SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With distracted driving on the rise across the United States, BusGates, a leading manufacturer of LED stop arm extensions, is elevating its mission of enhancing student safety by launching a new pilot program that will give away its technology to school districts across the U.S.

During April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month BusGates will ship participating schools one patented stop arm extension to test and keep at no charge while inventory lasts.

BusGates are uniquely designed to make school buses more visible to approaching traffic. By extending the arm five feet from the side of the bus, the BusGates LED extension acts as a physical and visual barrier, warning drivers from a greater distance and helping to reduce illegal drive-arounds.

“As parents, all of us at BusGates understand the importance of keeping our children safe, especially when they are getting to and from school,” said Dan Thompson, Founding Partner at BusGates. “We believe every school should benefit from our proactive technology and this pilot program will make it even more accessible.”

A 2023 National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) bus driver survey found that there were more than 43.5 million illegal school bus passings in the United States during the 2022-2023 school year. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and stronger external safety measures on school buses.

“Our products are a simple solution that easily retrofits the existing stop sign on school buses,” said Trevor Clatfelter, Founding Partner at BusGates. “The stop arm extensions offer additional visibility with flashing LED lights and extend 5 feet from the bus making drive-arounds much harder.”

School districts in more than 20 states have made their bus fleets more visible by installing BusGates LED-lit stop arm extensions that add a physical barrier to oncoming traffic and significantly reduce illegal passing.

Here’s how BusGates stop arm extensions work:

Physical Barrier: When a school bus stops to load or unload children, the BusGates stop arm extends just over 5 feet into the adjacent lanes of traffic. This physical presence is highly visible and is a deterrent to motorists who might otherwise consider passing the bus.
Enhanced Visibility: The extended stop arm is well-lit with high-powered LED flashing lights offering additional warning as vehicles approach. This visibility serves as a strong reminder to drivers to stop, as required by law.
Immediate Deterrent: By creating a tangible obstruction, BusGates immediately influences driver behavior, preventing potential violations before they occur.

Unlike cameras aboard many school buses, which serve as surveillance tools to catch motorists who illegally pass school buses, stop arm extensions aim to prevent the behavior in the first place.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month highlights the dangers of distracted driving behaviors, including the illegal passing of school buses, and the need for more focus behind the wheel, especially in marked school zones and bus stops in communities across the country.

To learn more about BusGates’ pilot program and how schools can participate, visit www.busgates.com/pilotprogram.

About BusGates:
BusGates is on a mission to reduce vehicle “drive-arounds” at bus stops across America and make getting to and from school safer for students. Bus Gates stop-arm extensions are a simple, cost-effective solution to a major problem – cars ignoring stopped school bus warnings putting students at risk. Bus Gates stop-arm extensions easily retro fits to the existing school bus stop signs. They offer additional visibility and stick out further from the bus to make drivers more aware and reducing “drive-arounds” by up to 95%.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Durham School Services (DSS), a leader in student transportation dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, has funded the wrapping of two activity buses for Hutchinson Public Schools. The buses will be used to transport students to and from sports events and activities.

The first of the two wrapped buses, adorned with the school district’s signature colors and logo, was unveiled recently, and the second bus is slated to be unveiled later this month. The design, which aims to promote and demonstrate school pride, was designed by Hutchinson High School students.

Durham School Services and Hutchinson Public Schools have been partners since 1997, and as evidenced by their nearly 30-year partnership, have developed a strong, trusting relationship. Over the course of the partnership, the Hutchinson Durham team has supported various community events such as hosting toy and school supply drives, volunteering at local shelters, in-kind transportation services, and more, as part of their Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program.

“Our school district is fortunate to have such a strong partner in Durham School Services,” said Stacy Goss, Director of Communications, Marketing & Public Relations, USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools. “When Durham’s General Manager Michael Simmons approached us with the idea, my mind immediately went to our students and how we could involve them. Hutchinson High School students in the Graphic Design Project Management class designed the artwork. They worked closely with the vinyl wrap vendor to design and approve the art. There were a few vents on the bus that the vinyl wrap couldn’t adhere to, so our students in the Collision Repair course at our Career and Technical Education Academy jumped in to paint them. Overall, we are impressed with the outcome! Our students are riding in style and can take pride in the work they’ve put out into the community. We appreciate Durham School Services and their longstanding commitment to students in USD 308.”

“As a long-time partner, we were delighted with this opportunity to give back to the students and community by supporting the bus wrapping project as part of our Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program,” said Michael Simmons, Hutchinson General Manager, Durham School Services. “Uplifting and giving back to the communities we serve is a Company value we live by and strongly believe in, and it is through our Partners Beyond the Bus program that we are able to showcase this commitment. Our teams do incredible work in their community all year round, so I am glad we were able to highlight a meaningful project such as this one with Hutchinson Public Schools that will benefit the students and community for years to come.”

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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SAN DIEGO, Calif.- Netradyne, an industry-leading SaaS provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing, today announced its partnership with the industry’s largest full truckload carrier, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNX) (“Knight-Swift” or the “Company”), to provide 15,500 Knight and Swift trucks with Driver•i D-450 and D-215 fleet safety dash cameras.

“At Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation, safety is a foundational value and pre-requisite for the transportation services we provide. Netradyne’s unmatched investment in cutting-edge AI technology made them the clear choice for our fleets. The in-cab audio alerts and real-time feedback are unique tools that empower our drivers to make safer decisions on the road,” said David Tillman, SVP of Safety and Driver Development at Knight-Swift. “What truly sets Netradyne apart is their ability to recognize and positively reinforce safe behaviors, which aligns well with our safety culture and our desire to highlight the outstanding achievements of our professional drivers. With the most up-to-date AI on the market, combined with a focus on driver development and positive feedback, Netradyne’s tools and technology represent an invaluable advancement to our safety programs.”

Netradyne will transform the video data from Knight-Swift’s D-450 and D-215 dash cams into actionable safety and efficiency insights. By analyzing 100% of driving time, Driver•i proactively enhances safety through real-time, in-cab audio alerts, empowering drivers with self-coaching, accident warnings, and immediate guidance for safer decisions. This data and Netradyne’s unique scientific approach inform its GreenZone Score, the industry’s first driver score that calculates an accurate reflection of what’s happening in the field of a driver.

“We’re honored that our solutions empower one of North America’s leading names in trucking and logistics to achieve meaningful milestones in driver safety, underscoring the real-world impact and effectiveness of Netradyne’s technology,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder of Netradyne. “Our industry-leading positive recognition AI continues to set us apart, and we’re delighted the Knight-Swift team recognizes its potential to improve fleet operations, elevate driver safety, and enhance overall driver satisfaction.”

The Driver•i D-450 is the company’s latest four-camera video telematics device. It provides a 270-degree view through a road-facing camera and two side cameras in a compact, windshield-friendly package. The D-215 builds on the D-210 Driver•i system with an integrated connectivity module and improved installation experience.

About Knight-Swift:
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. is one of North America’s largest and most diversified freight transportation companies, providing multiple truckload transportation, less-than-truckload, logistics, and business services to the shipping and transportation sectors. Knight-Swift uses a nationwide network of business units and terminals in the United States and Mexico to serve customers throughout North America. In addition to operating the country’s largest tractor fleet, Knight-Swift also contracts with third-party equipment providers to provide a broad range of services to its customers while creating quality driving jobs for driving associates and successful business opportunities for independent contractors.

About Netradyne:
Founded in 2015 by Avneesh Agrawal (CEO) and David Julian (CTO), Netradyne is a global leader in AI-powered fleet safety and video telematics solutions and headquartered in San Diego, CA, with offices in San Francisco and Bangalore, India. Thousands of commercial fleet customers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and India trust Netradyne’s over 800 employees worldwide. Netradyne’s flagship product, Driver•i, delivers cutting-edge HD video safety and management technology powered by advanced AI that analyzes every minute of drive time with up to 99% accuracy, recognizing risky and safe driving behaviors. With over 18 billion vision-analyzed driving miles, Netradyne sets the industry standard for fleet safety, empowering commercial fleets of all sizes to enhance driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne is committed to advancing road safety and efficiency through innovative technology transforming the transportation industry.

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BYRON CENTER, Mich. — Pro-Vision, a leader in mobile video technology, proudly announces the release of its enhanced second-generation Stop Arm Camera. This cutting-edge camera solution builds upon the success of its predecessor in delivering increased low-light capabilities, reduced installation time, and improved evidence collection, further supporting school districts in their mission to safeguard student passengers.

The Pro-Vision Gen2 Stop Arm Camera captures crystal-clear video evidence of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses, a crucial step in enhancing student safety. Featuring superior low-light performance and AI-based computer vision, the Gen2 model ensures accurate footage and reduced false positives under the most challenging conditions.

“Our goal is always to innovate and improve the technology that keeps our children safe,” said Corey Mathews, Director of Sales for the school transportation segment. “With the Gen2 Stop Arm Camera, we’ve taken a significant step forward in protecting students and assisting schools and authorities in enforcing stop arm violations.”

Designed with simplicity in mind, the Gen2 Stop Arm Camera easily integrates with Pro-Vision’s existing school bus camera systems. Its robust design allows for seamless installation and low-maintenance operation, ensuring minimal downtime and maximizing safety on every route.

Additional key features of the Gen2 Stop Arm Camera include:

• Enhanced image clarity for precise identification of vehicles and license plates.
• Added infrared illumination for capturing license plates in low-light situations.
• Automatic violation detection and plate recognition of illegal-passing vehicles to reduce false positives and simplify enforcement.
• Integrates with CloudConnect software, allowing school districts and law enforcement easier access and management of recorded incidents.

Pro-Vision remains dedicated to creating innovative solutions that make roads safer for everyone, especially our children traveling to and from school.

About Pro-Vision

Founded in 2003, Pro-Vision is a global leader in mobile video technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety, improve efficiency, and protect vital assets. The company’s comprehensive suite of products includes vehicle video recording systems, body-worn cameras, data management tools, and cloud-based storage solutions. Trusted by partners in transit, public safety, and commercial industries, Pro-Vision’s technology helps organizations operate more securely and effectively. For more information, visit provisionusa.com.

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ELKHART, Ind. — LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, Inc. (“Lippert”), a leading supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, today announced that its subsidiary, Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., has acquired substantially all of the business assets of Trans Air Manufacturing Corporation (“Trans/Air”).

Founded in 1979, Trans/Air is a trusted provider of climate control systems for a wide range of vehicles, including commercial, school, type-A, transit, limo, touring and electric-hybrid busses, as well as specialty vehicles and vans. Their full product line includes evaporators, compressors, condensers, hoses & fitting systems, electronic controls and custom-designed drive kits. While servicing traditional commercial vehicles for 45 years, Trans/Air has also invested significant capital and technology into the rapidly growing EV Bus Market, which continues to expand due to federal and local government emissions initiatives across North America.

Trans/Air is headquartered in Dallastown, Pennsylvania, but operates multiple strategic installation facilities across the country that are physically located inside their customers’ operations. This approach ensures a daily presence at customer sites, enabling the management of complete or partial installations while providing crucial technical service and product expertise. Trans/Air also maintains a network of over 170 authorized service centers across North America.

Lippert has been manufacturing window and glass solutions to the commercial bus industry for over 12 years. The two companies already share many of the same customers in the transportation vehicle space, and these synergies excite Ryan Smith, Group President for Lippert’s North American OEM Operations: “We’re pleased to welcome Trans/Air to the Lippert family. When Lippert was approached with the opportunity months ago, we were immediately impressed with their operational strategies and knew that they would be a great addition to our product portfolio,” said Smith. He continued, “We are excited to continue the investment into innovation in order to grow the business, and we’ll build on their great team and customer relationships to further expand into the Transportation Vehicle Market.”

