SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Transfinder Corporation’s record-breaking growth continued in 2025, as the company closed the year with $50.15 million in revenue, a 19 percent increase over the prior year and the 28th consecutive year of annual revenue growth. Transfinder, the nation’s leading developer of school transportation management solutions, including routing software, parent and driver apps and fleet maintenance and law enforcement solutions, added 180 clients in 2025. Of those new clients, 64 of those new clients left competing systems.

President and CEO Antonio Civitella shared highlights from across the company’s departments and outlined ambitious plans for the year ahead during his annual “State of the Union” presentation that includes employees from every department. “We hit the goal I set at the start of 2025—$50 million in revenue,” Civitella said. “It was a total team effort.” For 2026, Civitella has set an even higher target, projecting $60 million in revenue.

Drivers of Growth:
Several factors contributed to Transfinder’s record-setting year. Hardware sales increased 22 percent to $11.5 million. Hardware sales included tablets and RFID card readers. A major driver of hardware growth was the continued adoption of Wayfinder, Transfinder’s driver app, which provides turn-by-turn navigation and student attendance tracking. Along with Transfinder’s flagship Routefinder PLUS routing solution, Wayfinder ranked among the most-purchased products in 2025, along with the Stopfinder parent app and Servicefinder maintenance solution.

Transfinder’s Patrolfinder solution closed 2025 with clients in four states. The first notable client being the Schenectady Police Department. The company also saw a significant rise in procurement activity, participating in 217 percentmore Requests for Proposals (RFPs) than in 2024. Transfinder won 51 percent of those RFPs,
generating more than $2.2 million in revenue.

“Transfinder has never been in a stronger position,” Civitella said. “We have the right team, the right solutions, and our finger on the pulse of the industry. We can now serve the largest districts in the country. There is no opportunity in this space that we will not go after.”

Industry Recognition and Engagement
In 2025, Transfinder once again earned recognition as a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace, and Best Company to Work For in New York State. Industry leaders also voted Transfinder Best Software, Best Hardware, and Best Safety Technology for the second consecutive year.“This isn’t just me saying we have the best team and the best solutions,” Civitella said. “Our clients are part of that recognition. More and more of them are stepping forward as references to share why they chose Transfinder.” The number of client references increased 244 percent in 2025.

Transfinder further strengthened its industry presence through its Annual Client Summit (ACS), which was held outside New York and Texas for the first time. The sold-out event took place in Nashville, Tenn., drawing a record 359 attendees.
Transfinder employees also went to more conferences last year, attending 67 compared with 25 in 2024.

Impact on Student Safety
“Perhaps the most meaningful growth isn’t revenue-related at all—it’s student-related,” Civitella said. “At the end of the day, what matters most is the safe transportation of every student.”

“Routefinder PLUS was named Best Software for a reason,” Civitella said. “We’ve cracked the code to make routing faster and easier while preventing students from crossing the street and helping districts manage the driver shortage. We are saving lives and saving districts significant money.”

Usage of the Wayfinder app also surged. Trips navigated using Wayfinder increased 103 percent to 5.3 million trips in 2025, while RFID attendance scans grew 210 percent to 21.9 million for the year.

Families increasingly relied on Stopfinder for real-time visibility into their children’s transportation. In 2025, 958 districts used Stopfinder, a 24 percent increase. Nearly 1 million subscribers received 128 million GeoAlert notifications, up 120 percent, including 57 million attendance notifications, an increase of 185 percent.“As a dad, I know how important peace of mind is,” Civitella said. “We have to get it right.

Growth in Fleet Safety and Operations
Transfinder’s Servicefinder also posted strong gains, growing 46 percent to 356 clients. Those districts documented 85,382 assets, completed 132,998 work orders, and submitted 989,143 vehicle inspection forms, representing triple-digit growth across all categories.

“We say it all the time—safety begins in the garage,” Civitella said. “Servicefinder ensures vehicles are reliable and safe, closing a critical gap in student transportation safety.”

2025 Highlights
• 28th consecutive year of revenue growth
• $50.15 million in annual revenue
• 180 new clients
• 13 new employees (212 total, most in the company’s history)
• Hardware sales up 22 percent
• Named Best Software, Best Hardware, and Best Safety Technology for the second straight year by School Transportation News
• Named to Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Companies list (13th time)
• Named to The Business Review Fastest-Growing Companies list
• Recognized as a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace, and Best Company to Work For in New York State
• Attended 67 conferences nationwide
• Hosted largest Annual Client Summit to date in Nashville, Tenn.

“We worked tirelessly on all fronts in 2025,” Civitella said. “There were no easy wins. But we grew financially, technologically, and mentally. We are sharper than ever—and I expect 2026 to be the best year in the company’s history.”

About Transfinder
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and police departments. Transfinder has been an Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” 13 times.

The company provides software, hardware and consulting services. Transfinder received Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology awards by industry leaders two years in a row andhas been named a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Company to Work for in New York State multiple times, For more information, visit www.transfinder.com

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DENVER, Colo. —EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Driving Access Forward micro-grant initiative, awarding $20,000 in total funding to 30 schools and districts to help remove barriers to education for students and families facing instability.

EverDriven’s Driving Access Forward initiative was created to support students, families, and school staff nationwide by addressing community-identified needs. Awards were determined through applications submitted by school representatives, with funding being used for food, clothing, school supplies, emergency rides, and essential resources, including support for students experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.

Award recipients span 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, highlighting the breadth of need across school communities nationwide.

“Every day, we see how transportation and access to essential needs can stand in the way of a student’s education,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Through our Driving Access Forward initiative we launched on Giving Tuesday, our goal with this micro grant initiative was to provide tangible support directly to school districts, empowering them to meet immediate needs and keep students connected to school, no matter the circumstances.”

Addressing Critical Needs for Students and Families

While needs varied by community, award recipients consistently identified three core priorities: emergency transportation access to help students attend school consistently; essential supplies, including food, clothing, and school or care items; and direct support for students experiencing homelessness, helping remove barriers tied to housing instability. A significant number of awarded applications focused on strengthening services for students protected by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including funding for emergency rides, last-minute transportation needs, and other critical resources that promote stability and continuity in education. Together, these funds allow districts to respond quickly in moments of crisis, helping ensure students can remain engaged in school even during periods of uncertainty.

