DENVER, Colo. -EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced strong year-over-year growth, including an 18% year-over-year increase in school district partnerships, expansion into three new states, and a single-day record of 15,051 completed rides.

Between May 31, 2024, and May 31, 2025, EverDriven safely transported 32,641 students across 2,076,445 trips and 33,663,023 miles. This includes 17,154 students experiencing housing instability and 10,535 students with special needs. On April 29, 2025, EverDriven set a new benchmark by completing 15,051 rides in a single day.

“Our growth is a reflection of the trust school districts place in us to safely deliver their most vulnerable students to school each day,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Through a combination of human-led, technology-powered service, we’re continuously raising the bar for what modern student transportation can and should be.”

As the company’s footprint expanded to 36 states—including new entries into Idaho, New Mexico, and Minnesota—EverDriven continued to invest in technologies that improve accountability and student safety. Over the past year, 1,279 vehicles across 69 school districts in 14 states were equipped with its AI-powered Camera Solution, improving visibility, accountability, and safety. In tandem, more than 5,300 drivers and monitors completed EverDriven’s new English proficiency training program to strengthen communication and service delivery.

These efforts reflect a broader commitment to operational excellence. According to EverDriven’s 2025 Safety and Operations Report, which covers the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, 99.6% of trips were completed with no reported concerns. Keeping pace with regulatory change, EverDriven was the first alternative transportation provider to achieve full compliance with California Senate Bill 88. Since May 2024, the company has implemented updated inspection protocols, enhanced driver monitoring systems, and expanded accessibility features to better support students with a wide range of needs.

“Delivering safe, reliable service at scale doesn’t happen by accident. It takes constant review, rigorous standards, and a team committed to getting it right every day,” said Adam Warner, Head of Safety at EverDriven. “Districts trust us with their most vulnerable students—and we take that responsibility seriously. Our safety practices are built to scale without compromise, so families and administrators can count on consistent, high-quality transportation day after day.”

To learn more about EverDriven and how its solutions support student transportation, visit https://www.everdriven.com.

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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LISLE, Ill. – National Express School (“NEXS”), one of North America’s leading providers of safe and reliable student transportation, is pleased to announce the completion of its acquisition by I Squared Capital (“I Squared”), a specialist global infrastructure investor. The acquisition, first announced in April 2025, includes NEXS flagship brands such as Durham School Services, Petermann Bus, and Stock Transportation.

Each of NEXS’ brands possess a trusted, experienced reputation as a safe, reliable transportation provider. Notably, NEXS’ most tenured brand, Durham School Services, boasts 108 reputable years in the industry and counting, which has naturally lent itself to valuable brand equity and familiarity; making it a household, trusted company across the nation. Both Petermann Bus and Stock Transportation have also built a name for themselves that has undeniably deeply rooted them in their respective communities.

Tim Wertner, CEO, National Express School, said, “Closing this transaction marks an important milestone and an exciting new chapter for NEXS. We are a trusted, safe and reliable transportation brand that represents a vital link to education for the communities we serve. Businesses like ours have the potential to have a positive impact on millions and provide the lifeblood for a functioning society, regardless of economic cycle. The combination of I Squared’s investment commitment and deep experience and expertise in the transportation sector will help NEXS to strengthen and improve our services and further build on our reputation for safe and reliable student transportation.”

Mr. Wertner continued, “I would like to thank the NEXS team members for their dedication to our mission. They have consistently demonstrated the value of our business, not just to I Squared, but to the communities that rely on us to provide them safety-driven student transportation. We are excited to start a new chapter in the history of NEXS and look forward to working together with our new partner.”

Gautam Bhandari, Global Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at I Squared, said, “We see genuine growth potential that can be unlocked at NEXS over the long-term. We are excited for what comes next and look forward to working with the whole team at NEXS as we capitalize on the opportunities in the sector together.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.

About National Express School:
National Express School (NEXS) was the North American subsidiary of Mobico Group, one of the premier global mobility firms. We operate across 34 states and two provinces. Our organizations share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of safety, quality, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. National Express School serves more than 400 school districts and contracts in 30 states and two provinces, and transports more than 1.2 million students on a daily basis.

About I Squared Capital:
I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $45 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at www.isquaredcapital.com.