Andrew Pocock, Lippert’s EVP of Building and Transportation Products, echoed Smith’s enthusiasm: “We are so excited to add such a great team, brand and product line to the Lippert family. We are confident that together we can serve our partners better and will strengthen the product offering as well as the overall value that Lippert brings to our customers.”

About LCI Industries:
LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its Lippert subsidiary, is a global leader in supplying engineered components to the outdoor recreation and transportation markets. We believe our innovative culture, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and dedication to enhancing the customer experience have established Lippert as a reliable partner for both OEM and aftermarket customers. For more information, visit www.lippert.com.

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PLAINVIEW, N.Y.- WE Transport today announced the retirement of Bart Marksohn, Chairman Emeritus, who has been an integral leader of this family-owned company for over 50 years. Marksohn’s last day will be April 1, 2025.

“Bart’s contributions to WE Transport have been invaluable to the development and success of this business for decades,” said Judith Crawford, CEO of Beacon Mobility. “Throughout Bart’s lifetime career in transportation, he has channeled his passion for transportation to introduce new technologies, provide reliable transportation to schools and communities, and expand the company’s footprint from a Long Island based carrier to serve Connecticut and New York City. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bart and wish him the very best in retirement.”

“My parents founded WE Transport in the late 1950’s with one vehicle and the vision of providing safe and reliable transportation services to Long Island families with special needs children, and it has been a privilege to spend my career supporting our family founded business to reach new heights and serve a growing number of students and communities,” said Bart Marksohn, Chairman Emeritus of WE Transport. “It is the dedicated employees and strong community we have built over the years that makes this company special, and I have no doubt that our wonderful culture will continue to make a positive impact.”

Bart Marksohn, son of WE Transport’s founding partners Walter and Edie Marksohn, started helping with the growing family business at an early age. Instead of spending his weekend on sporting fields, Bart could be found in the maintenance shop working on vehicles. He started out changing brakes and tires and making vehicle repairs and worked his way up to be head mechanic. As the business grew, Bart transitioned into a different leadership role to oversee fleet management, banking, insurance, safety, contracts, bidding, customer liaison, and real estate.

Along with his brother, Jerry, they pursued cutting edge technologies to incorporate into the business, and in the early nineties WE Transport became the first school bus company to utilize GPS tracking technology. Bart oversaw significant expansions for WE Transport, including the introduction of motor coaches and growing the school transportation vehicle fleet by thirty percent in just one year in 2003 In 2010, WE Transport landed a contract with Bridgeport Public Schools in Connecticut to further diversify the business.

Bart Marksohn continued, “Bridgeport was a challenge which was handled by our family of employees with real excitement. We had to hire over 300 employees and be up and running in 60 days and we pulled it off. This positive experience encouraged us to expand into new markets in New York City and Westchester, where we hired over 350 employees and 100 employees respectively to successfully expand operations and create a positive customer experience.”

Marksohn has received both state and national recognitions for his contributions to the industry. As the President and Chief Financial Officer of WE Transport, he was recognized as the 2018 New York School Bus Contractor of the Year at the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) 64th Annual Convention alongside his colleague, Carmen Tomeo, Chief Executive Officer of WE Transport. In 2024, Marksohn was inducted into the National Student Transportation Association (NSTA) Hall of Fame in recognition of his “long-standing team efforts on behalf of the student transportation industry.”

About WE Transport: WE Transport, Inc. is a group of companies referred to as “The WE Transport Family of Companies.” There are five operational companies within the group, operated by the same management team and function as a single entity. WE Transport strives to serve our customers safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. From hiring and safety, operations maintenance, customer service to IT, each step of the way, working as a team, each department is dedicated to going above and beyond industry standards.

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The cover story this month features Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Crystal Hill as she discusses what it takes to drive an entire district towards success. Read more about the new GM and VP of IC Bus as well as articles on technological upgrades, AI & predictive technology, benefits of using a third-party contractor plus more on the unclear future of electric school buses and clean energy funding.

Read the full April 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Breaking Barriers & Navigating Uncharted Territory
Crystal Hill, the superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, shares how she started her career in education, her perspective on the importance of student transportation, and the potential impacts of cuts in federal funding.

Features

Seeing Into The Future
AI and predictive technology hold many promises for student transportation professionals, especially those in charge of servicing school buses and ensuring optimum uptime.

The Steps To A Technology Upgrade
Upgrading technology comes with many questions such as staying with the same provider and looking at expanded features. Directors weigh in on the items and processes they value most.

Who, What, When, Where and Why?
While contracting operations isn’t for every school district, those that use third-party services discover the benefits of technology and safety equipment adoption, cost savings and vehicle variety.

Special Reports

Passing the Torch
Charles Chilton has big shoes to fill as the new GM and VP of IC Bus. But his experience as a school bus driver and engineer are proof he is more than up to the task.

Clean School Bus Program
School districts are left wading in the deep end of regulatory and funding uncertainty, especially when it comes to purchasing new electric school buses under the EPA’s Clean School Bus program.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Moving Target

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Building an Elite School Transportation Team

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Discover the First Serves program—a collaborative effort involving educational experts, psychologists, and parents/caregivers. This white paper provides a closer look at how First Serves, a specialized training program seamlessly supports children, connecting their classroom experience with transportation.

Key Aspects:

• Structured Support: First Serves delivers structured planning and support, closing the gap between the classroom and transportation.
• Collaborative Foundation: Forming partnerships between transportation staff, educational professionals, district leaders, and families, First Serves nurtures an environment conducive to student growth.
• Empowered Team: Through specialized training, First Serves ensures driving staff and on-vehicle monitors can adeptly address diverse student needs during their journey.
• District Customization: First Serves allows districts to customize the program, integrating social-emotional learning supports for an effective school experience.

Case Study Highlights:

See the impact of First Serves in action at Battle Ground Public Schools, showcasing tangible improvements in the student experience. This case study serves as a real-world example of collaborative, customizable approaches that enhance the student journey. Delve into the white paper for a deeper understanding of First Serves and its transformative potential in fostering student success.

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

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When East Noble School District’s transportation operation needed to make security updates, the district found itself in urgent need to move to Transfinder’s cloud-based Routefinder PLUS platform.

The move to PLUS was a game-changer for the Kendallville, Ind. District that serves some 4,000 students. Josh Buhro, the Kendallville, Ind district’s transportation director, set out to not only restore the district’s transportation operation but also significantly enhance its efficiency.

He accomplished both by implementing Transfinder’s Routefinder PLUS routing solution.

“We jumped in full steam ahead,” Buhro said.

A History of Transportation Technology at East Noble

Buhro has been in transportation for nearly a decade. When he first joined East Noble, the district was using (another company), a routing software he described as clunky and not user-friendly. Looking for an upgrade, East Noble had switched to Transfinder’s Routefinder Pro solution five years ago, which had been recommended by neighboring districts.

Then in 2024, the district moved to the award-winning Routefinder PLUS.

“There are districts around us who had moved to PLUS and had nothing but good things to say,” Buhro recalled. “They were implementing is and moving forward and I was maybe a little stubborn.”

He added, it was more of an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it kind of thing. But looking back, I was scared of stuff. I shouldn’t have been scared. Ultimately, I think we’re in a better place now.”

During the move to Routefinder PLUS, Buhro and his team, including a newly hired transportation secretary who attended Transfinder University Livestream. This training proved invaluable, allowing them to quickly adapt to the new platform. The secretary, with no prior experience with Transfinder’s solutions, found PLUS to be highly intuitive, taking to it “like a fish to water,” Buhro said. “They said, ‘Josh, don’t be scared of it!’”

The Advantages of PLUS

One of the biggest surprises for Buhro and his team was how seamlessly PLUS integrated with other Transfinder tools the district uses, such as Tripfinder, the district’s field trip management solution, and Viewfinder, a solution that provides an overview of the district’s operation and student rider data.

“We love Tripfinder,” he said. “It allows us to manage our buses, our resources and our drivers. We’ve got some custom reports set up. Quite frankly, I don’t know how we would manage our extracurricular activity trips without the use of Tripfinder. It cuts out so much of that cumbersome sort of communication piece that used to have to take place by phone or email,” Buhro said.

He noted that one morning he had 36 extracurricular and field trips requests that he was able to quickly assign.

“It does it all for us, other than drive the bus,” Buhro said, “and that’s the part that’s easy for us to manage.”

Regarding the PLUS platform, Buhro described it as more user-friendly, efficient and responsive. He highlighted:

• Ease of Use: Editing routes is easy. PLUS allows for simple, drag-and-drop modifications. “You just right-click and edit,” Buhro noted, highlighting how much more intuitive the system is.
• Streamlined Communication: Tripfinder revolutionized how East Noble manages field trips, athletics and extracurricular activities. Requests are processed digitally, eliminating the cumbersome back-and-forth that used to take place via phone and email.
• Transfinder Community: The online Transfinder Community portal provides a wealth of resources, including video tutorials and guides, which allows Buhro and his team to troubleshoot issues independently. “Anytime we’ve got a question, that’s the first place we go and there are usually videos in the library or trainings that have been done. Rarely, if ever, do we actually reach out to support.”
• Enhanced Support: When direct support is needed, Transfinder’s response times were “obscenely fast,” often returning calls within minutes.

Buhro said the Transfinder team understands the need for speedy response times.

“Even three days before school started they need it was critical for us to have things up and running,” he said. ‘They put in the time to help us make things happen. We’re very grateful for all that support and input.”

A New Era for East Noble’s Transportation

In a district serving multiple schools, including a high school, middle school and five elementary schools, an efficient transportation system is crucial. The ability to quickly assign drivers, manage routes, and coordinate field trips is no small feat.

Thanks to Transfinder’s PLUS platform, East Noble has improved its transportation operation. What began as an urgent need has ultimately led to a stronger, more resilient system that better serves students, staff and the community.

“There are so many pieces of it that are just intuitive,” Buhro said.

As Buhro reflected on the transition, he expressed gratitude for the support and partnership from Transfinder. “We were very fortunate with the trainer we were assigned. They let us work at our own pace and answered every question we had.”

With a solid foundation in place and considering new tools in the future, East Noble School District is well-positioned for what’s around the bend.

Future Plans with Transfinder

With the great results from the move to PLUS, East Noble is now exploring additional Transfinder tools, such as the driver app Wayfinder, which offers turn-by-turn navigation and attendance, and the parent app Stopfinder, which provides information on bus location and two-way communication between parents and the transportation department. These tools could further assist the transportation operation in dealing with issues such as substitute drivers and last-minute route changes.

“Based on the success with that [PLUS] implementation, that’s what’s been the impetus for us to investigate Wayfinder and Stopfinder solutions for turn-by-turn directions and fleet tracking,” Buhro said.

Buhro emphasized the importance of ensuring these tools integrate smoothly with their existing processes.

“I need to make sure it’ll do everything we’re doing now—and do it better,” he said.

Buhro said he knows the Transfinder team will be there to help along the way.

“You guys did a beautiful job of easing concerns and getting us rolling with the new stuff,” he said.

To learn more about Routefinder PLUS or Transfinder’s suite of solutions, visit Transfinder.com, email getplus@transfinder.com or call 800-373-3609.

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

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Ensuring student safety on school buses is a top priority for school districts, transportation directors, and parents. While traditional monitoring tools like GPS tracking and onboard cameras provide valuable data, they often fall short in addressing real-time safety concerns.

