits and fire extinguishers. The passengers were also not informed of the available lap/shoulder belts. Only one passenger was wearing a lap/shoulder belt.

---

Related: Alcohol Detection Systems in School Buses Among Latest NTSB Recommendations
Related: NTSB Preliminary Report Details Fatal Tennessee School Bus Crash
Related: From Taxis to Trusted Rides: Alternative Transportation Benefits Illinois Students
Related: Virginia School District Uses Unique Transportation Solutions to Meet Island Needs

---

In Wawayanda, New York in September 2023, a bus chartered by a New York school district to transport students to a band camp had a tire failure, causing the bus to cross the left-hand land and shoulder, penetrate a roadside cable barrier, traveled down into the median, and roll before coming to rest on its left. The charter trip bus was occupied by the driver, 40 high school students, and three adult chaperones, two of which were ejected and died.

The driver was ejected and seriously injured. Fourteen other occupants sustained serious injuries, and 27 had minor injuries. The 2014 bus was equipped with lap/shoulder belts in all seating positions, but only one passenger was belted at the time of the crash. The driver, who was also not belted, stated that she did not provide a pre-trip safety briefing and that the school had not requested one, NTSB relayed.

Then in Etna, Ohio in November 2023, a tractor-trailer rear-ended a car in traffic, causing a chain reaction of collisions. A school bus chartered by a school district for a field trip carrying 52 school students and three faculty members was among the vehicles involved in the crash. As a result of the crash, three bus occupants died, three were seriously injured, and 36 had minor injuries. Three occupants of other vehicles also died. The bus was not equipped with passenger seatbelts (lap or lap/shoulder belts) because at the time it was built, these belts were not required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NTSB added the bus driver did not conduct a pre-trip safety briefing as required by the bus company’s driver handbook.

The checklist is aimed at helping schools make safer transportation decisions for athletic events, field trips and other off-campus activities. View the full list.

The post Charter Trip Safety Hinges on Safest Vehicle, NTSB Checklist Says appeared first on School Transportation News.

Ten people were taken to a hospital following a crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle in Staten Island’s Brighton Heights neighborhood, reported Silive News.

According to the news report, the collision occurred Monday at approximately 7:45 a.m. Police said a school bus was traveling eastbound when it collided with a car driven by a 49-year-old man who was attempting to merge into traffic from a parked position. The details are based on preliminary information provided by the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The crash reportedly involved 12 people on board the bus, including 11 children and one adult. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident and evaluated those involved at the scene. Ten patients were transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton for further evaluation. Authorities did not immediately specify how many of those taken to the hospital were children or adults, nor did they provide details about the severity of any injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No arrests have been reported, and police did not immediately release the identities of those involved.

Morning traffic in the area was affected as emergency crews responded to the scene and worked to clear the vehicles from the roadway. Officials have not indicated whether the school bus was able to continue its route or whether alternative transportation arrangements were made for students.

Written with assistance from AI.

---

Related: Semi-truck Driver Says Brakes Failed Before Florida School Bus Crash
Related: Terrifying Moments for Father, Son When Pickup Crashes into NY School Bus
Related: Stolen School Bus Crashed by Michigan Man Out on Bond
Related: Update: Tennessee Crash Kills 2 Students During Field Trip

The post 10 Taken to Hospital After School Bus, Car Crash in New York appeared first on School Transportation News.

We examine a school bus shooting in Pennsylvania, how the federal BUILD 250 Act would cut Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, and transportation’s role in student absenteeism.

Speaker, author and branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why it’s important for school bus operations to build a brand in an age of increasing multi-modality, discusses leveraging emotions over facts to reach the right audience, and previews his musical STN EXPO West training in July.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School Radio.

 

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

The post (STN Podcast E310) The School Bus Ecosystem: Adapting to Multi-modality & Building a Brand appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Miami-Dade County school bus driver has been arrested after authorities said she left a sleeping 6-year-old boy unattended on a school bus, allowing him to wander through a Southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood before being found by a Good Samaritan, reported WSVN News.

Patricia Barberena, 62, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with child neglect, according to the news report. Authorities said the incident occurred after Barberena picked up the child from a day care facility and was supposed to transport him to school.