“I am tremendously grateful to the EverDriven team for making this opportunity possible! Funds from the Driving Access Forward grant will go to transportation, first and foremost. That was a gamechanger for us last year,” said Sara Landrum, Social Worker and McKinney-Vento Liaison, Huntington County Community School Corporation. “We have a number of students who qualify for McKinney-Vento but not for health insurance, so the remaining funds will go toward eye exams and dental work support for those students in need.”

“Thank you very much for selecting us as a recipient of the Driving Access Forward grant. We look forward to continuing our programs and services in 2026. Your support will certainly improve access for students and families in our community,” said Dr. Narineh Khemichian, Interim Director of Student Wellness Services Department, Glendale Unified School District.

EverDriven’s Driving Access Forward initiative reflects the company’s broader mission to ensure safe, reliable access to education for every student, particularly those navigating complex life circumstances. To learn more about EverDriven’s work in modernizing student transportation and policy, visit www.EverDriven.com.

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

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif.,- Zum, the leader in modern student transportation, today announced the appointment of Joseph Chong as Chief Marketing Officer. Chong will lead Zum’s marketing strategy and execution as the company accelerates national expansion, deepens adoption across major school districts, and continues to scale its technology-led, data-driven student transportation platform.

Zum is transforming student transportation—the largest mass transit system in the United States—by replacing fragmented, antiquated models with a tech and AI-driven transportation solution built around safety, reliability, transparency, and operational excellence. As adoption continues to grow rapidly across the country, Chong will help strengthen and amplify Zum’s narrative, strengthen engagement with districts and families, and support continued momentum across new and existing markets.

Chong brings more than 25 years of marketing leadership experience across high-growth and category-defining technology companies. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Incode, where he helped scale the company through a period of rapid growth. A graduate of Harvard College and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Chong has also held senior leadership roles at Zoom, Salesforce, and Twitter.

“Zum is setting a new standard in student transportation with technology that reduces commute times, increases visibility and transparency, and ensures students arrive at school ready to learn,” said Chong. “I’m excited to join the team at a moment of significant momentum, and to help bring Zum’s world-class technology and operations to even more communities nationwide.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Joseph to Zum at a pivotal stage in our growth,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “Joseph’s experience building and scaling trusted brands aligns perfectly with where Zum is today. As more districts turn to Zum to modernize student transportation, Joseph’s leadership will help us deepen impact and continue raising the bar for how student transportation is delivered.”

Zum currently serves more than 4,000 schools across 14 states, with partnerships in many of the nation’s largest school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, San Francisco Unified, Oakland Unified, Seattle Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, and St. Louis Public Schools.

To learn more about how Zum is delivering safe, reliable, and modern student transportation at scale, visit www.ridezum.com.

About Zum:
Zum is a technology-led, data-driven transportation company transforming student transportation—the largest mass transit system in the United States. Today, Zum provides turnkey, modern transportation solutions to more than 4,000 schools across 14 states and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zum has raised over $350 million from leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, and SoftBank. Zum has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC’s Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times Fastest-Growing Companies. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

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According to a recent NASDPTS survey, more than 218,000 illegal stop-arm passings occurred daily in the U.S. during the 2024/2025 school year. For bus drivers who witness these violations then press event markers to capture them, the tasks can be overwhelming. In addition, the few seconds spent activating stop-arm cameras can distract drivers, pulling their attention away from students and the surrounding traffic. These crucial seconds could mean the difference between safe stops and serious events.

The AI Solution

To reduce drivers’ daily tasks, alleviate distractions and improve violation detection, the AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera provides an innovative, effective solution. Using vision based artificial intelligence, this IP camera sees motorists enter its detection zone while the stop arm is extended. Here’s how it works:

1. Once the camera detects a vehicle passing the extended stop arm, it automatically prompts the REI DVR to flag and record the violation.
2. REI’s license plate camera(s) simultaneously captures the violator’s plates.
3. The marker then prompts REI’s ARMOR Software Suite to auto-download the video clip, plate images and metadata from the DVR.
4. ARMOR receives and stores the video and data shortly after the violation, making it easily accessible to administration.
5. Administration reviews the violation, then emails law enforcement a secure link to the video evidence if necessary.

Driver Benefits

Drivers no longer need to observe and press event markers to capture violations. The AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera does it for them. This reduces stress and allows drivers to stay focused on students as they board and exit rather than violation detection. What’s more, the camera helps reduce missed violations due to human error, improving accuracy.

Administration Benefits

For administration, the streamlined, automated detection and management process eliminates hours spent searching for violation video. It also ensures evidence and relevant data, like bus ID, date, time and location, are ready when needed for law enforcement. School officials access clear, indisputable video evidence in ARMOR within minutes, freeing up valuable time for other operational tasks.

Community Impact

Beyond its benefits for bus drivers and operations, the solution signals to the community that school bus safety laws are enforced. Over time, consistent, reliable violation detection and prosecution have the potential to change motorists’ behaviors. Motorists who once took chances when they saw extended stop arms may reconsider if they know their actions are detected and recorded. This can help ease the minds of parents, students and the community.

More Than Detection

Besides its ability to detect illegal passings, the AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera assists in liability protection. The time-stamped video and license plate images it initiates can help verify violations and resolve disputes quickly. This minimizes lengthy investigations and supports accurate reporting to insurance companies.

Next Steps

While the survey revealed fewer violations occurred during the 2024/2025 school year than the previous year, illegal stop-arm passings remain a serious problem. By implementing REI’s AI-powered stop-arm camera solution, districts can take a proactive, automatic approach to detection. The result can lead to a safer environment for students and greater peace of mind for drivers and school officials.

If your district is ready to take the next step toward detecting and reducing stop-arm violations, REI can help. Call 800.228.9275, contact us or your REI sales representative for more details about this advanced technology.* Together, we can make a difference in student safety.

^{*Additional hardware and software required.}

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

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NEW YORK, N.Y. Zenobē, a global leader in fleet electrification, has partnered with Educational Bus Transportation, Inc. (EBT), a school transportation provider in New York’s Nassau and Suffolk Counties, on a fleet electrification project serving Long Island’s Copiague Public Schools.