Live Look-In transforms school bus monitoring by allowing authorized administrators to access live video feeds instantly.

In this whitepaper, you will find out how Live Look-In:

• Enhances emergency response
• Supports better decision-making
• Streamlines incident verification
• Strengthens communication

INCLUDED: Case Study with Mooresville Graded School District

See how Live look-in is transforming school bus safety for transportation departments just like yours!

Download the full whitepaper to explore how Live Look-In is revolutionizing student transportation safety and learn about implementation considerations, funding options, and best practices for seamless adoption.

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

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – First Student, the leader in school transportation and electrification, today announced the deployment of 14 electric school buses in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools. This new deployment builds on a strong relationship between Tacoma’s Student Transportation Services and First Student, who currently provide around 5,000 students with daily school bus transportation.

The electric school buses will complement the school district’s existing fleet and uphold First Student’s key values of innovation and sustainability, representing a step toward a cleaner future for students who rely on school transportation every day. This initiative reinforces Tacoma Public Schools and First Student’s shared commitment to safe, reliable and forward-thinking transportation solutions.

Thanks to funding through the Washington State Department of Ecology for three buses and the US EPA Clean School Bus Program round two for 11 buses, the electric buses will offer a large benefit to students by providing a cleaner, quieter and safer ride while reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Electric buses require less maintenance and cut fuel costs, allowing Tacoma Public Schools to reinvest those savings into educational initiatives, classroom resources, and student enrichment programs.

“Our ongoing partnership with Tacoma Public Schools reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, healthier future for the communities we serve,” said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. “As the industry leader with the most electric buses deployed in North America, we are proud to drive over five million students daily and have already logged nearly six million electric miles. At First Student, one of our core values is to care for students. Electric buses help us meet that goal by providing a smoother, quieter ride that helps students start their day focused and ready to learn.”

“Tacoma Public Schools is committed to making environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both our students and the community,” said Josh Garcia, superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools. “Partnering with First Student allows us to enhance our transportation services while reducing our carbon footprint, creating a more sustainable, safe and efficient future for our students and the environment. This initiative aligns with our strategic goals by improving health and safety through cleaner air, enhancing operational efficiency with modernized transportation, and strengthening partnerships that support student success. Investing in sustainable solutions ensures a safe learning environment that promotes academic achievement and well-being for all students.”

At a joint celebratory event held today, officials including Tacoma Public School Board Member Elizabeth Bonbright, Director of Transportation Zachary Midles, Clean Air Agency CEO Chrissy Cooley, Tacoma Public Utilities Board Chair John O’Loughlin, and two students from the Science and Math Institute, along with representatives from Pierce County Planning and Public Works, Pierce Transit, Tacoma Education Dream Fund, and the Washington State Department of Ecology and Air Quality Program touted the long-term, measurable benefits of electric school buses on our youth and gave community members the chance to ride in an electric school bus and feel the difference for themselves.

About First Student:
As North America’s leading school transportation solutions provider, First Student strives to provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school to 5.5 million students daily. With a team of highly trained drivers, the company will complete 1 billion student trips during the 2024-25 school year. First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance, and charter services. Its fleet includes about 45,000 buses.

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PLAINFIELD, Ill. – Durham School Services, a leader in student transportation, is expanding its footprint in Illinois with a new three-year partnership with the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District (CCSD) 202 starting this August. The Company currently serves several communities throughout Illinois, which includes schools in Lake, McHenry, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, McDonough, Sangamon, Christian, Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson, and Johnson counties.

Over the course of the next three years, Durham will service approximately 108 special education (SPED) routes for the school district. Buses will be equipped with the latest safety technology such as DriveCam and Zonar Fleet Management.

Durham School Services will be holding a hiring event for prospective school bus drivers and monitors from March 31 – April 4, 2025, from 9AM – 5PM in the Media Center of Plainfield East High School located at 12001 Naperville Rd, Plainfield, IL 60585. Walk-ins are welcome.

Through this new partnership, Durham School Services aims to also contribute to the positive growth and advancement of the Plainfield community by participating in and supporting local events through its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program.

Michael Peterson, Director of Transportation of Plainfield School District 202 shared, “Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 looks forward to the partnership with Durham School Services and level of service that our community expects.”

“We are delighted to be able to serve another community of students and families in Illinois through this new partnership with Plainfield School District 202,” said Janine Hilliard, Region Manager, Durham School Services. “Our team has been diligently preparing behind the scenes to ensure a successful school start-up. We look forward to living up to Durham’s 100+ year reputation of providing excellent service and delivering safe, reliable service to the students of Plainfield CCSD 202. Thank you again to the school district for giving us this opportunity and entrusting the safety of your students to us.”

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.

The post Durham School Services to Bring Renowned Safe, Reliable Service to Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 appeared first on School Transportation News.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fleetio, a leading fleet optimization software platform, today announced the acquisition of Auto Integrate, the premier maintenance authorization platform, in a landmark deal establishing Fleetio as a preferred solution for fleet maintenance. The company announced simultaneously the successful closing of over $450 million to finance the acquisition, valuing the combined business at over $1.5 billion. The round was co-led by existing Fleetio investor Elephant and new investor Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

This strategic union creates a platform designed with customer-centricity to serve fleet operators of all sizes across North America. The combined entity will service over 8 million vehicles and process more than 13 million repair orders per year through its network of 110,000+ repair shops across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“This acquisition is transformative for our ability to equip customers with the simplest and most efficient solution for fleet maintenance and management,” said Jon Meachin, CEO of Fleetio. “By bringing together Fleetio’s comprehensive fleet optimization capabilities with Auto Integrate’s specialized maintenance authorization network, we’re creating a truly customer-focused, end-to-end solution that addresses the most critical pain points fleet operators face today.”

“From day one, our focus has been on one simple question: how can we create the most value for our customers?” said Fleetio Founder and Board Chair, Tony Summerville. “Bringing Fleetio and Auto Integrate together is a game-changer for both fleets and repair shops, ensuring a seamless, more connected maintenance experience. Whether a shop does a little or a lot of fleet business, this combination eliminates friction and makes it easier than ever for shops to work with more fleets.”

Auto Integrate’s software enables repair shops to electronically submit repair orders for approval, dramatically reducing vehicle downtime and improving operational efficiency. This capability will fully integrate with Fleetio’s comprehensive platform, creating a seamless experience for businesses managing complex maintenance operations.

“Our customers have consistently asked for a more integrated approach to maintenance management,” said Terry Bartlett, CEO of Auto Integrate, who will join Fleetio’s executive leadership team. “By joining forces with Fleetio, we’re able to deliver exactly what they need – a unified platform that eliminates communication barriers between fleet operators and repair facilities, and ultimately keeps vehicles on the road longer at lower costs.”

Fleetio is committed to substantial investments in research and development to further enhance Auto Integrate’s platform and to integrate its functionality within the Fleetio ecosystem. These investments will directly benefit existing Fleetio and Auto Integrate customers, including Fleet Management Companies (FMCs), rental car operators, repair shops, and other vendors, while expanding capabilities for Fleetio’s growing customer base.

“Jon, Tony, and Terry are brilliant business operators. Combining their two companies creates a vast dataset of maintenance operations that can unlock unique insights into fleet maintenance trends and predictive maintenance opportunities,” said Brendon Hardin, Vice President with Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives who is also joining the Board. “This isn’t just about growing the business – it’s about Fleetio’s unwavering commitment to customer success.”

“Fleetio’s strategic acquisition of Auto Integrate represents precisely the kind of transformative opportunity Elephant seeks to support, one that fundamentally elevates the customer experience by combining powerful, complementary technologies,” said Jeremiah Daly at Elephant. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Fleetio as they continue to redefine what’s possible in fleet maintenance and proudly support their vision for a streamlined, end-to-end ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency for North America’s fleets.”

About Fleetio:
Fleetio, the leading fleet optimization platform, provides comprehensive solutions and resources to run, repair and optimize vehicles and assets, allowing fleets to gain control of what’s happening today, stay ahead of what’s coming tomorrow and confidently deliver results for their business. Founded in 2012, the company’s cloud-based platform and mobile app arm fleets with the tools they need to stay on top of preventive maintenance, extend the life of business assets, reduce downtime and maximize the utilization of service vehicles. Fleetio’s marketplace supports a vast maintenance provider network, enabling fleets to efficiently manage outsourced maintenance and repair. Fleetio powers more than 7,500 public and private fleets of all sizes in more than 100 countries across a wide array of industries.

About Elephant Partners:
Elephant is a venture capital firm focused on the enterprise software, consumer internet and mobile markets.

About Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs:
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, sustainability, and hedge funds. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs.

The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets.

The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. Goldman Sachs has more than $3.1 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of December 31, 2024.

Since 2003, Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $13 billion in companies led by visionary founders and CEOs. The team focuses on investments in growth stage and technology-driven companies spanning multiple industries, including enterprise technology, financial technology, consumer and healthcare.

The post Fleetio Raises over $450 Million Series D and Acquires Auto Integrate to Create Customer-Centric One-Stop-Shop for Fleet Maintenance appeared first on School Transportation News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River, Inc. today announced that co-CEO David Wright will be retiring in April. Wright had led the Bus & Van division with dedication and leadership for 22 years, building it into the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors, before assuming the role of co-CEO with Doug Gaeddert.

Wright’s decision to retire is deeply personal, following the recent passing of his longtime friend, mentor, and Forest River founder, Pete Liegl. Having executed the near-term transitional strategy, he determined the timing is right to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to be part of this incredible company and to
work alongside the most talented and selfless team in the industry,” said Wright. “Forest
River’s leadership remains exceptionally strong, with a deep bench of individuals who are
more than qualified to continue driving our success. The foundation we’ve built ensures that Forest River’s legacy will only grow stronger.”

Wright’s departure marks the next evolution for Forest River’s senior management team since the passing of Pete Liegl in November 2024. Updates include the following:

– Co-CEO Doug Gaeddert, who previously led the Recreational Vehicle division for
25+ years, assumes the role of sole CEO.

– Darrel Ritchie, who started with Forest River in 2002, continues in his role as Chief
Financial Officer.

– Douglas A. Wright, previously the General Manager, Bus & Van, moves to the role of
Group General Manager, reporting to Doug Gaeddert. Doug brings experience,
operational expertise and a tremendous familiarity with all aspects of the organization.

“I’m sad to see my good friend and uniquely gifted colleague David Wright retire, but I
certainly understand and respect his decision,” said Doug Gaeddert. “Working alongside Pete together like we did for all those years, and accomplishing so much in that time has been an incredible experience. I’m grateful for what David built, including the strong management team that he leaves in place.”

Forest River extends its deepest gratitude to David for his years of dedicated service and
contributions to the company’s success. While he will be greatly missed on a daily basis, his impact on Forest River’s culture and operations will endure for years to come.

About Forest River, Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest
manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, and commercial vehicles including buses, vans, and trucks. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.

The post Forest River Announces Evolution of Management Structure appeared first on School Transportation News.

As weeks passed, the Midwestern district’s fleet management duties escalated. So much so that Tim, the transportation director, hired bus drivers to pull hard drives after hours and assist with other tasks. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day, and fleet demands stressed Tim’s typically upbeat team.

The trend soon changed thanks to REI’s wireless, automated ARMOR Software Suite. The district integrated the cloud-based data powerhouse to streamline fleet management for Tim’s team and help reduce expenses.

Let’s review its features – the same features that could help reduce your duties and costs too.