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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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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC) announced today they have just completed the creation of a new Safety Leadership Training Course for school bus managers, supervisors, dispatchers and trainers.

This Safety Leadership Course is an advanced educational course for all levels of leadership in the school bus industry. It can be delivered online or from a thumb drive. The course includes seven training programs and a 40-question final exam.

Jeff Cassell, President of SBSC, explained, “There are no bad troops, only bad officers. The most important factor in providing safe student transportation is the leadership provided by the location management. In many cases, management are promoted senior drivers who have never been fully trained in leadership. Completing and implementing this course now finalizes our trifecta of school bus safety.”

Jeff then added, “When leaders, trainers and drivers work together to do all they can to do it right, the first time, every time in everything they do, then you truly have a Safety Culture.

Going through this course ensures that every member of the leadership team knows all the techniques and practices they can perform to provide the safest most effective training for their drivers.

Good leaders are rare because we never make the time and effort to help them become professionally trained leaders. They are usually left to figure it out for themselves. Going through this course will enable leaders to gain a whole new set of skills to provide the best leadership they possibly can.”

Contact the School Bus Safety Company to obtain a preview of the course and experience how this training course will take your leaders to a whole new level.

To purchase this course, or obtain further information, view our website at www.schoolbussafetyco.com

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As diesel school buses reach the end of their lifeline, many school districts are exploring battery-electric options as a cleaner, healthier, and more cost-effective alternative. While there may be initial concerns around workforce readiness, safety, and driver experience, the transition to electric school buses brings a host of benefits – and we’re here to help guide you through it.

Will I need to find new trained and skilled personnel to operate and maintain these new electric buses?

A successful shift to electric school buses does depend on a knowledgeable workforce, but that doesn’t mean starting from scratch. At RIDE, we offer a tiered training program that covers everything from basic maintenance to advanced technical diagnostics, designed to support your team every step of the way.

We understand that each school district has unique needs, which is why we customize our support to fit your specific requirements – whether through the RIDE customer service team or our network of authorized maintenance dealers. Our team is always just a phone call away, ready to guide you through the transition with personalized assistance every step of the way.

How do electric school buses improve rider safety?

Safety, especially battery safety, is our top priority. RIDE school buses are purpose-built and equipped with lithium-iron phosphate battery technology offering a reliable and secure solution for student transportation.

RIDE batteries undergo extensive testing including crushing, heat and puncture resistance, and come with a 12-year warranty. Through innovative technologies, rigorous testing, and comprehensive training programs, RIDE goes above and beyond to ensure battery safety – offering a level of assurance that sets us apart from our competitors in the market.

In addition to battery safety, RIDE electric school buses have successfully passed some of the most rigorous structural tests in the industry, including a side intrusion test and the Colorado Racking and Kentucky Pull Test, ensuring maximum structural integrity and safety.

Furthermore, RIDE buses are equipped with all key industry-standard safety components. Our engineering team works closely with suppliers to continuously enhance product safety from the rider’s perspective.

Will electric school buses affect driver performance?

Electric school buses are designed to enhance, not hinder, driver performance. Many drivers report a smoother and more responsive driving experience compared to diesel buses. With instant torque and regenerative braking, electric buses provide greater control and easier handling, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or on hilly routes.

The quiet operation of electric school buses heightens the driver’s ability to monitor the school bus and its passengers. The overall reduced noise level allows for clearer communication between the driver, students, and any adults on the bus, especially during emergencies or stops. The sustainable design also helps reduce harmful emissions, improving air quality for students – especially those with asthma or respiratory issues.

In addition, the quiet operation of electric buses helps reduce driver fatigue and allows for better focus. Without the constant rumble of a diesel engine, drivers can more easily hear and communicate with students, leading to a calmer and safer ride.

The shift to battery-electric school buses represents more than just a change in technology – it’s a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for our students. While the transition may come with questions, solutions are already in place to support every step of the journey. Let’s take the next step forward, together.

Learn more at ride.co. Read Jason Yan’s Q&A from the July issue of School Transportation News and co-CEO Patrick Duan’s Q&A from the June issue.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post Moving Forward Together Toward a Battery-Electric Future appeared first on School Transportation News.