Investigators said via the article that the boy fell asleep during the ride and remained on the bus when it arrived at the school. Rather than conducting a post-route inspection, Barberena allegedly drove the bus to her residence, parked it and went inside without checking whether any students were still on board.

The child later woke up, exited the bus, and reportedly began walking through the neighborhood alone. Investigators estimated the wandering child was unsupervised for approximately 15 minutes before a passerby noticed him and contacted authorities.

School officials reportedly became aware of the situation when the child failed to arrive at school as expected. According to investigators, the school contacted Barberena after noticing the student was missing. Barberena then left her residence and began searching for the child.

During a post-Miranda interview with investigators, Barberena reportedly admitted she did not inspect the bus before leaving it parked at her home.

The child was safely located, and no injuries were reported. Barberena appeared in bond court following her arrest, where a judge found probable cause for the charge and set her bond at $2,500. It was not immediately clear whether Barberena remained employed following her arrest. The incident remains under investigation.

Written with assistance from AI.

---

Related: California Student Left Alone in Hot School Bus
Related: 6-Year-Old Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: Georgia Students Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: Florida Bus Driver Rescues 2-Year-old Wandering Alone

The post Wandering Child in Neighborhood Prompts Arrest of Florida School Bus Driver appeared first on School Transportation News.

Last year, the appetite for electric school buses waned. The reason had a lot to do with President Donald Trump retaking the Oval Office and signing numerous executive orders that changed course on the drive toward zero emissions.

The Clean School Bus Program was shelved until recently, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expected at press time to finally announced it would make good on awarding the final $2.5 billion remaining in the five-year $5 million program. Seemingly it comes the official re-emergence of diesel, which had been obvious across all sectors.

Diesel is 90 percent cleaner than it was two decades ago and, while it still emits harmful particulate matter especially for children’s developing lungs, it remains the fuel type of choice for many fleets due to its workhorse and longevity characteristics. That makes federal subsidies for drop-in biodiesel blends, which many school districts have been using for decades, and renewable diesel especially attractive.

Granted, maintaining diesel systems has become more arduous and expensive. And those costs extend to the fuel pump.

Petroleum prices were already volatile, then the Iran war broke out. The Strait of Hormuz closed, and the price of oil soared well past $100 a barrel. Diesel and gasoline prices followed suit globally. Despite the U.S. opening domestic oil reserves, those prices have stayed high, and there is no end in sight. This has spelled doom for school districts and school bus operators.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation and AASA: The Superintendents Association conducted a survey last month that illustrates the impacts. Of the 188 school districts responding, 22 percent said their diesel fuel costs increased by 11- to 20 percent over their current school year budget. Another 20 percent said they
are 6- to 10 percent over budget.

Scott Lee, the director of transportation for Washoe County School District in Nevada, said diesel costs increased a whopping 89 percent from January of this year to May, rising from $3.01 per gallon to $5.69 per gallon. The Reno-area school district, however, seemingly has it better than a lot of states in terms of actual prices being paid. Outside of Portland, Oregon, the Beaverton School District was paying $6.57 per gallon through April, a 38-percent increase from $4.77 paid last July.

The saving grace for school districts like Beaverton and Washoe is a reliance on electric and propane school buses. Craig Beaver, who retires as director of transportation this summer, said the fleet of electric school buses is closing in on the sweet spot of achieving 1.5 kWh per mile efficiency. In April, the school district’s Type C and Type D electric school buses averaged 1.6 kW per mile, the best mark since last October, when the average was 1.59.

Meanwhile, both he and Washoe County’s Lee are also increasingly relying on propane. Lee shared that propane fueling cost remains relatively flat with an increase of 4 percent for fiscal year 2027, at which point the district also is purchasing another six propane school buses for the 2026-2027 school year.

Beaver said he kept the budget the same for the coming school year, as more electric and propane school buses will be on the road at a cheaper cost. This, he added, will hopefully offset the increase in diesel cost per gallon over the course of the year.

“It’s a good plan, as long as the Strait of Hormuz opens up in the next month or two. We will have minimal diesel usage this summer as well,” he shared. “Only use those buses for long trips. Everything else will be EV supplemented by propane.”

Beaverton’s long-term plan includes transitioning all 140 Type D school buses in the fleet to propane over the next five to eight years, once Blue Bird comes to market with an option.