The project encompasses an initial phase of 10 electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. The 10 electric school buses will be placed into service and provide clean zero-emission transportation for the district’s 4,500 kindergarten through 12th grade students. It is supported by the New York School Bus Incentive Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Zenobēprovided additional funding.

Zenobē will develop and manage the charging infrastructure at the site, which will include a scalable design that allows EBT, and its managing company The Trans Group, to continue expanding the electric fleet. The Trans Group companies currently own and operate over 1,400 buses across the pupil transportation and transit sectors.

“As a long-time provider of transportation services to Long Islanders, we’re excited to continue the process of bringing clean school buses to our students and drivers,” said Tim Flood, Executive Vice President, The Trans Group. “The combination of NYSERDA funding and Zenobē’s experience and knowledge are vital to keep our successful transition to clean rides for our students on track.”

“We look forward to supporting EBT and The Trans Group and being a part of New York State’s ambition to progress toward cleaner and healthier student transportation options,” said Maggie Clancy, Executive Vice President for Zenobē. “We see our role as providing more than just technical services and support. We’re delivering confidence and peace-of-mind through battery performance guarantees, cost-efficient charge management services, and partnership to make this fleet both operationally reliable and financially sustainable.”

As part of the turnkey fleet electrification services provided to EBT, Zenobē will manage the fleet’s batteries and charging infrastructure and guarantee performance, ensuring that EBT’s buses are at-the-ready for their required routes and the important job of transporting students safely to school. To futureproof the depot, EBT and Zenobē are working closely with the local power provider to coordinate power availability to serve the fleet as it expands.

NYSERDA Director of Clean Transportation Adam Ruder said, “NYSERDA is proud to support Educational Bus Transportation and its partner Zenobē to bring electric school buses to Long Island’s Copiague Public Schools. Together we are ensuring that students and the communities they live in benefit from clean vehicles that reduce pollution and improve air quality.”

“This project shows how private capital and public funding can work together to accelerate transport decarbonization,” said Shreya Malik, Managing Director at KKR, an investor in Zenobē. “Zenobē’s strategic partnership with EBT demonstrates how proven fleet electrification platforms can help operators meet state mandates while delivering affordable, cleaner and more sustainable transportation for local communities. We’re proud to support Zenobē as it scales its solutions across North America.”

Programs such as the New York School Bus Incentive Program, funded by New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, when paired with technology solutions from the private sector and other resources like Zenobē’s private capital and expertise, are putting more electric school buses on New York State’s roadways.

About Zenobē Energy Ltd. (Zenobē):
Zenobē is a global EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist. The company began operations in 2017 and now employs >380 FTEs with a wide range of leading skills including electrical engineering, software development, computer sciences and financing. Zenobēsupports over 3,400 electric vehicles across 122 depots globally and is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Zenobē is also the leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the Great Britain transmission network with >1GW of battery storage assets in operation or under construction. Zenobē’s North American headquarters are in Chicago with a subsidiary office in New York and it is actively hiring in Canada and the U.S. For more information visit Zenobe.com or LinkedIn.

About EBT and The Trans Group:
EBT (Educational Bus Transportation, Inc.) provides public school transportation for school districts in Nassau County and western Suffolk County, NY, including Copiague, Massapequa, Amityville, Seaford, Wantagh, Farmingdale, South Huntington, Half Hollow Hills, Bethpage, Hicksville and Western Suffolk BOCES. It is a managed entity of The Trans Group which provides transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in lower New York State and Long Island. With more than 1,300 vehicles and over 2000 employees, The Trans Group is actively involved in the school bus industry on the state and federal level. For more information visit: thetransgroup.com.

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Student transportation leaders are being asked to do more with less—manage driver shortages, control labor costs, ensure on-time arrivals, and maintain payroll accuracy across increasingly complex operations. Yet many districts still rely on disconnected systems for GPS, routing, dispatch, and payroll, leaving gaps in visibility when it matters most.

In this webinar, hear directly from Little Elm Independent School District (TX) about how they successfully transitioned from a contractor-based model to a fully in-house transportation operation—and why unifying dispatch and payroll into a single command-and-control system was non-negotiable.

Under the leadership of Transportation Director Jonquez Moore, Little Elm ISD adopted Bytecurve to gain real-time insight into driver availability, route performance, and labor costs.

Attendees will learn how management-by-exception dashboards help dispatch teams identify late or missing drivers before service is impacted, how tying clock-in times to route schedules improves payroll accuracy, and how district leaders use data to track on-time performance by route and campus.

The session will also explore measurable outcomes, including improved on-time arrivals, reduced payroll leakage, and increased confidence across dispatch and payroll teams.

Whether you’re managing an in-house fleet or evaluating how to modernize your transportation technology stack, this webinar will provide practical, peer-driven insights you can apply immediately.

Brought to you by Bytecurve

REGISTER BELOW:

 

Presenters:

Jonquez Moore
Transportation Leader
Little Elm Independent School District (TX)

Jonquez Moore is the transportation Leader at Little Elm ISD, where he oversaw the district’s transition from contractor-based service to a district-run operation. A former teacher and coach, Moore brings a unique operational perspective and is known for leveraging real-time data to improve dispatch efficiency, payroll accuracy, and on-time arrivals across a growing fleet.

Jonathan Agenten
Sales Director
Bytecurve

Jonathan Agenten manages strategy and customer engagement for Bytecurve, working closely with school districts nationwide to improve dispatch visibility, payroll accuracy, and operational performance. With deep experience in K-12 transportation technology, he helps districts modernize workflows and make data-driven decisions.

Bryan Mitchell
Marketing
Bytecurve

Bryan Mitchell focuses on helping transportation leaders understand how unified dispatch and payroll systems reduce labor inefficiencies and improve on-time performance.

 

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. -Netradyne, a leader in AI-powered fleet safety and performance solutions, today announced the launch of Video LiveSearch, an industry-first technology that leverages real-time natural language search powered by on-device edge AI intelligence. Video LiveSearch enables fleet managers to proactively search across every vehicle in real-time and instantly uncover the most meaningful video to pull.