As schools, parents and students prep for the school year, so do school district and contractor bus fleets. Operational planning, vehicle maintenance, fleet technology implementation and driver training set the tone for the rest of the year. Clean out the cobwebs. Shake off the dust. And make sure your fleet is ready to roll.

Download Zonar’s complimentary white paper to learn more about:

• Cleaning up transportation data on the back-end
• Managing EV and ICE-powered buses side by side
• Enhancing on-time reliability and ensuring bus health
• Opening communications with parents—early
• Refreshing training for staff and drivers who use Zonar solutions

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

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Meet the 2025 Innovator of the Year, Gaurav Sharda! As the chief technology officer of Beacon Mobility, Sharda is approaching innovation with a people-focused and technology based mindset to create positive outcomes for the industry. Read more about Sharda’s story as well as contracting focused features on the future of AI, safety in alternative transportation, NCST resolutions, and guidance for non-yellow school bus transportation.

Read the full July 2025 issue.

Cover Story

‘Here to Serve’ People With Technology
Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility, STN’s Innovator of the Year, focuses on developing AI-based and people-principled technology designed to make easier the jobs of transportation end-users.

Features

Ensuring Student Safety, No Matter the Vehicle
Alternative transportation vehicles are ingrained in student transportation operations, as the recent National Congress on School Transportation proved. Several service providers weigh in on how they are meeting recommended safety measures.

Leadership Perspectives on the Future of AI
Executives with the leading school bus contractors in North America discuss their thoughts on artificial intelligence and the impact on their operations as well as the students, parents and school districts they serve.

Special Reports

Does Safety Save Money?
With insurance costs skyrocketing, technology like video cameras and telematics combined with driver training are tools to help student transporters mitigate their liability.

Q&A: Historic Endeavor
Tyler Bryan, the National Congress on School Transportation alternative transportation committee chair, discusses the importance of the newest addition to national specifications and procedures and breaks down the process for creating the proposals from scratch.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Securing Industry Wins

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Smart Buses, Smarter Outcomes

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The post Does your operation regularly refer to the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures when questions arise? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Could you save $15,000 in monthly payroll?

The essential dispatch and payroll solution designed to improve on-time performance and slash hours of tedious payroll processes, Bytecurve can help its users drive significant payroll savings by linking pay to tasks and routes – not simply hours assigned.

Learn how Russellville, Arkansas School District Transportation Department saved $15,000 per month in payroll by implementing Bytecurve.

Russellville Transportation Director Chris King will share his experience onboarding a new GPS solution that powered the Bytecurve solution – and drove ~$150,000 in annual payroll savings.

Register to learn how your fleet might be next to transform the way your team manages dispatch and payroll processing.

Brought to you by Bytecurve

REGISTER BELOW:

Presenters:

Christopher King
Transportation Director
Russellville School District

Christina Herdman
Payroll Specialist
Russellville School District

The post (Free Webinar) Arkansas Transportation Department Saves $15K per Month with Bytecurve appeared first on School Transportation News.

AUBREY, Texas – Durham School Services and the Aubrey Independent School District have extended their partnership for another five years through 2030. This extension signals the school district’s strong, continued trust and confidence in Durham’s transportation services.

Durham began providing transportation services to the school district over twenty years ago and currently runs 37 routes for the school. Over the last 20+ years, the team has fully integrated itself and became part of the community by participating in and supporting various community outreach events as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. These community outreach efforts include donating to the Aubrey Education Foundation, participating in community parades, and more.

“Aubrey ISD is excited about the expanded partnership with Durham School Services, which brings significant enhancements to student transportation through innovative tracking technology and improved scheduling,” said Eric Hough, Assistant Superintendent, Aubrey Independent School District. “The district is particularly pleased with the new three-tier system, which reduces student wait times, and the addition of RFID tracking that keeps parents informed about their children’s bus activities. With these comprehensive improvements—including enhanced field trip coordination and new activity buses—the district looks forward to providing the smoothest school start possible while continuing to elevate transportation services throughout the contract period.”

“Being able to serve Aubrey ISD the last 20+ years has been honor and we are looking forward to the next five years,” said Regional Manager Brian Gibson, Durham School Services. “The Aubrey team is an exceptional team that always strives to exceed expectations and improve their service to their students and the community. The school district also has the same sentiments and as a result of that, has continued to put their trust and the safety of their students in our hands for over two decades and counting. We truly cherish and are grateful for their unfaltering support and confidence in our team and will continue to provide the safe, reliable service they have trusted and expect.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

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School bus drivers are surrounded by driver airbags while they’re on their way to and from work. So, it’s fair to ask: why aren’t frontal airbags in school buses, too?