The writing on the wall, no matter the politics at play, is the TCO of both electric and propane pencil out. Despite higher upfront costs, both options are often surpassing diesel in terms of lifetime fuel and maintenance csts. That story was also told at ACT Expo last month, in the 2026 State of Sustainable Fuels report.

With the Clean School Bus Program relaunching and no matter the assumed new funding mechanism for biodiesel and renewal diesel, millions if not billions of dollars will be spent in the coming years to add more electric and propane school buses to the national fleet.

And that is welcome news in a world where fuel volatility and higher new vehicle purchase prices will continue.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the June 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

---

Related: (STN Podcast E308) Past & Future: Fuel Volatility, 10 Years of School Transportation Trends
Related: (STN Podcast E307) Buy With Confidence: Fuel Price Frustration, School Bus Buying Tips
Related: Survey: Half of School Districts Paying At Least 6% More for Diesel
Related: Survey Shows 87% of Parents Support Low-Emissions School Buses, Yet Diesel Dominates

The post Alternative to Fueling Discomfort appeared first on School Transportation News.

Two of the most recognized and respected names in student transportation safety will be at STN EXPO West to share their expertise with conference attendees.

Industry veterans Richard “Dick” Fischer and Pete Baxter will present a half-day seminar “The Best of the Dick and Pete Show” on Wednesday, July 15. This in-depth session will give attendees invaluable education from two National Association of Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame inductees on safety leadership, organizational learning and risk governance in student transportation.

In this seminar, STN EXPO West attendees will receive a comprehensive student transportation safety training that will dive into real-life school bus safety cases, including Danger Zone safety incidents and the “Titanic tragedy,” a 2016 incident in England, where a school bus carrying 26 children got stuck in deep floodwaters, and reveal the lessons learned. Fischer and Baxter will highlight the dangerous pitfalls of overconfidence, ignoring warning signs or a lack of preparedness or emergency training.

The message of the training will contain an overall theme of continuous improvement through the fostering of a strong safety culture. Attendees will be given safety training modules designed to give student transportation leaders what they need to know to implement safe practices, communication, accountability all to protect every child and school bus driver on every bus ride.

Fischer has spent over six decades championing school bus safety as a school district transportation director, school-bus safety trainer and consultant. He successfully petitioned President Richard Nixon in 1969 to proclaim the first School Bus Safety Week. Even following his official retirement announcement in 2013, he has continued to present training, advocate for the industry, and become involved in national safety discussions.

STN presented Fischer with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Baxter is a former state director of student transportation at the Indiana Department of Education and past-president of both the National Association for Pupil Transportation and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, one of only two industry professionals to hold both offices.

Both Fischer and Baxter have served as expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions and have extensive experience and knowledge to equip student transporters to further safety at their operations.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation, and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

---

Related: WATCH: Active-threat Response Training Subject of Opening STN EXPO West Session
Related: Safety Impact of School Bus Seatbelts Topic at STN EXPO West
Related: School Bus Fuel Innovation, Technology Education Meet at STN EXPO West

The post Industry Veterans to Present School Bus Safety Leadership Seminar Next Month appeared first on School Transportation News.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has partnered with Zūm, a leader in modern student mobility, to be an official transportation provider during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament in Los Angeles.

From June 12 – July 10, Zum will deliver shuttle service at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium for Zones 1, 2 and 3 for athletes, teams and ticket holders during eight World Cup matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) opening match. This decision reinforces Zum’s reputation as a trusted mobility provider and its growing momentum across the country.

“At Zum, we take great pride in providing safe, reliable and equitable mobility for thousands of schools nationwide,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “FIFA World Cup 2026 will give millions of fans all over the world a chance to connect and celebrate, and, through this partnership with LA Metro, we are honored to be part of it. We look forward to serving athletes and fans at this historic event in Los Angeles.”

Zum is a national leader in modern student mobility. Adopted in 17 states, serving over 4,500 schools in some of the largest districts in the country, including Los Angeles Unified, Boston Public Schools, San Francisco Unified, Omaha Public Schools, and Kansas City Public Schools. It is revolutionizing mass mobility with Zum CMX, a fully integrated system that coordinates people, vehicles and operations in real time.

In addition to student mobility, Zum’s charter services provide bus and van rentals for school trips, sports travel, vacations and other events. Zum’s state-of-the-art vehicles are fully updated with the latest technology and are priced fairly.