Delivering Faster Situational Awareness
Until now, fleets have had to rely on incidents being reported by other teams, wait through cloud processing delays, manually triangulate the vehicle and timeframes of interest to download, and then sift through hours of downloaded footage—slowing investigations and limiting fleets to a reactive approach to fleet safety and performance. Video LiveSearch provides a step-change improvement by enabling fleets to shift from a reactive to a proactive operational approach:

Empowering their teams to proactively improve safety and performance with virtually instant line-of-sight into where to look, instead of waiting for reports or digging through timelines. Enabling real-time, on-device search using a simple, natural language prompt for road-facing camera views across every vehicle in the fleet. Surfacing the most relevant before-during-after video clips, instead of guessing or manually triangulating video timestamps. “Video LiveSearch is the fleet industry’s first on device, real-time search capability—giving fleets faster situational awareness to proactively understand what’s happening across their operations,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Netradyne. “Fleet operators can instantly find the exact moments of interest across their entire fleet in real time, enabling faster action and safer, more efficient operations. Using natural language and AI-powered search, fleets can proactively identify risks and inefficiencies across their operations, such as school bus stop-arm compliance, commercial proof of service, cracked-windshield maintenance, or claims support.”

Powered by On-Device Edge AI

Video LiveSearch is possible because of Netradyne’s advanced edge intelligence that brings together:

Real-Time Reasoning at the Edge

Netradyne creates searchable video for virtually 100% of road-facing drive time directly on the vehicle—so Video LiveSearch doesn’t have to wait on cloud downloads to start finding relevant video.

Every free-text search returns the top matches in seconds, whether across a single vehicle or the entire fleet, giving teams near-instant discovery of which clips to pull. Instead of chasing details like vehicle, date, or trip and hoping a video request hits the mark, fleets can immediately see the best matches and download only the footage they need.

Context-Aware Search that Learns Real-World Patterns

Netradyne’s edge intelligence learns patterns in real-world road scenes and driving behavior, enabling LiveSearch to instantly match a simple search prompt to the most relevant video footage and return the right clips to pull for before–during–after context.

“The enabling hardware for Video LiveSearch, the D-810 device, turns every vehicle into an intelligent multi-modal sensor for your fleet operations,” said David Julian, CTO and co-founder of Netradyne. “Video LiveSearch leverages that intelligence to deliver rapid insights, giving fleets the power to quickly search for what’s happening around their vehicles, drivers, and passengers in real time. This represents a foundational step in our Physical AI platform, where our technology continuously interprets the physical world to power both rapid discovery and precision operations.”

Two-Speed AI: Discover Fast, Operationalize with Precision

Netradyne views Video LiveSearch as a core pillar of its Two-Speed AI strategy.

Exploration: Broad semantic search enables rapid discovery without waiting on product development cycles.
Operationalization: High-precision, domain-optimized models power real-time coaching and safety-critical workflows.

Video LiveSearch accelerates discovery while informing where deeper AI investment delivers the greatest operational impact.

Responsible AI by Design
Video LiveSearch embeds responsible AI governance directly into its architecture. An AI front-end screening layer evaluates natural-language prompts before they reach the edge reasoning engine, automatically rejecting requests outside approved operational intent—such as identifying individuals or tracking license plates.

This approach ensures Video LiveSearch remains focused on safety and operational use cases, preserves driver trust, and prevents misuse by design rather than policy.

Pioneering Physical AI for Fleets
Video LiveSearch represents a foundational step in Netradyne’s broader Physical AI vision, where AI continuously interprets multimodal data on the vehicle to understand the driver, vehicle, driving environment, and trip as an integrated system. By making this context instantly searchable, Video LiveSearch transforms how fleets gain situational awareness and take action across their operations.

About Netradyne:
Netradyne provides AI-powered technologies for smarter fleets and safer roads. An award-winning industry leader in fleet safety and video telematics solutions, Netradyne empowers thousands of commercial fleet customers across North America, Europe, and Asia to enhance their driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne sets the standard among fleet operating companies for enhancing and sustaining road safety. Using AI-vision technology to analyze 1.3+ trillion minutes and 27+ billion miles, Netradyne offers an industry-first driver and fleet scoring system that recognizes and rewards safe, efficient driving behaviors. Founded in 2015, Netradyne is headquartered in San Diego with offices in San Francisco, Nashville, and Bangalore.

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SANTA TERESA, N.M. – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (“GreenPower” or the “Company”) a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today cited New Mexico’s electric vehicle ecosystem, the Santa Teresa Foreign Trade Zone designation and financial incentives offered by the state as reasons the Company has announced plans to open a manufacturing facility in New Mexico.

“This is a big win for New Mexico,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “After hosting a congressional briefing with GreenPower on strengthening domestic EV supply chains, it was clear that building these electric heavy-duty vehicles in America means creating high-quality jobs and staying competitive in the race for the future of transportation. I’m proud that this partnership helped bring GreenPower’s manufacturing, servicing and operations to New Mexico — creating 340 permanent jobs in Santa Teresa and delivering cleaner air for our kids.”

“We are excited about yesterday’s announcement of an agreement with the state of New Mexico for the establishment of GreenPower’s new manufacturing facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “The Company looks forward to working closely with local stakeholders, government leaders and financial partners to create new jobs, drive economic development and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation in New Mexico and beyond. Being part of a larger ecosystem in the electrification of transportation for the region will ensure a successful and economically strong manufacturing presence in the state.”

“We are proud to welcome GreenPower to Doña Ana County and the Santa Teresa region,” said Scott Andrews, Doña Ana County Manager. “This announcement reflects the power of collaboration, between local government, the state of New Mexico, the New Mexico Partnership, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Border Industrial Association — working together to create an environment where innovative manufacturers can thrive. GreenPower’s investment reinforces our region’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing, clean transportation and cross-border trade.”

In May 2025 New Mexico entered into a contract to help achieve its fleet mandate which requires all state agencies to buy zero-emission vehicles when available, with the entire state fleet being zero-emission by 2035. The contract will help electrify more than 5,000 state fleet vehicles through EVaaS (Electric Vehicles as a Service) with a turnkey electrification solution. A separate contract, also awarded in 2025, makes a $400 million investment over four years to provide comprehensive EV fleet electrification, supporting the state’s zero-emission goals by electrifying more than 2,000 school buses and 3,500 state transit and “white fleet” vehicles, deploying charging infrastructure and integrating V2G technology, all under New Mexico’s “Electrify New Mexico” initiative.

