LOS ANGELES, Calif. —HopSkipDrive, a leading technology company partnering with
school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else, today announced advancements to its “on-time engine” designed to simplify the school day. By blending nearly a decade of Google Maps integration with real-world operational data, HopSkipDrive has achieved a meaningful reduction in lateness and early arrivals, ensuring students spend more time in the classroom and less time in transit.

While standard navigation gets a driver to a street address, student transportation requires navigating the “Timing Gap”—the complex minutes spent inside school loops and pickup lanes. For the students who are not a fit for the traditional bus, including those in foster care or with specialized IEP needs, this transition is critical; these riders often rely more heavily on a consistent and safe experience to start their school day successfully.

“We know that transportation directors spend 95% of their time solving for the last 5% of their students, the McKinney-Vento and IEP riders who require the most care. Five minutes can be the difference between a student receiving their morning meal or missing their first class,” said Corey McMahon, Chief Product and Technology Officer at HopSkipDrive.”We pair over a decade of operational data with purpose-built technology to deliver the exact precision needed to consistently improve on-time arrivals.”

Innovation Through Direct Accountability Coupled With Advanced Technology HopSkipDrive is able to make these advancements because of how it leverages data and technology and its direct driver relationship model. The company doesn’t subcontract to unknown third-party providers, giving HopSkipDrive the direct visibility needed to constantly improve the in-ride experiences, making it possible to provide a higher level of care and consistency. Specifically, three core innovations have helped accelerate the company’s work to improve timeliness:

● Predictive “Procedure Time”: By applying over 10 years of data to create and refine predictive models for unique cases, HopSkipDrive can more accurately predict the time it takes for students to safely and comfortably enter or exit a vehicle, ensuring they are supported without feeling rushed.

● Enhanced CareDriver Instructions: By improving the quality of pickup notes for complex school layouts, HopSkipDrive has doubled the quality scores of driver instructions, leading to smoother handoffs and fewer delays.

● Verified Location Pins: Navigation goes beyond the front office to provide precise map pins for the specific door or lane where a student is waiting, ending pickup confusion for good.

Real-Time Visibility for School Staff
To ensure these improvements translate into smoother school days, HopSkipDrive provides total transparency through a connected suite of tools designed for every stakeholder. By surfacing real-time data across RideIQ for administrators, Daily Queue for school staff, and the HopSkipDrive App for parents and caregivers, we provide real-time certainty into a student’s journey. This connected system is designed to eliminate the “game of telephone” and ensure that every student is safe and accounted for.

This ecosystem is backed by the Safe Ride Support team—in-house specialists who serve as “human-eyes-on-every-ride”. This proactive monitoring ensures that potential hurdles are identified and solved before they ever result in a phone call to the transportation office.

“Daily Queue has allowed me to fully focus on my role as a ride organizer by saving me valuable time,” said Marcy P., Director of Transportation at Littleton Public Schools.”Allowing on-site staff to see live ride data means they can effectively track rides, leading to better hand-offs and coordinating smoothly with CareDrivers.”

A Proven Standard of Safety for Better Student Outcomes Consistent, on-time transportation is critical for student well-being, and HopSkipDrive views timeliness as a fundamental safety requirement. By ensuring students arrive on time and ready to learn, HopSkipDrive helps districts reduce chronic absenteeism for vulnerable populations who might otherwise needlessly miss school due to transportation gaps.

“Our model is built on prevention, not reaction,” added McMahon.”By removing the middleman, we prevent the communication breakdowns that cause delays. This ensures district budgets go directly toward a reliable student experience and driver quality, protecting both learning time and the district’s bottom line.”

About HopSkipDrive:
HopSkipDrive is a leading technology company partnering with school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else. The company 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 Protects Student Learning Time by Solving the Transportation “Timing Gap” appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -HopSkipDrive, a leading technology company partnering with school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else, today released new data highlighting the impact of its expert-developed CareDriver education and the deep experience of its driver network. Following the launch of the company’s industry-leading driver education program focused on supporting students with neurodivergence, internal data reveals that 94% of surveyed CareDrivers say they feel confident supporting neurodivergent riders, a result that translates directly into greater preparation for students and better experiences for students, families, and school staff. Additionally, 85% of surveyed CareDrivers found these proprietary resources, developed in partnership with nationally recognized child development leaders, essential in preparing for these specialized rides.

Defining the “Caregiver on Wheels”

Unlike traditional rideshare platforms or traditional unlicensed brokers, HopSkipDrive vets the human, not just the paperwork. CareDrivers are highly qualified individuals from the community—often parents, nurses, or educators—who provide a dignified and supportive experience for students.