Benefits of Zum include highly trained drivers that meet all state and federal requirements along with the Zum CMX system that optimizes routes, reduces ride times and increases transparency and communication between families, drivers and schools.

To learn more about how Zum is leading the nation in safe and reliable student mobility, visit www.ridezum.com.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. The latest October 2025 customer experience survey showed that customer satisfaction has risen to 87%. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles, x.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

About Zum

Zum is revolutionizing mass mobility with its Connected Mobility Experience (Zum CMX) system that connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the $50 billion student mobility market – the largest segment of the mass mobility industry – Zum CMX is transforming a daily source of anxiety and disruption into a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Today, more than 4,500 schools rely on Zum CMX. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zum has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies lists. Zum is backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, SoftBank, and TPG. Zum, Zum CMX, and associated logos are trademarks of Zum Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

The post LA Metro Has Contracted with Zum for Transportation During FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament in Los Angeles appeared first on School Transportation News.

Student transportation professionals looking to advance to the next leadership level are encouraged to sign up for the “So You Want to Be a Transportation Supervisor” professional development special training at STN EXPO West.

This annual conference seminar allows student transporters to prepare for a transition to a supervisor role or re-evaluate their leadership skill sets. Led by a panel of seasoned instructors and industry experts, this seminar is ideal for those looking to improve their operations, department culture and staff interactions. It will be held on Saturday, July 11 as an all-day training from 11:30-5 p.m.

The instructor team is led by Alexandra Robinson, a former executive director of transportation and current industry consultant and expert witness as well as TSD Conference tenured faculty member. She is joined by Tim Purvis of consultant group Pupil Transportation Information; and Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, chief support services officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma and Pam McDonald, a retired director of transportation and current consultant.

What the Professional Development Consists Of

For those who are newer to the industry, the instructors will discuss making data driven leadership decisions, understanding return on investment, and collaborating with the right people at the district to move transportation operations forward. They will also speak on team building, customer service, communication strategies, workplace culture and productivity as well as operational considerations such as employee retention, principles of proper routing and managing data.

Attendees will be exposed to interactive leadership and team-building scenarios. The instructors through how to approach them with a correct human resources perspective. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions of the instructors and gain invaluable supervisor and leadership lessons from real-life experiences.

At the end of the professional development class, attendees will have received strategic and practical advice that will better equip them to lead in hard times and build strong relationships with their team.

Electric school bus manufacturer RIDE will sponsor refreshments during the session. There is a maximum of 100 participants. Separate registration is required at no additional charge.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. Attendees will have access to a week of educational sessions based on the challenges facing the industry, training classes to improve operations, networking events to bring peers together for problem-solving and innovative experiences such as the Ride and Drive/Live Product Demo, the STN EXPO Trade Show and the Transportation Director Summit. Register at stnexpo.com/west.

---

Related: STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry
Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West
Related: Reasonable Suspicion Training on Driver Alcohol, Drug Use Comes to Reno

The post Professional Development Training for Rising Student Transportation Leaders at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 16-year-old Harrisburg teen has been charged with criminal homicide after the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old student moments after stepping off a school bus.

Jeremiah Moran, 16, is charged with first-degree murder, firearms not to be carried without a license, and possession of a firearm by a minor in connection with the death of a 17-year-old.

Police said the fatal shooting occurred May 29 near an intersection shortly after students were dismissed from school and days before the end of the school year. The 17-year-old had just exited a school bus when investigators say Moran approached and opened fire. The victim was transported to a local hospital for emergency care but died due to his injuries.

Video Shows Fatal Shooting

Investigators reportedly obtained video evidence allegedly showing Moran firing the weapon to shoot the victim, identified as Camar Cordero by local reports. Police said via local news that Moran later admitted to officers that he shot Cordero.

“There still is some of the puzzle that needs to be put together. But at this point in time, I think we have a pretty good understanding of what transpired and as to why it transpired as well,” Harrisburg Police Capt. Kyle Gautsch told local news reporters.

Investigators have not publicly released a motive for the fatal shooting.

However, the shooting prompted a large police response as officers secured the scene and collected evidence. Authorities noted that a school bus visible at the scene was not the bus Cordero had been riding but another bus traveling behind it.