“The state of New Mexico has established several policies and programs designed to aggressively promote the adaption of zero-emission vehicles,” Atkinson continued, noting major contracts and requirements have been put in place in the state. “GreenPower’s redesigned capital, assembly and distribution goals fit perfectly within the state’s direction allowing us to benefit from both manufacturing and deployment strategies.”

A strategic investment totaling $14.6 million was committed by the state to provide the financial incentives necessary for the establishment of the new manufacturing facility and was a major factor in the Company’s decision to locate a new facility in New Mexico. Of the total $5 million was offered through the New Mexico Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) program which helps local governments support businesses locating in the state, focusing on job creation and economic growth through public-private partnerships. Additionally, GreenPower will receive $4.6 million in job training incentive funds (JTIP), $1.36 million in Rural Jobs Tax Credit (RJTC) and $3.65 million as part of New Mexico’s High-Wage Jobs Tax Credit program.

The Santa Teresa Borderplex is a rapidly growing economic zone in southern New Mexico, centered around the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, a key U.S.-Mexico trade hub with major rail links (Union Pacific, BNSF) connecting to ports like Long Beach and Houston. It’s a hub for manufacturing, logistics and advanced tech, where significant state investment has been made in infrastructure, like the Border Highway Connector.

“Santa Teresa’s designation as a Foreign Trade Zone offers substantial benefits for GreenPower,” Atkinson stated. “The FTZ allows us to streamline customs procedures and cost-effective import and export operations. Most importantly it allows the Company to take financial advantage of the designation related to inventory, parts and distribution. The ability to make capital decisions without fear of tariff uncertainties is a game changer in the current environment.”

GreenPower anticipates setting up operations at the facility in Q1 of 2026 and take possession of the manufacturing plant June 1, 2026.

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 van 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. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

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VANCOUVER, Canada, – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (Nasdaq: GP) (“GreenPower” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced that it has received credit approval from CIBC for $5 million in financing facilities, comprised of a $3 million revolving line of credit and a $2 million term loan with a three year term. Additionally, the Company has received credit approval from CIBC to enter into a letter of credit of $450,000, secured by cash collateral, and a letter of credit facility of up to $2.5 million, which is subject to approval from another financial institution. GreenPower’s transaction with CIBC is subject to finalizing documentation, as well as satisfaction of all closing conditions, and all parties are actively working towards a timely completion. In addition, GreenPower has announced that it has closed $5 million in term loans from two family offices, which have provided personal joint and several guarantees in support of these credit facilities. A portion of the net proceeds from the financings will be used to repay and close the Company’s existing operating line of credit, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes. These transactions represent an important step in the recapitalization of the Company and will allow GreenPower to accelerate production of all-electric vehicles to fulfil existing customer orders.

The Company has agreed to issue 3,205,128 non-transferable share purchase warrants (each, a “Loan Bonus Warrant”) to one of the family offices. Each Loan Bonus Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Share”) at an exercise price of US$0.78 per Share for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the closing date of the Loan. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue to one of the family offices an aggregate of 641,025 Shares (each a “Loan Bonus Share”). The family offices are each considered to be a “related party” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) and each of the loans with the family offices and issuance of Loan Bonus Warrants and Loan Bonus Shares, as applicable, is considered to be a “related party transaction” within the meaning of MI 61-101 but each is exempt from the formal valuation requirement and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(g) and 5.7(e) of MI 61-101.

All securities issued in connection with the loans with the family offices will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the closing of the loan in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

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 van 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. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com

The post GreenPower Announces US$10 Million Financing and US$2.95 Million in Standby Letter of Credit Facilities appeared first on School Transportation News.

SANTA FE, N.M.— Electric vehicle manufacturer GreenPower Motor Company (NASDAQ: GP) today announced they have reached an agreement with the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) to establish operations in Santa Teresa, NM.

Internationally headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with current operational facilities in southern California and West Virginia, GreenPower is a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space, and school bus sector.

The new 135,000 sq. ft. facility in Santa Teresa will become the company’s base for North American operations and US corporate headquarters. The move is estimated to generate over $200 million in economic impact for New Mexico over the next decade, creating more than 340 jobs.

The company will receive a $5 million LEDA award from the state and $4.6 million in job training incentive funds (JTIP). The company also qualified for a $1.36 million Rural Jobs Tax Credit (RJTC) and $3.65 million as part of New Mexico’s High-Wage Jobs Tax Credit program.

“Establishing GreenPower’s new manufacturing facility in Santa Teresa marks a significant milestone in our expansion and commitment to safe, sensible, sustainable transportation solutions,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “This strategic move leverages the region’s highly skilled and dedicated workforce, which has long been recognized as a key driver of economic growth and innovation in southern New Mexico.”

Santa Teresa’s Foreign Trade Zone designation was a key factor in the company’s decision, offering streamlined customs and cost-effective trade that support efficient production and distribution of zero-emission vehicles across North America. The designation also provides access to the North American Development Bank, underscoring the project’s cross-border economic and environmental impact.

These incentives and programs enhance the company’s ability to efficiently produce and distribute zero-emission vehicles, parts and inventory throughout North America and beyond, reinforcing New Mexico’s role as a hub for green manufacturing and international commerce.

“Our decisive commitment to the goal of net zero emissions ensures New Mexico’s position as a leader in the nation’s clean energy transition,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “With this strategic investment, we’re creating high-quality jobs and strengthening our economy while building the carbon-free energy future New Mexico’s families deserve.”

In 2025, GreenPower worked with EDD to launch the state’s first all-electric, zero-emission school bus pilot project at two Las Vegas public schools and a Santa Fe charter school. The continuing 2-year pilot program supports New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act, designed to transition the state toward the goal of 100% zero-carbon electricity supply by 2045.

“The electric school bus pilot project was an important first step in bringing GreenPower manufacturing and their high-quality jobs to New Mexico,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “The real-world data and insights we are gaining from the pilot project will help inform New Mexico’s electric school bus roll-out and specifications, ensuring that fleets are safe, efficient and tailored to the unique needs of local districts.”