Actions

Tim accessed this feature to assign permissions, parameters, thresholds and automated procedures for all ARMOR functions. Most noteworthy: He set up the automatic download of event videos from fleet DVRs which eliminated drivers’ help in pulling hard drives.

Diagnostics

Once Tim configured ARMOR’s settings, the Diagnostics feature’s data showed that all engines and bus camera systems worked properly.* In addition, the vehicle logs and automated status updates helped the team:

• Detect problems early to mitigate/prevent major repairs
• Anticipate/correct issues before dispatching vehicles
• Monitor the video systems on the vehicles en route
• Gauge fuel efficiency, battery voltages, odometer readings and mechanical problems

Diagnostics made it possible for them to solve problems quickly, saving time and potential maintenance costs.

AutoPilot

An archive for downloaded surveillance videos and data, the team often accessed AutoPilot to review events and email the password-protected videos to others. This feature’s search tool also made it incredibly easy to find videos, saving the team hours of time (see image at top).

Dashboard

The team frequently checked Dashboard to monitor data about active vehicles, their locations, frequency of events and server storage space. With this feature at your disposal, you too could monitor fleet efficiency and safety remotely to save time and keep costs down.

Insight

Suppose you want to track vehicles in real time, request event video from a specific location or view event hotspots. ARMOR Insight is your source. Tim’s team frequently viewed the mapped routes, vehicle speed graphs and other useful data to locate and solve problems in a timely manner.*

StopArm

StopArm’s data made it easier for the team to find, review and manage violation videos. Having supporting data, license plate images and video in one place also expedited their reporting process. StopArm could save hours of work for your team too.

Work smarter, not harder on fleet management. Let ARMOR Software Suite’s automated data collection and reporting features do much of the legwork for you. Contact us today for more info!

*Additional hardware required.

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

The post Data: The Power Behind Streamlined Fleet Management appeared first on School Transportation News.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va.,- GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced that the first four Type D all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission BEAST school buses have been delivered to its West Virginia dealer for the Kanawha County School District under Round 2 funding of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program (CSBP).

Round 2 of the CSBP, which was funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), included an award of $18.565 million for seven West Virginia school districts to deploy 50 GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses manufactured by American workers in South Charleston. The contract for the award from EPA was signed by GreenPower of West Virginia, the state’s dealer for GreenPower Motor Company, in December 2024.

“We are pleased to have manufactured these first four BEAST school buses for the Clean School Bus Program grant in West Virginia and delivered them within 90 days of the contract being signed with the EPA,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “As stewards of public dollars that are being invested by the federal government in the transition to all-electric school buses, GreenPower and other American school bus manufacturers take our role serious to ensure timely delivery of safe, sustainable and sensible school buses manufactured in the U.S. to school districts who are depending on them to provide a safe, healthy means of transportation for 25 million kids per day.”

Delivery of the West Virginia-manufactured school buses under the EPA grant was paused for a few weeks as part of the freeze on spending implemented by the Trump Administration as the new EPA team evaluated program spending. “As a result of the cooperative work done by West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, our dealer was able to receive the Round 2 grant funding for the school buses and we were able to make these first deliveries almost immediately,” Riley continued. “Personally, I am pleased that GreenPower was able to work closely with the Senator to ensure the release of the grant funds, allowing us to build the school buses with an American workforce with appropriate oversight by the Trump Administration.”

Senator Capito, who serves as Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has discussed the need for administrative changes to the implementation of the balance of the CSBP with GreenPower and others in the school bus industry. Those changes include awarding of funds through a competitive system like the Round 2 West Virginia grant instead of a random luck-of-the-draw lottery system. “The Round 2 West Virginia grant represents the intent Congress had when it created the CSBP. It is a well thought out approach that involved multiple school districts and school boards, the school bus OEM, infrastructure providers, utilities, parents and others in the planning,” Riley continued. “When this type of approach is followed, and awards are based on merits and quantifiable results, the most effective use of taxpayer dollars is achieved.”

Over the next few weeks additional GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses will be delivered under the Round 2 grant, proceeding toward full deployment of the 50 BEAST and Type A all-electric Nano BEAST school buses awarded to the schools. Grant County Public Schools, who are currently building out their charging infrastructure under the Round 2 grant with Highland Electric Fleets, will be the next district to receive their buses.

As the leading purpose-built American manufacturer of EV school buses, GreenPower is the only all-electric OEM that manufactures both a Class 4 Type A school bus and a Class 8 Type D school bus. The BEAST is a purpose-built 40-foot Type D all-electric, zero-emission school bus with seating for up to 90 students. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it is a fully integrated structure that features a strong and corrosion resistant aluminum body made from extruded aluminum, manufactured by Constellium, seamlessly mated to a high strength steel Truss (bus) chassis. The complete flat floor design allows for adjustable track seating with no wheel wells in the passenger compartment, and the high floor keeps students out of the impact zone. Combined port charging is standard with Level 2 rates up to 19.2 kW and DC Fast Charging rates up to 85 kW, allowing for full charging in less than three hours.

The School Transportation News award-winning Nano BEAST has a standard 118 kWh battery pack and a range of up to 140 miles. Configured for up to 24 passengers, it features a seamlessly integrated aluminum body made from extruded aluminum manufactured by Constellium. The Nano BEAST is built on the EV Star Cab & Chassis which is the same platform as the EV Star Passenger Van that passed the FTA Altoona Bus Testing program with one of the highest scores ever achieved. The dual port charging is standard, with Level 2 rates up to 19.2 kW and DC Fast Charging rates up to 60 kW.

About GreenPower Motor Company, Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo vans and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

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RICHMOND, Va. — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has hired Joel Stutheit as senior manager of business development for its on-road market portfolio.

In his new role, Stutheit will be responsible for growing propane autogas market share for on-highway light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. He will be focused on the implementation of strategic market plans that support research and development of innovative technologies, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, as well as new market expansion opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Joel to the team and we’re looking forward to him making a big impact for our mission,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “Not only does Joel bring invaluable expertise to our organization, but he also has first-hand experience adopting propane autogas and knows what fleet managers are looking for when evaluating alternative fuels.” Prior to joining PERC, Stutheit spent over 20 years in the education sector, serving in assistant principal roles at several schools and then as director of Bethel School District in Spanaway, Washington. As director, Stutheit led a variety of projects and operations, including overseeing an $18 million annual budget. He established the district’s propane autogas school bus program, procuring $2.5 million of buses yearly with the assistance of grants he helped secure. The program earned statewide recognition for its cost savings and progress toward clean energy goals. Stutheit holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Washington University as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Heritage University.

About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com

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CHARLOTTE, NC,- Child Safety Network Joins Forces with School Bus Industry Leaders at STN EXPO East.

March 20-25, 2024 The Child Safety Network (CSN) is thrilled to connect with top industry leaders at STN EXPO East, the premier event dedicated to advancing student transportation safety. This year’s conference will feature cutting-edge technology, best practices, and critical discussions on business management, maintenance, and security. Attendees can also participate in the Green Bus & Technology Summits, exploring innovations in sustainable student transport.

CSN proudly supports School Transportation News (STN) www.STNonline.com as a leading resource for industry trends. CSN advisor Tony Corpin, President & Publisher of STN Media Group, has been instrumental in shaping the publication’s impact. In 2021, CSN presented Corpin with the National Child Safety Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to CSN and school transportation safety—an honor that included a flag being flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and his name entered into the Congressional Record.

After more than a decade attending STN EXPOs, I’ve seen first hand how STN EXPO’s equip professionals with the tools and connections to create meaningful change for millions of students,” said Ward Leber, CSN Founder & Chairman.

CSN urges partners and sponsors to engage with STN’s impactful initiatives, including:

STN Webinar Series – Exploring innovation & technology in student transportation.
School Transportation Nation Podcast – Hosted by Tony Corpin & Ryan Gray, delivering expert insights.

For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact Tony Corpin directly. Join us in shaping the future of student transportation safety!

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – First Student, the leader in student transportation and electrification, today announced the deployment of 16 electric school buses in partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools. This deployment, made possible through funding from the first round of the US EPA Clean School Bus Program, marks an important milestone in the shared commitment to provide safe, reliable and innovative transportation solutions for students. By embracing innovation and investing in the future, First Student and Pittsburgh Public Schools are setting a new standard for student transportation, one that prioritizes progress, sustainability and the well-being of every student served.

The Pittsburgh Public School District is the largest in Allegheny County and second largest in Pennsylvania, serving nearly 20,000 students daily. Starting immediately, the district’s new electric school buses are delivering a cleaner, quieter and safer ride while protecting student health and improving their daily transportation experience. With their quiet operation, electric school buses also reduce noise pollution, creating a calmer and more focused start to the school day.

“Partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools to deploy these electric school buses is a big step forward in reducing emissions and prioritizing student health and safety,” said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. “With nearly 450 electric school buses in our fleet and nearly six million electric miles driven, we are not just transporting students to school; we’re setting the highest standard by helping build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for the Pittsburgh community. Every child deserves a safe, welcoming and trusted environment on their way to and from school, and that starts with us.”

In addition to improving student health, electric school buses are also a smart financial investment for school districts. With fewer moving parts than diesel buses, they require less maintenance and fewer repairs, saving districts money in the long term. By cutting fuel and maintenance costs, Pittsburgh Public Schools can redirect savings toward what matters most: educational programs, classroom resources and student enrichment.

“Every day, thousands of students in the City of Pittsburgh rely on school buses to get to and from school,” said Dr. Wayne N. Walters, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools. “The addition of electric buses, allow us to take an important step toward a cleaner, quieter and safer ride, protecting student health and enhancing their daily experience.”

Today’s celebration also featured a ride-along in an electric school bus provided by First Student. Attendees at the event included Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak, Pittsburgh School Board President Gene Walker, Representative Summer Lee (PA-12), DaVonn Brown, Community Engagement Coordinator and Constituent Services Manager from the Office of District 8, as well as representatives from Moms Clean Air Force and Duquesne Light Company.

About First Student:
As North America’s leading school transportation solutions provider, First Student provides unmatched care and the safest ride to school to 5.5 million students daily. With a team of highly trained drivers, the company will complete 1 billion student trips during the 2024-25 school year. First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance, and charter services. Its fleet includes about 45,000 buses.

The post First Student and Pittsburgh Public Schools Roll Out 16 New Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, has implemented its innovative Camera Solution within 55 school districts across 12 states since the system’s recent launch in September 2024. This nationwide rollout in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas underscores the continued demand for advanced safety technology in the student transportation industry.

The EverDriven Camera Solution securely stores high-resolution recordings for 30 days, providing extended access to both audio and high-resolution video. Capturing footage from inside the vehicle as well as exterior dashboard views of its surroundings, this solution offers a comprehensive record of each trip. All recordings are password-protected, encrypted, and accessible only to authorized personnel, ensuring maximum data protection, confidentiality, and secure review of footage while upholding student privacy.

“As a district that values student safety above all, the EverDriven Camera Solution is a game-changer for us. It ensures the safety and accountability of every ride,” said Trace Tolby, Student Transportation Director at Gilbert Public Schools in Arizona. “The transparency it provides has strengthened our relationship with EverDriven and they’ll be transporting more students for us as a result.”

The EverDriven Camera Solution is a key component of the company’s suite of cutting-edge technology tools designed to increase transparency for all stakeholders. Together, the EverDriven Camera Solution, the VIP app for parents and school staff, and the innovative District Portal solidify EverDriven’s commitment to advancing visibility in student transportation.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do at EverDriven,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Since we launched the Camera Solution six months ago, we’ve quickly introduced this technology to districts around the country, setting a new standard for accountability in our industry. The demand underscores the critical need for advanced monitoring solutions, and as the largest Alternative Student Transportation company in the U.S. with operations in 34 states, we are committed to continually raising the bar because all students deserve a safe, secure, and reliable ride to school.”