The simple answer? A car airbag just can’t be easily installed into a school bus. It takes an enormous amount of engineering. While it might sound like a simple upgrade, airbags are not one-size-fits-all. Every airbag system is finely tuned to the vehicle it’s installed in, from the size and shape of the vehicle to how fast it typically moves, even to how the seat and steering wheel are designed. Installing a system that wasn’t made for a school bus just wouldn’t work.

That’s where 4Front comes in. 4Front by IMMI is specifically designed to give drivers extra protection during serious frontal crashes, specifically the kind of crash that would be severe enough to set off an airbag. Industries that already use frontal airbag protection have seen first-hand how this advanced safety system can save lives. Whether in a fire truck rushing to an emergency or a heavy-duty semi-truck crossing the country, IMMI’s 4Front airbags have helped protect drivers from serious injuries in the worst crashes. And now, that same safety technology is available to protect school bus drivers.

What Actually Goes into a School Bus Airbag?

Before any actual crash testing ever happens, IMMI engineers and crash safety experts spend 18-24 months developing and validating a new airbag system for school buses. That time is spent running through multiples stages of development including work like:

• Simulation Testing: Computer modeling plays a critical role in the early stages of airbag system development. These simulations allow engineers to predict how a school bus and its driver would respond during a variety of frontal crash scenarios. By analyzing these virtual crash events, engineers can evaluate potential injuries, study how the body moves during impact, and fine-tune the design of the airbag system accordingly. This approach enables IMMI to test and improve safety performance efficiently, reducing the number of full vehicle crashes required, saving time and resources, and helping to ensure that the final system offers the best possible protection when deployed in the real world.
• Sled Testing: Before a full school bus is ever crash tested, several tests are run using a specialized setup called a sled test. This test uses real bus parts, like the actual driver seat, seat belt, steering column, and steering wheel, mounted to a platform that simulates a crash. There are normally 3 to 5 runs to figure out the exact speeds where the airbag should or should not deploy. These are called “no fire” (airbag does not go off) and “must fire” (airbag does go off) speeds. Important things to look at during these tests are injury numbers and how the body moves (kinematics) to make sure the system protects the driver correctly. The test setup, or “sled buck,” is built by CAPE, the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation, IMMI’s own crash test and safety engineering partner.
• Resonance Testing: Not every part of a school bus is an ideal location for a crash sensor. To ensure accurate performance, various mounting positions are tested to identify the most reliable spots for detecting impact. This process, known as resonance testing, helps confirm that the sensor can distinguish between a true crash event and normal road vibrations. Proper sensor placement is critical to ensure the airbag system deploys only when necessary, contributing to a dependable and effective safety system.
• Barrier Testing: Now that all the simulations, initial sled tests run, and sensors mounted in the correct places, it’s time to crash a school bus! As part of the final validation process, barrier crash testing is conducted at CAPE to confirm the airbag system performs as intended in a variety of real-world crash conditions. Multiple barrier types are used to simulate different crash scenarios. Additional tests include the bus hitting the barrier at different angles (not just a head-on collision), to confirm that deployment occurs only in severe frontal crashes. Each test helps confirm that the 4Front airbag system responds the right way in serious crashes, giving drivers the protection they need, only when it’s needed.

This wraps up development for the airbag program for the school bus.

What Can You Do?

If you’re interested in learning more about 4Front airbags to better protect your drivers, here are a few steps you can take:

• Learn more about 4Front
• Get further information on CAPE’s crashes and capabilities
• Watch a CAPE-led school bus crash demonstration highlighting 4Front in action here:

• Talk to your transportation director about IMMI’s 4Front system
• Contact your bus dealer or IMMI

Every driver deserves to go home safely. Let’s make sure all school bus drivers are protected, too.