“Governor Lujan Grisham’s steadfast commitment to advancing zero-emission vehicles has provided a supportive policy environment that encourages companies like GreenPower to invest and innovate,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “Her administration’s ambitious sustainability goals align perfectly with GreenPower’s mission to deliver clean, reliable transportation solutions, contributing to a healthier environment and a stronger state economy.”

“We know the transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the nation — here in New Mexico, we want to lead on policy, manufacturing and deployment of zero emissions vehicles,” said New Mexico Secretary of Transportation Ricky Serna. “GreenPower’s move to the state is an important part in helping the state achieve these important energy transition goals.”

In support of those sustainability goals, GreenPower will offer dealer-level pricing to the state for a comprehensive lineup of Class 4 all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission commercial vehicles. The selection includes a variety of options like box trucks, refrigerated trucks, passenger vans, buses, utility trucks and stakebed trucks meeting the diverse needs of public agencies and commercial operators throughout the region.

A public press conference featuring the company’s all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission Class 4 commercial vehicles and school buses will take place in Santa Fe during the state’s upcoming legislative session.

The post GreenPower Motor Company Chooses New Mexico for Advanced EV Manufacturing Facility appeared first on School Transportation News.

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When the Gloversville Enlarged School District (NY) entered the 2024–25 school year, transportation was the last thing they expected to become a crisis. For years, the district had outsourced its student transportation operations, relying on a third-party provider to handle routing, driver management, and day-to-day logistics.

The district’s footprint covers 82 square miles and serves 2,800 students.

But just before the school year began, the district’s transportation provider abruptly announced it was done providing services. The district, which owned the buses, the garage, and now the responsibility to route and manage transportation.

“We were thrown into the [deep end of the] pool,” recalled Bill Cooper, Gloversville’s director of IT during a Q&A session at a New York Association for Pupil Transportation event. Fortunately, most of the drivers continued to drive for the district. The district hired a transportation director and began looking at various routing software vendors.

Initially, Gloversville chose the least expensive option—a decision driven by budget constraints rather than operational fit.

But within three weeks, the cracks began to show. Students were being dropped off at the wrong locations. Communication between drivers and schools was chaotic. Everything was managed on paper and spreadsheets, and updates rarely made it back to the right people.

Safety—the superintendent’s top priority—was at risk.

“It was a mess,” Cooper said bluntly during the Q&A session. “We had kids getting dropped off at the wrong location. We even had one kid just jump off the bus and leave. There was no accountability.”

At one point, Cooper said, “the transportation director considered quitting. We didn’t want that.”

Faced with mounting problems and growing frustration, Superintendent David Halloran made a decisive call, Cooper said: “We’re dumping this other company no matter what—even if we’re stuck paying for the year-long commitment. We’ve got to make a change.”

The Turning Point: A Call for Help

That’s when Gloversville reached out to Transfinder.

“We went back and swallowed our pride and then I called Transfinder,” Cooper said. Within 15 minutes Cooper had a response from Transfinder that help was on the way. Within three days, Transfinder was onsite, meeting with district leaders and mapping out a plan.

From the first conversation, one message stood out during calls with Transfinder’s experts: “The number one thing is children’s safety, student safety.” For Cooper, that was the moment he knew they had found the right partner.

“Right then I knew I would have the support of the superintendent to help them make the decision,” he said.

Transfinder didn’t just promise a solution—they provided true partnership and delivered with speed and expertise. The district was fast-tracked through implementation, and within two months, they were fully operational. Training was designed for every role—drivers, mechanics, administrators—and designed for staff with limited IT experience.

Cooper said Transfinder’s involvement was in marked contrast with the previous vendor. “The first company I never even heard from. I thought that was strange because I knew what they needed from our Student Information System and so forth.”

“The (Transfinder) training was unbelievable. It seems like it was tailored to each individual.” Cooper noted. “They took right to it and it was amazing that people with such limited IT skills picked it up as quickly as they did.”

Results That Matter

The impact was immediate and profound. No more missed stops. No more wrong drop-offs. Communication improved dramatically, and accountability returned to the system. For Cooper, the silence was golden: “The only time I get called now is when there’s a problem. And I don’t get called—which is good.”

Beyond solving the immediate crisis, Transfinder positioned Gloversville for long-term success. Features like student tracking and advanced analytics can be added gradually, ensuring the district scales at its own pace.

In fact, Cooper mentioned some in the district wanted to purchase additional Transfinder solution and were told: “Listen, we’ll work you into that. Right now, we’re going to concentrate on getting you guys up and getting your runs and making sure your kids are getting back and forth safely.”

From that position of strength, the district can add solutions like the award-winning parent app Stopfinder.

“This has been one of the easiest implementations of a software platform that I’ve ever been involved with,” Cooper said. “I do a bunch of them.”

Lessons Learned

Looking back, Cooper offers advice for other districts: “Follow (Transfinder’s) lead. Do your homework. Find out what your priorities are and make sure they match the company’s priorities. I knew when I heard that children are your main concern and the safety of our children, we were definitely on the right page.”

For Gloversville, the move to Transfinder wasn’t just a technology upgrade—it was a lifeline. In the face of a transportation crisis, the district found a partner that delivered speed, reliability, and peace of mind. Today, Gloversville’s transportation system is safer, smarter, and ready for the future.

“You guys really bailed us out of a pretty serious situation,” Cooper says. “So, thank you. I couldn’t be happier.”

To learn more, visit www.transfinder.com/solutions, call 800-373-3609 or email solutions@tranfinder.com.

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

The post From Crisis to Confidence: Gloversville’s Journey to Transfinder appeared first on School Transportation News.

Our first issue of 2026 brings the focus back to transportation of students with special needs and disabilities. Learn more about leveraging camera technology for student safety and driver training, Medicaid reimbursement management, the considerations of using non-yellow school bus vehicles for student transportation and the details on new securement technology for students with disabilities and how to train staff to use it correctly. Also read articles on targeting sexual assault onboard school buses and the multi-faceted approach needed to build and retain student transportation teams that are prepared for the wide variety of student needs.

Find more information about our upcoming 2026 conferences in the magazine as well as a recap of the 2025 TSD Conference!

Read the full January 2026 issue.

Features

Navigating the Complexities
The arduous task of tracking students and routes for Medicaid reimbursement can be off-putting. However, software companies are highlighting the benefits of how technology can help with documenting and reporting.