Beyond the EverDriven Camera Solution, EverDriven prioritizes transparency to provide parents, guardians, and school staff with industry-leading visibility. The VIP app delivers driver information, estimated arrival times, and real-time trip updates through GPS technology. To protect sensitive student data, staff access is geofenced to school grounds, ensuring security while streamlining the pick-up and drop-off process.

EverDriven also provides school districts with a seamless way to manage student transportation through its innovative District Portal. Districts can conveniently request transportation, specifying schedules, pick-up and drop-off locations, and required safety equipment—all tailored to meet individual needs. This centralized platform simplifies operations and improves transparency, giving districts greater control and visibility over their transportation services.

To learn more about EverDriven and the technology solutions it provides to districts, parents/guardians, and school staff, visit https://www.everdriven.com/technology/.

About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 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, reducing 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 www.everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Rolls Out Camera Solution to 55 School Districts Across the U.S. appeared first on School Transportation News.

IRVINE, Calif., – CalAmp (Nasdaq: CAMP), a global technology leader in telematics and fleet intelligence, is excited to announce its participation in the STN East Conference on March 24, 2025. The CalAmp Synovia team will be stationed at Booth 108, where they will connect with student transportation professionals and share insights on the latest trends shaping the industry.

With over 1,000 school districts in the US and Canada relying on CalAmp’s cutting-edge solutions, the company continues to lead the way in GPS tracking, fleet optimization, and student safety. Attendees visiting Booth 108 will have the opportunity to engage with friendly and knowledgeable CalAmp Synovia experts who can provide valuable insights into the future of student transportation technology.

“We’re thrilled to be at STN East, engaging with transportation leaders who are passionate about making student travel safer and more efficient,” said Mark Gaydos, General Manager of Student Safety at CalAmp. “Our goal is to empower school districts with real-time data and actionable intelligence to optimize their fleets, improve student safety, and enhance operational efficiency.”

STN East is a premier event for student transportation professionals, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss challenges, innovations, and best practices in the industry. Visit CalAmp Synovia at Booth 108 to learn how their proven solutions are helping school districts across the country enhance efficiency, ensure student safety, and streamline operations.

For more information about CalAmp and its student transportation solutions, visit www.calamp.com.

About CalAmp:
CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.

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JACKSONVILLE, Flo. – Pat King, school bus driver for Durham School Services, has been recognized as a heroine for performing life-saving CPR on her fellow bus monitor during a sudden medical emergency. Pat performed CPR for approximately 20 minutes while waiting for medical staff to arrive, and it was thanks to her quick thinking and CPR training that her fellow bus monitor and friend is recovering. As a result of her heroic actions, Pat received the “Frontline Hero Award” from Durham School Services and was also recognized and interviewed by local media.

“That’s the first thing I saw, it was that dummy that we have to do the training on,” said Pat King during an interview with local news media outlet, Action News JAX. “Her chest wasn’t moving. I listened for her heartbeat, heard nothing. She’s my friend, you know. She wasn’t breathing. I had to do something. I couldn’t just let her lay there.

All Durham School Services school bus drivers are required to participate in various safety trainings, and specifically in the state of Florida, take courses to obtain five safety certifications. The certificates include CPR/ First Aid, Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse, Seizure Training, Human Trafficking Training, and Florida Mandated Reporter Course Training. Team members are re-certified for CPR Training every two years.

“We are glad Pat is getting the recognition she very much deserves. She is a hero, and we were extremely proud to present her with an award and witness her gain further recognition from the community for her life-saving actions,” said Brad Kerrigan, Area General Manager, Durham School Services. “Instances like these prove the importance and need for safety trainings such as CPR/First Aid and further demonstrates our Company’s commitment to safety.”

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.

The post Durham School Services Bus Driver Pat King Recognized for Saving Life of Fellow Bus Monitor appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care, today announced four new safety initiatives designed to further enhance the company’s commitment to safe, reliable student transportation.

Following the recently released sixth annual Safety Report, which highlighted that 99.7% of rides in 2024 were completed without a safety-related concern, HopSkipDrive is introducing new measures to improve critical aspects of student transportation safety.

“These innovations reflect our data-driven approach in continuously improving the student transportation experience from end-to-end,” said Jen Brandenburger, SVP of Safety at HopSkipDrive. “Each initiative addresses a specific aspect of our platform, but together they represent our holistic approach to safety and our commitment to relentlessly raising the bar.”

The four new safety initiatives include:

1. CareDriver Trends – Recently launched, this significant update to CareDriver ride insights replaces previous weekly Success Cards with comprehensive metrics on cancellations, on-time arrivals, missed check-ins, telematics scores, and more – all accessible whenever CareDrivers need them, directly within the app. Located in a new dashboard, CareDriver Trends consolidates safety and experience indicators into an easy-to-understand trends rating, helping CareDrivers further improve their safety and receive actionable insights into their driving behavior.

2. Improved Must be Met Process – For rides where a responsible adult must be present at drop-off, HopSkipDrive is introducing a significant update that will introduce more structured protocols and bring greater clarity and consistency for parents, school staff, and CareDrivers. Ride Organizers will be able to define authorized individual groups and select specific verification requirements, while simplified protocol options for both Ride Organizers and authorized responsible adults at drop-off (meet at car, meet at door, meet inside) will appear in the Ride Organizer and CareDriver apps.

3. Customized Trauma-Informed Training with The National Organization for Victim Assistance – This new partnership with NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) will implement specialized trauma-informed training for Trust & Safety and Safe Ride Support teams. With over 45 years of experience, NOVA stands as the nation’s longest-serving victim assistance organization, bringing unparalleled expertise in compassionate care and support to help further strengthen HopSkipDrive’s ability to better serve students with diverse needs. This new training will be implemented later this year.

4. Dedicated Rider Support Line – Recently launched as a pilot program in the Bay Area, this feature provides riders with direct access to the Safe Ride Support team through a text message sent before each ride, containing a phone number they can call if needed. Riders can connect directly with a member of the team who can provide immediate assistance, offer guidance during their ride, or help resolve any issues that may arise. This pilot will expand to additional markets throughout the course of the year.

At the heart of these initiatives lies a fundamental belief that innovation in safety isn’t just about metrics, it’s about unlocking educational access and opportunity. With each new feature, program, and protocol enhancement, HopSkipDrive strengthens the bridge connecting students to their potential. These improvements build upon the company’s 50+ existing safety products and features, reflecting the reality that reliable transportation is foundational to ensuring students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve. As HopSkipDrive continues evolving its safety framework, the mission remains clear: to create opportunity for all through mobility.

About HopSkipDrive:
HopSkipDrive is a technology company that solves complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care. HopSkipDrive is modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through two core solutions: a care-centered transportation marketplace and industry-leading routing software, RouteWise AI. HopSkipDrive’s marketplace supplements school buses and existing transportation options by connecting kids to highly vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities. RouteWise AI helps schools and districts address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive has supported over 10,000 schools across 17 states, with over 600 school district partners. More than five million rides over 95 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

The post HopSkipDrive Announces Four New Safety Initiatives to Improve Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

JOLIET, Ill., – After more than 25 years of delivering reliable and innovative communication solutions, A Beep, LLC is excited to announce its official rebranding as Diga-Talk Solutions. This transformation marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, nationwide two-way digital communication services and solutions for an ever-changing horizon in two-way communication and beyond.

Diga-Talk Solutions will serve as the umbrella brand for all Diga-Talk+ and School-Radio products and services, integrating its renowned customer support with an expanded suite of offerings tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

“We are excited to introduce Diga-Talk Solutions as the next step in our company’s journey,” said Michael Ippolito, COO of Diga-Talk Solutions. “This rebranding represents our dedication to advancing communication technology while maintaining the exceptional service and reliability our customers trust.”

Enhanced Capabilities for the Future

With this rebrand, Diga-Talk Solutions introduces a broader range of communication services, including:

Turnkey PoC Solutions – Fully integrated Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) systems.
Standalone PoC Servers – Custom server solutions for independent communication networks.
Multi-Carrier SIMs for PoC – Seamless connectivity across multiple networks.
AI Voice Analytics with VoiceBrain – Intelligent voice analysis for improved efficiency.
Over-the-Top App Support – Enhanced functionality for select communication devices.
Interoperability – Greater compatibility with existing systems.

Meet Us at IWCE 2025

Diga-Talk Solutions is excited to showcase its latest innovations at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Las Vegas, March 19-20, 2025. Attendees can visit Booth #247 to experience firsthand how Diga-Talk Solutions is redefining digital communications with its advanced PoC technology, AI-powered analytics, and seamless nationwide connectivity. Industry professionals are encouraged to stop by and explore how these solutions can enhance their communication strategies.

Diga-Talk Solutions remains committed to delivering superior digital communication solutions to businesses across industries. This rebranding reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach and ongoing mission to keep teams connected, no matter where they operate.

For more information about Diga-Talk Solutions and its enhanced services, visit www.digatalksolutions.com.

About Diga-Talk Solutions
Founded in 1996 as A Beep, LLC, the company has grown into a leader in digital two-way communications. Since 2017, its Diga-Talk Plus brand has provided advanced Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solutions, helping businesses streamline communication with nationwide coverage. Now, as Diga-Talk Solutions, the company continues to innovate, offering next-generation communication tools designed for reliability, efficiency, and nationwide connectivity.

The post Diga-Talk Solutions: A New Era of Innovation and Communication appeared first on School Transportation News.

RICHMOND, Va. — The 2025 Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SEPSTC) will be held jointly with the Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation (VAPT) at the Marriott Richmond during the week of July 7-11, 2025. A half-day trade show will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center the morning of Thursday, July 10.

A highlight of the conference will be an off-site school bus fire training exercise to be held at the Richmond City Fire Training Academy. According to VAPT president Darrin Wills, “Safe evacuation simulations aim to minimize panic during an emergency and we are pleased with the partnerships that will allow us to bring this important demonstration to
SESPTC and VAPT conference attendees.”

Other important program elements include a TSA Cybersecurity Exercise, two NAPT professional development courses and more. SESPTC president Kevin Harrison expressed appreciation for the collaboration with VAPT.

“SESPTC is excited to be partnering with VAPT this year to provide this opportunity for pupil transportation staff from across the Southeastern States to gather and learn from each other. VAPT has a wonderful team that is focused on providing superior educational opportunities to attendees from not only Virginia, but the other 13 Southeastern States as well.”

Founded in 1951, the SESPTC is the oldest regional pupil transportation conference in the nation. Pupil transportation professionals from school districts in the southeastern states, and from school bus operators providing transportation to those school districts, are invited to attend.

Registration is now open at www.sesptc.com.

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Are you ready to transform your school transportation system? In “From Chaos to Control: Simplifying School Transportation with a Unified Software Solution,” presented by Busology Tech in collaboration with School Transportation News, we delve into how a single, integrated platform can tackle today’s most pressing challenges — from driver shortages and budget constraints to safety concerns and inefficient routing. Discover how unifying these key functions not only streamlines your operations but also creates a more secure and responsive transportation network.