Built to Work with Lap-Shoulder Belts

4Front is also designed to work hand-in-hand with another proven safety technology: lap-shoulder belts. More school buses are now being built with these belts because they help keep drivers and students securely in place during a crash, reducing the risk of serious injuries. When used together, lap-shoulder belts and 4Front airbags create a layered safety system that protects the driver from both initial and secondary impacts. If your bus has lap-shoulder belts, you’re already one step ahead. 4Front helps take it even further.

For more than 60 years, IMMI has been a leader in advancing occupant safety across transportation industries. From school buses and commercial trucks to ambulances and fire apparatuses, IMMI designs and manufactures safety systems trusted by OEMs and fleets around the world. With a deep focus on real-world protection and rigorous testing, IMMI has led the way in setting industry standards for seat belts, child seating, and advanced restraint technologies.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post Cars Have Driver Airbags – Shouldn’t School Buses Have Them Too? appeared first on School Transportation News.

As 9-year-old Luke sat idly on the school bus to his after-school activity, anger swelled in a seat not far away. The animosity soon boiled over, initiating a loud and intense struggle between Luke and an older student.

Hearing the altercation, the driver immediately tapped her event marker, triggering automated actions from her contractor’s fleet management software. These actions would ultimately help the bus contractor resolve Luke’s event within minutes.

What actions were triggered? How did they facilitate a speedy resolution?

For answers, let’s look at ARMOR Software Suite, the contractor’s wireless, cloud-based fleet management tool, and the integrated REI surveillance system.* While the suite offers many automated features, the two triggered by the event marker involved event alerts and video downloading.

Automated Event Alerts

Seconds after the event marker’s activation, ARMOR auto-generated an alert and sent it to the contractor’s cellphone. Anxious about the alert, the contractor accessed ARMOR’s live look-in feature to assess the situation.*

The real-time, high-definition view from the onboard camera system revealed the irate older student standing over a much smaller Luke. While the incident appeared to have ended, Luke still cowered as if injured. The contractor immediately called the driver’s two-way radio to notify her about Luke’s condition, then returned to ARMOR to watch video of the entire incident.

Automated Video Downloads

Because ARMOR was configured to auto-download all event videos from vehicle DVRs, the contractor didn’t have to wait long to view it. What’s more, the video included padding and showed all actions before and after the altercation.

Within minutes of its occurrence, the contractor obtained full event details. A misunderstanding between Luke and the older student resulted in repeated punches to Luke’s head, leaving him dazed and sore. Because of ARMOR’s automation and its ability to produce video quickly, the suite saved the contractor hours of research. More importantly, it showed the hits sustained by Luke, prompting an urgent concussion assessment.

Think how these automated tools would benefit your operation. Would your team like to forget about hard drive retrieval? Be more proactive in minimizing bullying?

How would they react to even more automated features, such as:

• Diagnostic warnings/updates about engines and REI surveillance systems*
• Daily activity reports about vehicles
• Status notifications about vehicle features/operations
• Stop-arm violation alerts*

Discover how ARMOR’s automated capabilities can enhance fleet safety, increase efficiency and reduce stress on your team. Visit radioeng.com to learn more, watch a demo or contact us.

*Requires additional hardware and/or specific cellular service plans. Ask for details.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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MISSISSAUGA, Canada — Rush Truck Centres of Canada, a subsidiary of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUSHA and RUSHB), the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Leeds Transit, a leading Canadian bus dealership group covering Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

The newly formed division will operate under the name Rush Bus Centres of Canada and will function as a separate business unit within Rush Truck Centres of Canada. As part of the acquisition, Rush Bus Centres will continue operations at Leeds Transit’s current dealership locations in Elgin, Ontario; Woodstock, Ontario; and St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Quebec. The division will offer the full lineup of IC Bus and Collins Bus products throughout its regional territory.

“We are very excited to announce this transaction,” said Kevin G. Tallman, CEO of Rush Truck Centres of Canada. “Leeds Transit is a highly respected name in the bus industry. We are grateful to Kelly Backholm and his family for the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of this outstanding company. This acquisition supports our strategic goal to expand our geographic dealership footprint in Ontario and further diversify our product portfolio in Canada. I am pleased to welcome all Leeds Transit employees to the Rush Enterprises family, and we look forward to working with them to serve both existing and future bus customers across Eastern Canada.”