Smaller Options
Switching to alternative transportation vehicles like vans and SUVs for students with disabilities is beneficial in some circumstances, but at what cost?

Secure & Ensure
As securement devices for students with disabilities become more specialized, ensuring transportation staff are trained in securing them properly inside the school bus is a top safety element.

Special Reports

Eagle Eye on Student Transportation Safety
Leveraging camera technology can offer a host of safety solutions, from identifying student behavior issues to detailing driver performance behind the wheel.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Driving Change in 2026

Thought Leader by Linda Bluth
Sexual Assault on School Transportation Vehicles: A Call for Action

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Innovative Staffing & Retention

The post January 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a result, districts are turning to systems that:

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

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

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

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

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

About EverDriven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal agencies, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers.

Read the full 2026 Buyer’s Guide.

Data & Statistics
School Bus OEM Production Data
Industry Purchasing Trends
2026 Electric Powertrain Specifications

Organizations and Associations
State and Province Directory
National Associations
Federal Agencies

Bus OEM’s and Dealers

Components and Service Suppliers

Companies by Category
Company Listings

Publisher’s Commentary

The post Buyer’s Guide 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

The landscape of student transportation is constantly evolving, but are your district’s strategies adapting with it? Get powerful takeaways to keep pace with the industry’s changes and stay resilient by attending this webinar.

Across four trends, you’ll learn:

• How to get a 360-degree view of operations by integrating on-bus technology.
• Tech-driven methods to overcome the driver shortage, empower your team and cut turnover.
• Budget-friendly strategies to navigate differing electric school bus priorities.
• Practical ways to implement AI for safer, more efficient student transportation.

Save your spot now. 

Brought to you by Geotab

REGISTER BELOW:

 

Presenters:

Alfred Karam
Former Director of Transportation (Retired)
Shenendehowa Central School District

Alfred is a Master Gunnery Sergeant of Marines (retired), an award-winning Director of Transportation and a published author. Following 25 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he led transportation operations for two of New York’s largest school districts for 24 years. His leadership has been recognized with multiple top honors, including the School Bus Fleet Magazine Administrator of the Year (2013) and the National Association for Pupil Transportation Larson Quality Award (2017).

Keba Baldwin
Director of Transportation and Central Garage
Prince George’s County Public Schools

Keba Baldwin serves as the Director of Transportation & Central Garage for Prince George’s County Public Schools, one of the nation’s largest school districts. He leads operations for more than 1,200 school buses and 700 fleet vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable service for over 85,000 students each day.

Mr. Baldwin brings a unique perspective that bridges the classroom and operations. His scientific background has shaped his analytical approach, while his educator’s mindset informs his commitment to equity, safety and service. He has led initiatives in routing optimization, safety training for transporting students with disabilities and the adoption of clean-energy fleets.

Craig Berndt
Business Segment Manager, People Transportation
Geotab

With 15 years in telematics, Craig brings to the table extensive experience in passenger transportation, public works and vehicle sharing. In his current role at Geotab as the Business Segment Manager for People Transportation, Craig is responsible for leading a cross-functional team to ensure success in this rapidly growing area of the business. He earned an MBA in 2020 and his community engagement includes volunteering with Scouting America (formerly BSA) and his non-profit animal rescue.

The post (Free Webinar) Building Resiliency: Hot Trends in Student Transportation For 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — BusPatrol, the leading school bus safety technology company in North America, last week convened the first-ever National School Bus Safety Summit, bringing together more than 400 national leaders in government, public safety, technology, law enforcement, education, and child advocacy for a landmark discussion on the escalating dangers children face around school buses. The Summit, supported by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Safe Kids Worldwide, marked the first coordinated national effort to accelerate solutions that address the millions of illegal school bus stop-arm violations occurring each year.

In the months ahead, GHSA, in collaboration with BusPatrol, will develop a comprehensive national blueprint for action—a strategic framework for policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and transportation leaders to strengthen school bus safety nationwide and build on the momentum generated at the Summit.

Photos from the event can be found here.

Throughout the day, attendees heard from leading experts across a series of panel discussions that explored the multifaceted challenges confronting student transportation safety. Panel topics included Aboard the Bus: The Landscape of School Bus Safety; Enforcement Changing Behavior: The Role of Law Enforcement & Courts; Communities Working Together: On/Off the Bus; Public/Private Partnerships: Fueling a Mission, Changing Culture; and Advocacy in Action: Policies That Save Lives.

In addition, two keynote addresses were delivered by Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol, and Karoon Monfared, CEO of BusPatrol, who shared his own emotional story of witnessing a childhood friend struck by a vehicle while disembarking from a school bus—an experience that has shaped his lifelong commitment to student safety.

Featured speakers also included:

Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association

Torine Creppy, President, SafeKids Worldwide

Frederick S. Humphries, Jr., Corporate Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft

Michael Hanson, Director, MN Office of Traffic Safety/Chair, GHSA

Kristin Poland, Ph.D., Acting Director, Office of Highway Safety, NTSB

Molly McGee Hewitt, Ph.D., CEO & Executive Director, National Association for Pupil Transportation

Russ Rador, Chief Communications Officer, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Highway Safety Office

Emily Davidson, Director, Ohio Traffic Safety Office

Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

Kelly Browning,Ph.D. Executive Director, Impact Teen Drivers

Anthony Baldoni, VP of Strategic Initiatives, Axon

The Honorable Kate Huffman, National Judicial Fellow, ABA

Adam Youssi, Supervisor of Automated Enforcement Howard County (MD) Police Department

Marisa Jones, Managing Director, Safe Routes to School Partnership

Erin Inman, Director, National Traffic Law Center, NDAA

Leah Walton, Transportation Safety Specialist, National Transportation Safety Board

Prisha Shah, National President, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Sutton Sherrard, FCCLA National Student VP of Programs

Steve Randazzo, Chief Growth Officer, BusPatrol

Ryan Monell, Executive Vice President, Government Operations, BusPatrol

Rick Birt, Vice President of Government Operations and Safety, BusPatrol

Every day across the United States, thousands of drivers illegally pass stopped school buses—even when red lights are flashing and stop-arms are deployed. With almost 500,000 school buses operating daily, this results in millions of violations each year, placing children in immediate danger. A recent survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services found that in a single day, school bus drivers reported over 67,000 illegal passes. When projected over an academic year, that equates to more than 39 million unsafe encounters.