This webinar is designed specifically for transportation directors and school district administrators who often wear multiple hats. Learn how a unified, innovative platform can help consolidate essential tasks like routing, scheduling, safety management, optimization, and parent communication while simultaneously meeting the rising pressures of demanding parental expectations and different student requirements. With actionable strategies and real-world insights from our customers, you will learn how to overcome the challenges that have traditionally held back K-12 school transportation efficiency and safety — helping you move from fragmentation to complete control.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and transform the way your school district handles K-12 student transportation. Plus, we are presenting an exclusive, exciting opportunity at the webinar—something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Sign up for our webinar and discover how turning chaos into control is not just a dream — it’s a practical, achievable reality with one powerful, unified software solution.

Brought to you by Busology Tech

RGEISTER BELOW:

 

Featuring:

Robert Young
Director of Transportation
Thomas County School District

With over 25 years in the industry, Robert Young leads the transportation department at Thomas County Schools, ensuring students travel safely and efficiently across the district. He oversees fleet operations, route planning, driver training, and regulatory compliance while driving innovation and cost-effective solutions.

Committed to excellence, safety, and efficiency, Young leads a dedicated team and collaborates with school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to keep transportation running smoothly. He also plays a key role in emergency preparedness, staff training, and integrating technology to optimize routes and communication. Young is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment while prioritizing student safety and service excellence.

Busology Tech Speaker Bios:

Abu Batasi

Our Director of Sales and Marketing has a substantial experience of over 15 years and specializes in helping clients leverage technology to solve complex challenges. He has extensive expertise in leading sales and marketing teams, creating informative content for buyers, and using consultative selling to drive real outcomes. At Busology Tech, Batasi leads the sales and marketing team, connecting with K-12 schools across North America to deliver impactful solutions.

Here’s a fun fact about Batasi: During the pandemic, he put his storytelling skills to the test and wrote a screenplay!

Melissa Beveridge

Our Director of Client Services has extensive experience in SaaS deployment, training, and support. Beveridge excels in continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, and workflow management, particularly in the automotive and transportation industries. A workflow leader of the year awardee, she leads Busology Tech’s client services team, driving innovation and excellence.

Here’s a fun fact about Beveridge: She tied the knot in a shopping mall.

Diego Crespo

Diego Crespo brings a wealth of experience from multiple startups and digital businesses, with over five years in B2E SaaS sales, product development, and implementation. He specializes in growing, consolidating, and leading multidisciplinary teams, establishing solid processes, and leveraging work management systems to drive efficiency. As Busology Tech’s Director of Onboard Technology, Crespo is dedicated to delivering seamless technology solutions for student transportation.

Here’s a fun fact about Crespo: He manages his own four-paw workforce — he has four dogs!

The post (Free Webinar) From Chaos to Control: Simplifying School Transportation with a Unified Software Solution appeared first on School Transportation News.

LISLE, Ill. – International Motors, LLC (International) and IC Bus, LLC (IC Bus) are proud to announce that First Light Illuminated School Bus Signs (ISBS) and Fully Illuminated Stop Arms (FISA) are now standard on the Next Generational IC Bus Electric CE Series School Buses.

Effective immediately, the ISBS and FISA options are available for factory install on all IC Bus school bus models currently on order and will be standard on all new Electric CE Series school bus orders moving forward. That standard position will expand to internal combustion engine CE Series unit orders in August 2025.

These First Light products provide uncompromised visibility, assisting IC Bus in its efforts to offer innovative features that lead to safer bus stops. Adding these First Light products to the existing standard safety systems and technologies provides another valuable tool for customers who own and operate IC Bus vehicles throughout North America.

“Safely transporting the children of our communities is a responsibility that IC Bus takes incredibly seriously. When IC Bus introduced the Next Generation of the CE Series in July 2023, it was clear that safety was our number one priority,” said Charles Chilton, Vice President and General Manager of IC Bus. “The improved driver visibility and dash-integrated safety systems were just a step in the journey. Making these First Light products standard equipment was a natural progression, considering their visibility impacts.”

First Light’s ISBS and FISA products have proven to greatly reduce stop arm violations by enhancing motorists’ recognition and reaction times as they approach a stopped school bus. Both the ISBS and FISA are visible beyond 1,000 feet and readable beyond 300 feet, giving oncoming motorists additional visibility and time to stop appropriately.

About International:
Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International trucks and engines and IC Bus school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit www.International.com.

*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA LLC in Illinois, Ohio, and Utah.

The post IC Bus’ Next Generation CE Series Standardizes Next Generation Illumination appeared first on School Transportation News.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses, a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, has fully transitioned its Type D product line to its state-of-the-art Saf-T-Liner Plant in Archdale, North Carolina. The introduction of the Saf-T-Liner EFX2 marks the final chapter in this evolution, bringing next-generation innovation, manufacturing efficiencies and enhanced durability to the Type D bus segment.

“This launch represents the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one,” says T.J. Reed, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “With the EFX2, we are delivering a bus designed with modern advancements in safety and reliability, while leveraging the precision and efficiency of our most advanced manufacturing facility. This is the next step forward in our commitment to delivering best-in-class Type D school buses.”

The Saf-T-Liner EFX2 follows the success of the HDX2, integrating key innovations inspired by the industry-leading Saf-T-Liner C2. The move to the newly renamed Saf-T-Liner facility enables production efficiencies, greater quality control and a streamlined supply chain ensuring a more consistent and durable product for school districts nationwide.

Key features of the Saf-T-Liner EFX2:

New exterior design: The EFX2 adopts the C2-style aesthetic with its updated front and rear roof caps.

Enhanced durability and safety: Built with Saf-T-Net construction, the EFX2 integrates advanced adhesives and mechanical fasteners for increased strength. Robotic paint application and in-line body undercoating further improve longevity and corrosion protection.

Optimized production for faster cycle times: The Saf-T-Liner plant transition allows for greater production flexibility, ensuring faster customer cycle times.

Simplified maintenance and service: Designed with fleet efficiency in mind, the EFX2 incorporates common parts with the C2 to streamline maintenance and reduce service complexity.

Proven performance: The EFX2 is powered by a 6.7L Cummins engine that starts at 200 HP, paired with an Allison 2500PTS transmission, ensuring dependable performance. Additional customization options include air disc or heavy-duty air drum brakes and an optional 106K BTU air conditioning system.

Orders for the EFX2 are now open. Limited production will begin in the second quarter of 2025, with full-scale production expected in the latter half of the year.

Building excitement ahead of STN Expo East:
As part of the ongoing celebration of this milestone, Thomas Built Buses is offering an exclusive STN Expo East plant tour. Attendees will gain an insider’s view of the Saf-T-Liner production facility where the EFX2 and HDX2 are built. For more information on the conference or to register for the Saf-T-Liner plant tour, visit here.

For more information on the Saf-T-Liner EFX2 or to place an order, contact your local Thomas Built dealer.

About Thomas Built Buses:
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at thomasbuiltbuses.com or at facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

The post Thomas Built Buses Completes Type D Transition With Launch of New Saf-T-Liner EFX2 appeared first on School Transportation News.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -Transit Technologies, a leading provider of powerful, seamless transit solutions, has officially acquired busHIVE, a renowned transportation management software provider. busHIVE offers a suite of customizable solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency for school bus contractors, school districts, and motorcoach operators. Their platform addresses critical aspects of transportation management, including:

Trip and Charter Management: Streamlining the scheduling and dispatching of trips and charters, allowing for efficient resource allocation, billing and payroll. Personnel and Driver Compliance: Monitoring and managing driver qualifications, certifications, and compliance requirements to ensure safety and regulatory adherence. Vehicle Preventative Maintenance: Providing tools for scheduling and tracking maintenance activities, inventory management, and work order generation to prolong vehicle lifespan and reduce downtime.

busHIVE’s flexible and user-friendly software has been instrumental in assisting transportation operations to effectively organize workflows, reduce manual processes, and enhance data accessibility. Their commitment to innovation and client collaboration has positioned them as a trusted partner in the transportation industry.

Gerry Leonard, CEO of Transit Technologies, emphasized the significance of this acquisition:

“This is more than a strategic expansion; it’s a leap towards a future where transit is more efficient, reliable, and inclusive. By integrating busHIVE’s advanced platform, we are not just streamlining operations; we’re setting new benchmarks for what transit systems can achieve. We are very excited about the significant value busHIVE will add to Transit Technologies’ already robust technology platform serving the K-12 market today, and is a perfect complement to our acquisition of Chicago-based ByteCurve in August of 2024.”

The synergy between Transit Technologies’ mission to revolutionize mobility for all and busHIVE’s transportation management solution creates a robust platform that enhances operational efficiency and meets the evolving demands of modern student transportation.

About Transit Technologies:‍
Transit Technologies is the leading provider of powerful, seamless transit solutions, creating a more connected and accessible world for all. The company’s mission is to ultimately build a network of innovative transportation solutions that provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit, to mobilize organizations and enrich communities. With deep expertise and a comprehensive network of transit solutions, Transit Technologies meets any mobility need, reducing costs, maximizing service delivery, and ensuring safe and efficient community movement.

About busHIVE:
busHIVE is a leading transportation management software company specializing in trip and charter management, personnel compliance, and vehicle preventative maintenance. Their customizable solutions cater to school bus contractors, school districts, and motorcoach operators, enabling clients to streamline operations, ensure safety compliance, and maintain efficient fleet management. With a focus on innovation and client collaboration, busHIVE continues to drive advancements in transportation technology.

The post Transit Technologies Announces Strategic Acquisition to Integrate Cutting-Edge Trip and Charter Management Capabilities Into Its Market-Leading K-12 Solutions appeared first on School Transportation News.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Today global power and technology leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced an update to the legendary B-Series engine platform, unveiling the new Cummins B7.2 diesel engine at NTEA Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, IN.

“Our B engine is a legend known around the world. We are proud to unveil the newest version, the B7.2 diesel engine, right here in our backyard,” said Brett Merritt, Vice President and President – Engine Business.

“The B7.2 brings the latest technology and advancements to one of our most proven platforms. Combined with the rest of our medium-duty lineup, our customers will have the right engine choices to fit their business needs, with the power and dependability they have come to expect from Cummins.”

The B7.2 diesel is the next engine in the B series Cummins HELM platform, following the B6.7 Octane engine, and will bring state-of-the-art technology and continue to serve a variety of medium-duty and vocational applications, including bus, pickup & delivery, utility trucks, refuse, towing, and more.

The new engine will feature a slightly higher displacement, increasing to 7.2L, and is designed to be a global platform which allows customers to ensure their vehicles are ready for what’s to come, without sacrificing performance or durability. A higher displacement also allows for a wider range of torque offerings, creating flexibility for different applications and duty cycles. “Our customers have used the B-Series engine for more than 40 years and rely on it every day to meet their needs,” said Jose Samperio, Vice President – North America On-Highway. “It was important that we offer the reliability and performance that they have come to expect, while also creating an engine that is built to last for the future.”

The B7.2 will improve unrestricted top-end performance ratings, providing 240 to 340 hp and 650 to 1,000 lb.-ft of torque. Additionally, the new engine will be automatic engine shutdown and stop-start capable for improved greenhouse gas emissions and will offer a compression release engine brake and extended oil drain interval pan option.

It will also be equipped with Cummins’ full suite of digital technologies, which help enhance performance, maximize uptime and reduce total cost of ownership. The B7.2 provides digital connectivity and immediate access to a range of applications and capabilities through Acumen, Cummins’ smart computing hardware, and OEM first-fit solutions. Customers can utilize digital tools that enhance driver experience, including predictive capabilities (prognostics) and advanced over-the-air features. B7.2 is also Cummins Maintenance Monitor capable, reducing shop visits and minimizing cost of operation.