“After 55 years serving the Canadian bus market, Leeds Transit is very pleased that Rush Truck Centres of Canada will be leading our company forward. Rush Truck Centres is by far the best choice for all our employees and customers with their many service dealerships that were built on the same family values as ours. To all our Leeds employees, past and present, I would like to say thank you on behalf of Aaron, Brennan and myself, it’s been one of the greatest honours of my life to work with you, and I’m looking forward to your continued success and growth” Adds Kelly Backholm, President, Leeds Transit.

About Rush Truck Centres of Canada:
Rush Truck Centres of Canada is part of Rush Enterprises, Inc., which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, with over 150 locations across 23 U.S. states and 15 dealerships plus 6 associate locations in Ontario, Canada. Since 1973, Rush has provided a full-service, one-stop shop for commercial vehicles, offering rush jnew and used sales for heavy- and medium-duty brands including International Truck, IC Bus, Collins Bus, Isuzu, Kalmar Ottawa, and Battle Motors. The company also offers heavy-haul and live bottom trailers, parts, service, collision repair, and leasing and rental solutions through Idealease. For more information, visit www.rushtruckcentres.ca.

About Leeds Transit:
Founded in 1970 by Roy Backholm and currently led by Kelly Backholm, Leeds Transit has grown into the largest bus dealership group in Canada. Leeds Transit is a full-service commercial and school bus dealership group offering parts, sales, and service for IC Bus, Collins and Trans Tech, from three locations in Ontario and Quebec.

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CUMBERLAND, R.I. – Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP) recently celebrated an electrifying milestone – its fleet of electric school buses surpassed 100,000 miles traveled since hitting the roads last winter. Since its introduction to the community, the new fleet of 24 electric vehicles (EV) has been met with revere and praise for their quiet nature and most importantly, the beneficial impact on the futures of their students and community.

In this major milestone for sustainable student transportation, the 100,000 miles Blackstone Valley Prep’s EV fleet has traveled is a distance that marks more than just mileage. The electric buses have prevented approximately 157,198 kgs of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere thus far, which is equivalent to taking around 33 passenger vehicles off the road for an entire year, based on conversion factors from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As illustrated by the statistics above, it is clear that these EV school buses are creating a healthier and more sustainable future where every mile driven helps reduce harmful emissions and promotes cleaner air in their communities.

Beth Dowd, Director of Operations at Blackstone Valley Prep shared, “We’re so proud to have surpassed 100,000 miles already in the handful of months we’ve been running our electric fleet! We are deeply committed to the well-being of all of our scholars and our entire community, and these numbers are showing us that this effort will make a significant impact over time.”

“Congratulations to BVP for reaching this incredibly impactful milestone. This 100K mile achievement is a testament to the real-world impact electric school buses are having on the environment and the communities they serve,” said Wayne Skinner, Senior Vice President of Fleet & Procurement, Durham School Services. “It is crucial that we recognize these EV milestones and share progress updates and data, which can then be used to support and advocate for state and federal EV funding assistance programs. BVP’s milestone is just one of many more to come, and we hope you’ll join and support us as we continue to advocate for healthier, greener futures for our students and communities.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. and KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Transfinder Corporation is pleased to announce Ewing Marion Kauffman School in Missouri has selected Transfinder’s award-winning routing solution Routefinder PLUS to create the safest and most efficient routes for its students.

Located in Kansas City, the Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free public charter school serving students in middle school and high school on its three-school campus.

In addition to PLUS, Ewing Marion Kauffman School purchased additional Transfinder solutions, such as: Transfinder Hardware, driver app Wayfinder, parent app Stopfinder and Viewfinder, which gives users a bird’s eye view of the district’s transportation operation.

Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella welcomed Ewing Marion Kauffman School to the Transfinder family.

“We are so happy to have Ewing Marion Kauffman School as a client.” Civitella said. “Large and small districts alike benefit from having this powerful tool that that has Artificial Intelligence Optimization embedded in it. Because it is highly customizable, districts like the Ewing Marion Kauffman School can tailor their experience to their individual needs.”

About Transfinder
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a global leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and adult care facilities. Transfinder, has been on Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” list for 12 years. The software and hardware company has received numerous awards, including Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology. In addition, Transfinder has repeatedly won Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Companies to Work for accolades. Transfinder develops and supports routing and scheduling solutions for optimal transportation logistics. Transfinder also launched Patrolfinder policing technology to assist law enforcement. For more information, visit www.transfinder.com

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WASHINGTON, DC, – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, is urging the public to recognize and understand how to use Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs – not just on the first-ever Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day, taking place Tuesday, June 24, 2025, but year-round.