Sixth Street remained closed for several hours while detectives processed evidence. Crime scene tape surrounded a large section of the roadway, where investigators marked multiple pieces of evidence. Witnesses reported seeing clothing and numerous evidence markers within the secured area. The road reopened around 6:15 p.m.

Neighbors who rushed to assist the victim described a chaotic scene in the moments after gunfire erupted. Judith Weaver, who helped organize emergency aid before first responders arrived, said residents immediately worked to help the wounded teen.

“I knew the bus had just let out. So, I went running down there,” Weaver told local news reporters. “Everyone was just so worked up. It was all chaos.”

Weaver said bystanders used available fabric to apply pressure to Cordero’s wounds while waiting for emergency personnel. She credited several community members, including a young girl who assisted efforts to keep the victim conscious.

Lt. Brandon Braughler of the Harrisburg Police Bureau praised residents who responded and cooperated with investigators. “The community came out,” Braughler said. “They’ve been very cooperative helping establish a very large crime scene.”

The fatal shooting has renewed concerns about youth violence in the city. Gautsch urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives and be aware of potential warning signs.

“Make sure you know what’s going on with your children, what’s going on in their heads, and what’s in your lives and their lives,” Gautsch said.

The Harrisburg School District also responded to the tragedy. Superintendent Benjamin Henry said he hopes to hold a memorial in the coming days for Cordero and another student who died last week after being struck by a vehicle.

“As a father and an educator, I refuse to normalize this tragic shooting,” Henry said in a statement, calling on residents, community leaders and elected officials to work together to address violence affecting young people.

Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.

---

Related: Teen Girl Shot Near Oregon Bus Stop, Suspect Arrested
Related: Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus
Related: Teen Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Student Waiting for School Bus in New York
Related: Teen Charged in Pennsylvania School Bus Shooting, 3 Others Wanted

The post Fatal Shooting at Pennsylvania School Bus Drop-Off Leads to Arrest appeared first on School Transportation News.

A former Utah school bus driver who admitted to setting fire to his school bus, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, bringing an end to a decade-long case that raised concerns about student safety.

Michael Austin Ford, 60, of West Valley City, pleaded guilty in March to arson of a vehicle belonging to an organization receiving federal funds after investigators determined he intentionally ignited a Granite School District bus with a cigarette lighter while driving it in April 2023. Federal prosecutors said surveillance video captured Ford setting the fire beneath the dashboard and continuing to drive as smoke billowed past his face.

In addition to the prison term, Ford was sentenced Monday to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $21,000 in restitution.

The case drew heightened attention because prosecutors also accused Ford of setting another school bus fire in February 2022 while 42 children were aboard. According to court records, students reported smelling smoke and were seen on video covering their faces with their shirts and coughing as smoke filled the bus. Ford eventually stopped the vehicle, evacuated the students, and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. No serious injuries were reported. The charge related to that incident was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

Federal authorities said Ford also attempted to tamper with the bus video surveillance system in the days leading up to the April 2023 fire, but investigators were still able to obtain video evidence showing him igniting the blaze.

Fires Go Back at Least 10 Years

Ford had worked for the Granite School District since 1998 and drove school buses for approximately 25 years before he was terminated following the investigation.

Investigators also linked Ford to several other suspicious fires. According to court documents, authorities determined he was involved in eight fires, including four involving Granite School District buses, two at his West Valley City residence and two involving personal vehicles. Police noted that the four bus fires all originated in the dashboard area and occurred while Ford was driving. One of those incidents occurred in 2017 when a bus was partially engulfed in flames, damaging part of the vehicle. No children were on board, and no injuries were reported. Authorities initially believed the fire was caused by mechanical problems before later identifying Ford as the driver.

“Protecting our most vulnerable population is a top priority,” U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak said in a statement following the sentencing. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners and my office who worked tirelessly on this case to bring it to a close and hold Mr. Ford accountable for his intentional disregard for safety and the law.”

---

Related: Former Utah School Bus Driver Heads to Federal Court for Alleged Arson
Related: New Hampshire School Bus Transporting Athletes Catches Fire
Related: South Carolina Man Charged in Connection to School Bus Arson, Vandalism
Related: Two Juveniles Charged with Destroying Buses in Arson Fire

The post Setting Fires Lands Former Utah School Bus Driver in Federal Prison appeared first on School Transportation News.