The B7.2 engine will be manufactured at Rocky Mount Engine Plant in North Carolina and will go into full production in North America starting in 2027. Find out more about the B7.2 and Cummins’ other mid-range line-up this week at NTEA Work Truck Week from March 5 to 7 in the Cummins Booth (#763) at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems, and Accelera by Cummins  supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including after treatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 76,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is leading the world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

The post Cummins Unveils B7.2 Diesel Engine for Medium-duty Applications Part of the B series Cummins HELM™ platform appeared first on School Transportation News.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With the latest announcement of $33 million in awards, California’s Clean Mobility Options Voucher Program (CMO) has invested more than $66 million in under-resourced communities and tribes to address mobility gaps and reduce air pollution.

The CMO program addresses two major problems in California: air pollution and the lack of clean transportation options for low-income or disadvantaged communities. Projects funded by the program must directly benefit residents of a low-income community or a disadvantaged community.

“For many awardees, this will be a first-of-its-kind mobility project to be funded and launched in their community,” said California Air Resources Board Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliff. “Clean Mobility Options was designed around the belief that these communities should receive the highest sustained investments toward safe, efficient, affordable, reliable, and clean transportation options that connect them to the places they need to thrive.”

Tackling transportation emissions is important to achieving California’s air quality targets, especially for low-income Californians that disproportionately live on the frontlines of sources of pollution. The funds tackle emissions reductions while also increasing access to cleaner transportation options for underserved communities.

“California is taking a holistic approach to helping communities access equitable, accessible clean transportation options,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the California Energy Commission’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “Community-based transportation equity projects like CMO are meeting community transportation needs as seen and interpreted by those who live there.”

The Mobility Project Voucher provides communities the funding and project support needed to launch a clean, shared mobility project to address their unique transportation challenges. Supported modes of transportation include:

On-demand shuttles, vans, and buses
Traditional fixed route transit services – like school buses
Bikesharing and scooter-sharing
Carpooling and vanpooling
Electric carsharing
On-demand rideshare services – similar to those provided by Uber or Lyft

Latest Awards:
In this latest funding round, the CMO program announced $33 million in new funds for California nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments:

$12.5 million for new, general funding recipients
$3 million for eligible tribal governments
$7.5 million for first-round Community Transportation Needs Assessment (CTNA) awardees
$10 million set aside for first-round Mobility Project Vouchers

To learn more about the funded projects, visit the 2023 Mobility Project Voucher Awardees and Applicants.

The response to the second voucher application round shows a strong demand and need for this funding. While only 17 new communities received funds this round, 85 applicants requested as much as $1.5 million each.

CARB also recently announced awards of over $42 million to Clean Mobility in Schools (CMIS) and the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) to support community-led projects in disadvantaged and low-income communities in California. See the full press release. CMO, CMIS, and STEP are part of CARB’s Sustainable Community-Based Transportation Equity Projects.

About California Climate Investments
CMO is funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in underserved communities.

About Clean Mobility Options:
CMO is designed to fill transportation gaps in under-resourced regions and cut climate and air pollution. The program provides the funding, resources and support to local communities so they can lead in developing their unique mobility solutions that are cleaner, more affordable, and more accessible than what’s currently available.

In addition to providing Mobility Project Voucher funding the program also offers community transportation needs assessment vouchers for communities to analyze their transportation system and to identify the specific needs of residents. The program also features extensive technical support starting from the application process and extending through project launch and beyond. Each project is assigned a dedicated technical assistance team member to address challenges, provide guidance, and offer ongoing support.

About CEC’s Clean Transportation Program:
CMO is also funded by California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Clean Transportation Program. CEC’s Clean Transportation Program is investing more than $1 billion to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation infrastructure and support in-state manufacturing and workforce training and development.

The post $33 Million Awarded for Mobility Projects Such as Electric Vehicle Carsharing, Electric Bike-Sharing, and Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

WALL, N.J.– Diversified Transportation LTD, a member of the Student Transportation of America (STA) family of companies, is pleased to announce that the industry-leading transportation and fleet service organization has been awarded an industrial busing contract from Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corp, the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contractor for the construction of Thacker Pass Phase 1. Under the agreement, Diversified Transportation LTD will provide motorcoach transportation services to construction workers and staff, traveling from Winnemucca, Nev. to Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass development and construction project in rural northern Humboldt County, Nevada. Together, Lithium Americas and General Motors (GM) are part of a joint venture focused on bringing Thacker Pass to production to significantly improve the domestic output of critical lithium supply, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, create new jobs, and bring economic activity to northern Nevada.

“We are incredibly proud to expand Diversified Transportation’s footprint with entry into the United States. Through support of our STA of Nevada team and new local partners, we are fully committed to providing quality industrial busing services to Thacker Pass,” said Gene Kowalczewski, CEO of Student Transportation of America. “We are honored to be selected to provide transportation services for this critical project and look forward to forging a trusted partnership through our safe, reliable, and on-time services.”

Service began in February 2025 with the initial fleet consisting of two buses. At peak construction, more than 50 motorcoaches from Diversified Transportation’s industrial shuttle division will be used daily to support the commuting needs of more than 2,000 employees, skilled trade and construction workers, and staff. Bechtel is tasked with managing construction of the Thacker Pass processing facilities for the production of battery-quality lithium carbonate. Funded by the US Department of Energy under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program and General Motors, the project is expected to be a three-year build. Crews will regularly need to be transported from their accommodations in Winnemucca to the construction site, located more than 60 miles northwest.

“We’re excited to announce the launch of our new transportation service for our on-site workers, connecting Winnemucca to Thacker Pass. Service officially began on February 6, 2025, marking an important milestone in our commitment to supporting both our workforce and the local community,” said Richard Gerspacher, Lithium Americas Executive Vice President, Capital Projects. “The safety of our workers is of utmost importance and that was one of the reasons we chose Diversified, in addition to their invaluable experience and existing ties to Winnemucca. We are particularly proud that two Winnemucca residents have joined the team as bus drivers, further strengthening our local connections.”

“We understand the needs that come along with industrial busing and I’m proud to say that our Diversified Transportation team will be able to deliver a fully-managed transportation solution that includes regular fleet maintenance, optimized routing, driver recruitment and retention, day-to-day managerial oversight and more,” said Tim Lindsay, Executive Vice President, Canadian Business Group, STA. “Above all, our strongest asset continues to be our professionally-trained drivers who put safety first. Our drivers receive comprehensive training and many of them are already actively involved in the Winnemucca community so they understand what a critical role they will be playing in this project to build America’s largest lithium operation.”

Thacker Pass is the largest known Measured and Indicated lithium resource in North America.

Tapping into the expertise of its local partners, Diversified Transportation has also established a partnership with Western States Investments LLC and Schommer Construction to supply its on-site teams with additional parking, maintenance support, bus washing, and office space throughout the duration of the contract.

To learn more about Student Transportation of America, STA’s family of companies, and explore career opportunities, please visit www.ridesta.com.

The post Diversified Transportation Awarded Industrial Busing Contract Supporting Commute for Construction Teams to Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass Site appeared first on School Transportation News.

Weld County RE-3J School District in Colorado has been actively enhancing their transportation services to ensure safety, efficiency and reliability for their students. A significant aspect of this improvement involves the adoption of advanced routing and transportation management solutions provided by Transfinder, the leader in the industry.

Implementing Advanced Routing Solutions

Leading the effort is Nate Forbes, the transportation supervisor who has been with the district five years, following 16 years as a dispatch supervisor at UPS. Forbes, who’d worked overnights at UPS, made the move to school transportation so he could spend more time with his children.

Weld County RE-3J is one of the largest school districts in the state geographically, located in the largest county in the state, just 35 miles northeast of Denver. Transportation covers about 500 square miles and Forbes’ team transports 1,050 students on 14 large buses and three smaller buses.

Forbes’ move to school transportation was far from smooth.

“It was a mess of a department,” Forbes said. He wasn’t pleased with the transportation software the district was using.

At UPS, he was used to dispatching 75 drivers delivering 24,000 packages a day. When he logged into the product the Weld County district was using, it was sluggish.

“I couldn’t do it,” he said. “It was slow. The technology just wasn’t there. It took so long to zoom in on a map, to move a kid and route a kid or route that bus. I mean, it was taking me days to do what should have taken 10 to 15 minutes.”

That set him on his own journey about two years ago to find something better. He watched webinars, did some trainings, heard sales pitches, spoke with others in the industry. In total, he looked at five different companies and their products.

When he saw Transfinder’s award-winning Routefinder PLUS technology in action. One demonstration showed all the functions he was trying to do with his legacy product but couldn’t.

“You could grab a group of kids in a geographical area and it automatically routed them. You weren’t having to pick each individual student,” he said. “It was, in my opinion, very, very user friendly.”

The pieces of the puzzle then began to come together.

Standout

Asked what made Transfinder stand out from the pack, Forbes talked about the Transfinder sales team that was also “user” friendly. He didn’t feel the pressure that other companies he was dealing with were applying by overloading his inbox.

“I get turned off by that,” he said. And what Transfinder was providing was better than what he was seeing. After speaking to colleagues in the industry, reading online reviews and watching videos, it became apparent that Transfinder’s advanced routing technology was significantly better than the others.

“Just looking at map routing students, it’s just super easy,” he said. “I had a driver come in on a Wednesday and tell me that his last day was on Thursday. I cut out the route and moved those kids around and made sure parents were communicated with.” He was out of town and checked in with his team who confirmed things went smoothly.

Last year, when he hired a new secretary, Ashley Diller, he found himself out of the office during her first two weeks on the job. He encouraged Diller to look at the Transfinder Community site, to look at Routefinder 101. Between the great DIY tools in Community and the intuitiveness of PLUS, Forbes said she picked it up very quickly and could be a backup router when he wasn’t available.

The Need for Responsiveness

After turning to Routefinder PLUS, Forbes set his sights on Transfinder’s other award-winning solutions, the driver app Wayfinder and parent app Stopfinder.

“I just got everything I could get,” he said.

His previous experience with a different vendor was not so positive. “The customer service was horrible” at the district’s previous vendor, he said. On top of that, the product wasn’t reliable. Not helping things was the vendor’s constant employee turnover.

“I’d be talking to this guy and then two weeks later it’s this guy and it was just constant movement within their company. They weren’t very quick and responsive.”

He said in some cases it would take as many as eight business days before getting a call back from a previous vendor.

“When it’s a technical issue that’s too long,” he said.

Forbes said he needs responsiveness as he deals with challenges within the district. He said that, for a period of time, the district experienced dwindling enrollment but there are pockets in the district that are growing.

“That’s probably our biggest challenge,” he said.

When changing or consolidating routes, using Stopfinder to communicate with parents is extremely helpful and his staff loves the solution.

Stopfinder ‘Super Easy’ To Use

“They said, ‘This is super easy, especially with Stopfinder,’” he said, referring to informing parents of route changes. “We really have pushed that this year. They’re like, ‘This is super nice, seeing where the buses are at and getting the notifications.’”

The way to get more buy-in on the parent app was informing parents that they could find their student’s routing information through Stopfinder. He said the district constantly promoted this with parents in various communications.

“They would call the office and we would not give them their student riding information until they downloaded the app,” Forbes said. “We spent a lot of time on the phone and walking people though it. But in the long run it has made it so much better.” He estimates about 90 percent of parents are now using the app.

Forbes said Stopfinder has been a huge help keeping parents informed.