“Located across the U.S. where roadways cross railroad tracks, ENS signs provide a critical connection to railroads in emergencies,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Recognizing and using this sign in a crisis – like a stuck vehicle or trouble on the tracks – can save lives, when seconds count.”

Each rectangular Blue and White ENS sign displays a unique phone number and crossing ID – vital information that allows the public to report emergencies quickly, when every moment matters.

See trouble on or near the tracks? Safely find the ENS sign, call the number listed and provide the crossing ID. This is also great information to share when calling 911.

If your vehicle is stuck or stalls on the tracks:
Get out immediately. Get far away from the tracks – even if no train is in sight.
Find the ENS sign and call the number listed. Give the dispatcher the crossing ID.
No sign, call 911.

“The sign may be small, but its impact is enormous,” said Maleh. “This campaign empowers people with knowledge that can make all the difference in an emergency. Knowing what to do – and how to act quickly – can prevent a tragedy.”

“ENS Sign Awareness Day is a powerful reminder – but this is a message that matters every day of the year,” Maleh added. “Together, we can stop track tragedies.”

A Nationwide Awareness Effort
ENS Sign Awareness Day — June 24, 2025 — shines a spotlight on the lifesaving importance of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs posted at railroad crossings. Help raise awareness wherever you are — at home, on the job or out in your neighborhood.

What You Can Do
Engage Locally. Connect with your State Coordinator and attend an ENS community event. Educate your friends, family and community about ENS signs and how to use them. Follow OLI on social and share our daily rail safety education messages.
Volunteer with OLI. Share our ready-to-use PSAs, videos, infographics and social posts. Share the importance of the ENS sign as well as OLI’s FREE RISC Training with your first responders.

About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI’s virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X and YouTube.

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GOSHEN, Ind. — Forest River Bus & Van, a division of Forest River, Inc., is proud to
announce a series of leadership advancements aimed at strengthening operations,
enhancing the customer experience, and supporting long-term growth.

Forest River has named Douglas Wright as President of its Bus, Van, and Marine divisions. With more than three decades of experience in the automotive industry, Wright is known for his strategic leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to customer service.

“This company was built by people who care deeply about what they do—and who they do it for,” Wright said. “Our responsibility now is to carry that legacy forward while continuing to refine and elevate the customer journey.

Supporting that vision is longtime Forest River leader Mike Terlep, newly appointed as Director of Sales for the Bus division. Terlep will lead all sales efforts across government, commercial, and dealer channels in North America. With a strong foundation in both RV and commercial transportation, he brings decades of hands-on experience and a reputation for being dependable and dealer focused.

“There’s no substitute for consistency and follow-through,” Terlep said. “We’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m excited to help carry that forward, ensuring every agency, fleet, and dealer experiences the strength of our commitment.”

But this expansion goes beyond titles. It’s about reimagining what service looks like at every step from initial order to years after delivery. To do that, Forest River has introduced two new roles focused on aligning the ownership experience with the operational precision behind each build.

• Ryan Lamb has been named Director of Customer Experience, leading efforts to
bring greater continuity, speed, and clarity to every customer touchpoint. With
nearly two decades in commercial vehicle manufacturing, Lamb understands how
critical it is to get things right the first time and keep them running right long after.

• On the dealer side, Matt Steele has been named Director of Dealer Experience. With a background in product development, dealer operations, and customer service, Steele’s mission is to make it easier than ever for Forest River’s network of dealers to succeed.

Together, these leadership moves reinforce what has always set Forest River apart: its people, its partnerships, and its purpose.

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. and HOOVER, Ala. – After a nine-month search, Transfinder Corporation is pleased to announce Hoover City Schools in Alabama has selected Transfinder’s award-winning routing solution Routefinder PLUS to create the safest and most efficient routes for its students.

Located in the Birmingham, Ala. Metropolitan area, Hoover City Schools has about 13,567 students attending 18 schools.