To confront this issue, officials emphasized the importance of implementing the safety roadmap outlined by the National Transportation Safety Board following the 2018 fatal crash in Rochester, Indiana. Those recommendations call for a three-pronged strategy combining education, traditional law enforcement, and automated enforcement technology. Since the release of that report, at least 30 states have passed laws enabling the deployment of camera-based stop-arm enforcement tools, paving the way for companies like BusPatrol and others to assist communities nationwide.

The summit also highlighted how school districts across the country are increasingly adopting AI-powered enforcement tools to monitor and document dangerous driver behavior. BusPatrol, which launched in 2017, has become the largest school bus safety technology provider in North America, with high-definition cameras and AI models installed on more than 40,000 buses across nearly two dozen states. This technology has supplied districts and law enforcement agencies with unprecedented visibility into the magnitude of the danger children face on their way to and from school.

“When a child loses their life, it’s more than any community can bear, it’s more than any of us can bear. And so what do we do when an unspeakable tragedy occurs? We respond and we take action,” said Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol. “Today cannot be the end of the conversation but must be the beginning of a coordinated, relentless push to accelerate school bus safety in every state, every district, and every community. Our commitment to you at BusPatrol is that however you want to show up for this fight we will be there with you — we will team up, we will share data, we will push policy, and we will build partnerships to protect our children and make our communities safer.”

“The data show that even around our most vulnerable population, young kids, people are driving in risky and unsafe ways,” said Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association. “We look forward to supporting the State Highway Safety Offices as they implement recommendations that emerge from this important safety conversation.”

“The safety of children as they make their way to and from school should be one of our nation’s top priorities,” said Torine Creppy, President of Safe Kids Worldwide. “No matter how kids travel—riding on buses, in cars, on bikes or walking — we must keep them safe from preventable injuries. We look forward to working with our partners to identify innovative and effective ways to keep kids safe at home, at school, at play, and on the way.”

“School Bus Safety is a crisis on our roadway,” said Jessica Hugdahl, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SADD. “The National School Bus Safety Summit elevated the youth voice in this issue, as millions of students board the bus every day. We thank BusPatrol for their leadership in this space, as SADD is proud to work with this coalition of partners to make our roadways safer for us.”

“The inaugural National Bus Safety Summit created a vital platform for meaningful dialogue and partnership,” said Dr. Kelly Browning, Executive Director, Impact Teen Drivers. “I appreciate BusPatrol’s leadership in bringing national stakeholders together, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen school bus safety.”

“Children are our most precious passengers and families rely on school buses to safely transport them to and from school,” said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway Safety. “To address critical safety vulnerabilities, we support actions aimed at implementing safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) like ensuring each seat has a three-point safety belt and that buses are equipped with technologies like automatic emergency braking. We must do all we can to protect the future of these young people, and we look forward to working with our safety partners to do so.”

About BUSPATROL:
BusPatrol is the most deployed school bus stop-arm safety technology solution in the nation, protecting nearly two million students across 40,000 buses. Using advanced AI, machine learning, and telematics, BusPatrol helps communities reduce illegal passings and make roads safer for every child.

The post BusPatrol, GHSA, and Safe Kids Worldwide Host Inaugural National School Bus Safety Summit, Bringing Together Nation’s Top Safety Leaders to Confront Growing Crisis on America’s Roads appeared first on School Transportation News.

REDFORD, Mich. – Redford Union School District is taking a major step towards cleaner, quieter transportation with the planned deployment of five Type C zero-emission electric school buses and six Tellus chargers, at no expense to local taxpayers. The project is being delivered through a collaboration between Durham School Services, the district’s transportation provider, and Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS).

Redford Union is part of a growing number of school districts across Michigan introducing electric school buses to modernize their fleets and deliver long-term benefits to students and families. Electric school buses offer quieter rides, lower maintenance needs, and can help reduce fuel costs over time. The new electric buses are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026 and are primarily funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program (Round 2).

“Bringing zero-emission buses into our fleet is more than a transportation upgrade, it’s an investment in our students’ well-being and the long-term health of our community,” said Judy Nachman, Redford Union School District Interim Superintendent. “Cleaner rides mean fewer emissions, lower operating costs, and a modern system that reflects the values we want to pass on to our kids. We’re thankful to Durham School Services and Highland Electric Fleets for standing with us in this effort. Their support has been critical in moving our district toward a safer, healthier future.”

“We are excited to embark on this new EV journey with the Redford Union School District,” said John Juniker, Fleet Services Manager at Durham School Services. “This endeavor will bring about positive environmental and health benefits for the students and community and reaffirms both Durham and the school district’s commitment to being environmentally responsible leaders. Our team looks forward to working together with the school district and Highland on this EV project to build a safe, healthier future for everyone.”

Highland Electric Fleet is supporting this deployment by managing every step of the electrification process. While Highland’s contract is directly with Durham School Services, its work will ultimately benefit Redford Union’s students and the broader community. Highland is overseeing infrastructure upgrades, coordinating charger installation, and working closely with DTE Energy, the local utility provider, which is contributing make-ready funds to help power the new buses.

“Redford Union School District is making an important investment in its students and its community,” said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer at Highland Electric Fleets. “We’re proud to support the district alongside Durham School Services, helping deliver the benefits of electric transportation for students and families in Redford Union.”

By working together, Durham School Services and Highland are helping Redford Union School District modernize its fleet and provide students with a cleaner, quieter ride to school.

About Redford Union School District
Where students belong, Redford Union Schools is a public school district in Metro Detroit committed to providing excellence in a safe and challenging learning environment. The district transforms lives by offering an innovative, collaborative, tradition-rich and future-focused education to the students it serves.

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

About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is North America’s leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. Founded in 2019, Highland partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to make the transition to electric fleets simple and affordable. Highland proudly serves as the Official Electric School Bus Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. From pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology to managing some of the nation’s largest electric school bus fleets, Highland delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that support local communities and drive the future of transportation. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.

The post Redford Union School District to Deploy Five Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.