“We had a pretty big construction project that was supposed to be done in the middle of July and it didn’t wrap up until the end of September. Our buses were running late because there was no way to go,” Forbes said. “So I just sent out a quick notification saying we’re going to pick up 10 minutes early at magnet stops (subdivisions). I can see who’s reading it. I love that ability.”

He sent the notifications only to the families impacted by the construction rather than blasting to an entire route.

“Parents will tell you that they didn’t see anything and I can say, ‘You opened it at this time,’” Forbes said. “You opened it. If you didn’t read it, that’s on you.”

Parents are also good at providing feedback through the app, though sometimes, they tell him more than he needs to know.

“I think when I roll it out next year I’ll put a blurb in there saying you do not need to let me know little Johnny’s going to be out sick next Tuesday,’ Forbes said.

Viewfinder a time-saver

The district also has Viewfinder, which gives a customizable view of a district’s transportation operation. It also provides reader-only student ridership information to unlimited users, which district personnel can access to answer parent questions.

“I like it. We have a few of our secretaries who are very proficient in it and can go in and see what they need to see,” he said. “It’s saved quite a few phone calls on my end.”

Customer service

After dealing with subpar customer service from other vendors, Forbes has been amazed by the white-glove treatment he receives from Transfinder.

“The training was outstanding,” he said. “I was very, very surprised with the training. It was very, very good, very detailed. And when I had a question, even after the training, I could email the trainer and they were very responsive, very quickly.”

He said the trainer knew how to put him at ease at a stressful time planning for the new school year. He hit a “wrong” button and thought he lost two to three weeks’ worth of work just days before school starting.

“I had a moment where I thought I was going to cry. I’d panicked a little bit,” he said, laughing. “The trainer said, ‘Calm down. It’s archived.”

She brought up everything where they’d just left off. And when he has a question, he still gets responses quickly and Transfinder team members will hop on a call to walk him through something.

“My experience has been great,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s anything I would even suggest changing. It’s worked out well.”

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

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School bus transportation plays a crucial role in getting children to and from school safely every day. However, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this process requires more than just well-maintained buses and reliable routes.

Effective and streamlined communication between bus drivers, parents, school administrators, and transportation departments is essential for keeping a secure and efficient transportation system.

Here’s why communication is so critical and how it can be improved for the benefit of students, parents, and school communities.

Ensuring Safety

The safety of children is the top priority in school bus transportation. From the moment a child boards the bus until they safely arrive at school or home, clear communication is needed to address any potential issues that arise during the ride.

Real-Time Updates: Bus routes are sometimes subject to delays due to traffic, weather conditions, or mechanical issues. A streamlined communication system allows parents, school administrators, and transportation departments to be informed in real-time about delays or changes. By using communication tools such as two-way radios, apps, GPS systems, and automated messages, parents can track their child’s bus and adjust their schedule accordingly.

Emergency Communication: In case of accidents or emergencies, clear communication channels ensure that the right people are alerted quickly. Bus drivers can contact the school or emergency services, and parents can be notified at once to ensure a timely response.

Incident Reporting: A streamlined system enables prompt reporting of issues such as bullying, inappropriate behavior, or unsafe driving. When parents and school staff can easily communicate with the transportation team, it leads to faster resolutions and keeps the environment on the bus safe for everyone.

Improving Efficiency

School bus systems are large and complex, serving hundreds or even thousands of students each day. For this operation to run smoothly, it’s crucial to coordinate effectively between different parties.

Route Optimization: Communication allows transportation departments to adjust bus routes in real time based on factors like student attendance, road conditions, or changes in traffic patterns. This helps to prevent delays and ensures that buses are running on schedule.

Driver Support and Training: Streamlined communication ensures that bus drivers are well-informed about route changes, student needs, and any unique requirements for children (such as allergies or medical conditions). It also helps ensure that drivers receive continuous training updates and support from their supervisors, which improves overall service quality.

Preventing Overcrowding: With clear communication between transportation departments and schools, it’s easier to monitor bus capacity and adjust schedules accordingly. Overcrowded buses are a safety hazard, and by tracking attendance and bus usage, schools can prevent this issue and improve student comfort and safety.

Leveraging Technology for Better Communication

In today’s digital age, technology can play a huge role in improving communication in school bus transportation.

Automated Messaging Systems: Automated calls or text messages to parents can alert them of route changes, delays, or incidents involving their child’s bus. This minimizes confusion and ensures that parents are always in the loop.

Transportation Two-Way Radios Over Cellular, GPS and Tracking: With the ease of use of Push-to-Talk Over Cellular Radios (PoC), schools can check the progress of buses throughout the day, providing real-time data on location and estimated arrival times. This reduces the likelihood of missed pickups or drop-offs and improves overall time management for bus routes. School-Radio can do just that for school communication from transportation to administration.

Aaron Mannan Director of Project Management B&G Transportation, Inc. M&M Tours, Inc. says of their integration of the School-Radio PoC system: “Coming from a background in 9-1-1 communications to School Transportation, there are many differences, but the needs are very much just as important. We were frustrated with outdated aging radio equipment, and even worse, couldn’t find anyone to work on our system to keep us running. But then we were introduced to School Radio. Clarity is what they are all about. Our dispatch can handle communications from anywhere on the planet, our drivers are kept aware of safety sensitive information, and we know where our fleet is at all times”

Streamlined communication in school bus transportation is essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and overall success of the system. By using technology, improving parent-school relations, and enhancing real-time communication, school districts can create a safer and more efficient transportation environment for all students. The benefits of a well-coordinated transportation system extend beyond simply getting students from point A to point B—it helps build trust, ensures safety, and fosters a more connected school community.

By prioritizing communication at every step of the process, we can help keep our children safe and our school systems running smoothly. For more information on how School-Radio can optimize your communication, visit www.school-radio.com.

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

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This month’s issue dives into the collaboration needed to fully utilize technology to improve routing efficiency, handle rising student rider numbers and make sure bus technology is running smoothly. Read articles breaking down the news headlines affecting student transportation, including the latest federal government changes, new OEM leadership and options for school districts working with companies going through acquisitions.

Preview the upcoming 2025 conferences dates, keynote speakers and more!

Read the full March 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Routing to the Right Technology
Transportation directors share tips—hint, technology plays a big role—for ensuring their routes are as effective as possible.

Features

Staying Well Equipped
Purchasing technology is the first step toward implementation, but installation and warranty coverage are vital for long-term success.

Expanding Creativity
Districts aren’t just seeing an increase in student riders, but also an increase in the number of education programs offered that require transportation service. Directors share how they navigate the various needs amid limited resources.

Special Reports

On the Block
As an auction to acquire the electric school bus manufacturer’s assets continues, school district customers seek answers for meeting purchasing, warranty needs.

As Camera Systems Evolve, IT Collaboration Necessary
School district information technology teams provide an increasing amount of expertise that assist transportation departments in purchasing and implementing school bus technology. Case in point: Camera systems.

Q&A

Thomas’ Reed Outlines Focus on Fuel, Power Options Based on Customer Duty Cycle
Amid the release of its second generation ‘Jouley’ electric school bus, Thomas Built Buses is focused on diversification of fuels.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Big Questions Vexing Student Transporters

Thought Leader by Scott Welle
How Outperformers Optimize Resources

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Time Well Spent

The post March 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

School was scheduled to start in two weeks. Yet, installation of the district’s new bus camera systems was delayed. As anxiety grew, so did the questions: Why the delay? Where were the buses? How quickly can the issues be resolved? The district raced to find answers.

While planning your installations, consider these eight tips to facilitate efficiency and help you stay on budget:

1. Hold Up-front Meetings

The more details you cover with stakeholders, the better. Organize meetings before installation begins to establish deadlines, review system requirements and settings, assign duties and expectations, examine shipping schedules, and discuss the approval process. Also, anticipate potential delays that could impact completion. Figure them into your timetable to ease deadline pressure.

2. Check State Regulations

Rules for bus safety solutions vary by state and may impact your hardware orders and installations. For example, some states require that cameras be recessed. Other states prohibit windshield-mount cameras but permit pedestal-mount models. Know the laws before you order to optimize expenses.

3. Confirm Bus Availability

Will your installer have access to the number of buses promised and at the right location(s)? Missing buses or incorrect addresses can result in lengthy delays and wasted time and money.

4. Set Up a Preview

Request the installation of one system on a vehicle. Assess the results with your installer to fine-tune the camera views, test DVR settings and identify potential barriers. Once you approve the setup, your installer can apply the same specs to the remaining installations to save time.

5. Be Available During Installations

Avoid costly do-overs by being present during installations. Should issues arise, you’ll be the first to know, enabling you to address questions quickly or make calls to find answers.

6. Require Sign-off Sheets

Have installers sign completion forms prior to receiving payment. A sign-off sheet after every installation helps ensure completion, accuracy and quality workmanship by the installer.

7. Request a Guarantee

If installation-related problems arise, you’ll want reassurance that they will be fixed at no charge. Ask your installer for a guarantee lasting a year or longer. When purchasing hardware, buy from a reputable vendor, like REI, with speedy turnaround on parts. In the unlikely event you receive a defective product, a replacement is sent within two business days.

8. Ask For 24/7/365 Support

When questions arise, installers need answers fast. Live, in-house Support can help prevent downtime. Let’s say your installer wants to confirm your REI camera system is operating correctly. You could call REI Support at any hour for troubleshooting assistance.

Contact REI for more information about its HD safety solutions and planning tips to facilitate their installation.

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

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DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, announced today the addition of Adam Warner as Vice President of Field Operations for the Eastern Region of the U.S. and Head of Safety. As Vice President of Field Operations, Warner will lead operational strategy across the Eastern region, focusing on optimizing efficiencies and strengthening partnerships with school districts to ensure best-in-class operations and exceptional experiences for students and families.

As Head of Safety, Warner will spearhead EverDriven’s safety strategy and execution nationwide, reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and advancing industry-leading safety standards.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to the EverDriven team,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Adam’s wealth of industry knowledge and leadership aligns with our mission to transform student transportation and deliver safe, reliable, and efficient rides to school. As we continue to grow our presence on the East Coast, Adam’s support will be key in achieving the highest level of service across the region.”

Warner brings more than two decades of experience in transportation, mobility, and operational leadership. In his new role, Warner will oversee EverDriven’s field operations strategy on the Eastern half of the country, ensuring that technology-driven solutions and operational excellence work together to deliver seamless transportation experiences. He will focus on strengthening relationships with school districts, enhancing EverDriven’s safety-first approach, and refining operational processes to maintain the company’s position as the industry leader.

EverDriven’s dedicated local field teams provide real-time, on-the-ground support to school districts, ensuring responsive service. Under Warner’s leadership, these teams will continue to play a vital role in maintaining strong district partnerships, proactively addressing transportation needs, and delivering a seamless experience for students and families.

Warner began his career at CarMax, where he spent 17 years in senior leadership roles, refining his expertise in operational strategy, team development, and customer-centric service delivery. He then transitioned to Lyft, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s fleet division as Regional Director of Global Operations, overseeing market growth and efficiency across the Midwest region.

Most recently, Warner served as Head of U.S. Operations at inDrive, a global ridesharing platform operating in 600+ cities across 47 countries, where he led the company’s expansion into North America and established a scalable, high-performance operational model.

“I am passionate about EverDriven’s commitment to creating opportunities for children of all backgrounds,” said Warner. “I understand the transformative power of reliable transportation in shaping a child’s future. I am committed to driving operational excellence at EverDriven, ensuring every district, parent, and student can count on us to deliver safe, seamless transportation.”

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 28,000 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, reducing 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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