In addition to PLUS, Hoover City purchased additional Transfinder solutions, such as: driver app Wayfinder, field trip planner Tripfinder, Infofinder i for student ridership information and Viewfinder, which gives users a bird’s eye view of the district’s transportation operation.

“As a school system, we took nine months to evaluate several different options in school transportation,” said Dr. Brad Hayn, Hoover City’s director of transportation. “We supplied each company we met with a list of needs and wants when it came to a transportation partner for Hoover City Schools. Transfinder checked every box for us and we are excited about what future holds as we move forward as a partner with Transfinder.”

Dr. Haydn said the Transfinder and Hoover City teams have quickly built a relationship.

“Every step of the way it has been about more than just being a customer,” he said “Every person we have met and worked with from Transfinder has treated us as family and they truly care about the success of Hoover City Schools.

Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella welcomed Hoover City Schools to the Transfinder family.

“We are so happy to have Hoover City as a client.” Civitella said. “Large and small districts alike benefit from having this powerful tool that that has Artificial Intelligence Optimization embedded in it. Because it is highly customizable, districts like Hoover City can tailor their experience to their individual needs.”

About Transfinder:
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a global leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and adult care facilities. Transfinder, has been on Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” list for 12 years. The software and hardware company has received numerous awards, including Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology. In addition, Transfinder has repeatedly won Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Companies to Work for accolades. Transfinder develops and supports routing and scheduling solutions for optimal transportation logistics. Transfinder also launched Patrolfinder policing technology to assist law enforcement. For more information, visit www.transfinder.com

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Zūm, the leader in modern school transportation, today was named to the 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50, an annual list honoring 50 game-changing private companies using breakthrough technology to transform industries. This is the second year in a row (and third year overall) that Zum has been recognized by CNBC.

“Zum is proud to lead this new era of student transportation with increased safety and reliability, and improved grid resilience for families and communities across the country,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO at Zum. “We are honored to once again be part of CNBC’s Disruptor 50 alongside other incredible companies that are making an impact through innovation.”

Zum unifies parents, students, school administrators and drivers on a single personalized technology platform, enabling never-before achieved levels of visibility and data-backed accountability. Through the Zum app, parents can track their child’s ride to and from school in real time, see a profile of their child’s bus driver and be notified of their child’s pickup or dropoff status. Zum also allows administrators to optimize routes and provides staff with real-time data and performance reports.

In 2024, Zum launched the nation’s first fully electrified school bus fleet in Oakland, California. The 74-bus Oakland fleet is also equipped with groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, enabling the buses to return energy to the local grid at scale and improve grid resilience during times of peak demand.

Zum currently serves thousands of schools across 14 states, including districts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland; Boston; Seattle; Spokane; Nashville; Omaha; Kansas City, Mo.; Howard County, Md.; and more.

The full 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50 list can be viewed at cnbc.com/disruptors.

To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools across the nation to modernize student transportation, visit Zum’s website.

About Zūm

Zum is a modern transportation solution transforming school transportation, the largest mass transit system in the U.S. Today, the company provides turnkey modern transportation solutions to school districts in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia, and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative transportation and energy as a service platform, Zum has been featured among Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, CNBC Changemakers, World Economic Forum and Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more about Zum at www.ridezum.com.

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AUBURN, Calif. – InterMotive Vehicle Controls, a leading manufacturer of electronic control systems, announces a new safety solution designed to protect students by alerting nearby drivers as the bus approaches a stop. By increasing the bus’s visibility, School Bus Flasher helps to indicate that children are exiting the vehicle, and crossing may occur.

The School Bus Flasher controls the operation of key safety features, including the amber warning lights, red stop lights, the stop arm and crossing arm. It functions as a stand-alone system but can be seamlessly integrated with InterMotive’s FlexTech product, a customizable vehicle electrical load control system.

Installation is made easy with simple plug and play connections, which eliminates the cutting of OEM factory wiring.

For more details, contact Marc Ellison, LGS Group VP of Sales and Marketing, at 530-368-9193 or go online at https://intermotive.net/transit-mobility-3/#sbf.

InterMotive Vehicle Controls provides commercial safety and performance optimization products. Our plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its functions in new ways. We specialize in custom solutions for law enforcement, ambulance, fire truck, work truck, transit/paratransit, school bus, RV and personal-use mobility industries. To learn more, call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.

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