Reflecting a deep well of expertise within the network, CareDrivers bring a median of 10 years of prior caregiving experience. Every CareDriver is vetted through a rigorous 15-point certification process, which includes fingerprint-based background checks and mandatory video screenings to evaluate empathy and situational judgment before their first trip.

“My son’s driver was patient and understanding with him since he’s a special needs child,” says Andrea O., a parent in Los Angeles. “She always watched him get inside the building before she took off to make sure he got in safely. She provided a safe and calm atmosphere.”

The Differentiator: Education That Empowers Care

School districts often spend 95% of their time solving transportation for the most vulnerable 5% of their students, such as those with IEPs or those experiencing homelessness. HopSkipDrive’s customized curriculum provides CareDrivers with practical skills in:

Trauma-informed care to support students during difficult transitions.

Supporting neurodivergent riders and understanding sensory sensitivities to ensure a calm ride environment.

De-escalation techniques for proactive ride management.

“The integration [of HopSkipDrive] has significantly streamlined our processes, allowing for a smoother and more responsive service for our students,” says Marcy P., Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Colorado. “It allows me to fully focus as a ride organizer by saving me valuable time.”

The Power of Direct Accountability

This specialized preparation is a primary differentiator of HopSkipDrive, which prioritizes direct accountability and verified oversight for every trip. As a fully licensed and regulated Transportation Network Company (TNC), HopSkipDrive maintains a direct relationship with every CareDriver on the platform. This allows for rigorous, transparent reporting and a level of verified compliance that provides school districts with peace of mind and reduced liability.

“Safety and education are not add-ons; they are the foundation of our entire model,” says Jennifer Brandenburger, SVP of Safety at HopSkipDrive. “Because we maintain a direct relationship with every CareDriver, we can ensure our specialized education reaches every person behind the wheel without a ‘game of telephone.’ This direct accountability ensures drivers are not just vetted, but truly prepared for the students they serve, providing districts with a level of verified compliance and risk reduction that subcontracted models simply can’t guarantee.”

About HopSkipDrive:
HopSkipDrive is a leading technology company partnering with school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else. The company 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 New Data Confirms HopSkipDrive CareDrivers are Uniquely Prepared to Meet Specialized Student Needs appeared first on School Transportation News.

Another investigation is underway after a Waymo driverless vehicle hit a young pedestrian, this time in Santa Monica, California.

Last month, School Transportation News reported that Waymo’s driverless vehicles are still illegally passing Austin Independent School District school buses in Texas despite multiple attempts to correct the situation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary evaluation Oct. 17, after a Waymo vehicle failed to stop and passed a school bus in Atlanta, Georgia a month earlier.

NHTSA opened another investigation Jan. 28 following the Santa Monica incident, which is about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. The preliminary evaluation states that on Jan. 23 Waymo “reported to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that a Waymo Automated Vehicle (AV) had struck a child near an elementary school earlier that day.”

The incident occurred within two blocks of the Santa Monica elementary school and during normal school drop off hours. Other children, a crossing guard and several double-parked vehicles were in the vicinity.

The child reportedly ran across the street from behind a double-parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Waymo AV. Waymo reported that the child sustained minor injuries. The Waymo driverless vehicle was operated by the 5th Generation Automated Driving System.

Waymo announced on its website that it has a commitment to transparency and road safety.

“At Waymo, we are committed to improving road safety, both for our riders and all those with whom we share the road. Part of that commitment is being transparent when incidents occur,” the blog post states.

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Related: Waymo Driverless Car Illegally Passes Stopped School Bus in Atlanta
Related: NHTSA Investigates Autonomous Waymo Rides After Illegal School Bus Passing
Related: Texas Autonomous Vehicle Task Force Will Work with School Bus Companies

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Waymo Response to Santa Monica Incident

The company details the incident, noting that it contacted NHTSA and will cooperate with the investigation.

“The event occurred when the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle’s path,” the post notes. “Our technology immediately detected the individual as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made.”

The Waymo post notes that “a fully attentive human driver in this same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph. This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver.”

Following contact, the student pedestrian reportedly stood up and walked to the sidewalk, and Waymo called 911. The driveless vehicle moved to the side of the road and stayed there until law enforcement cleared the vehicle.

“This event demonstrates the critical value of our safety systems,” Waymo added. “We remain committed to improving road safety where we operate as we continue on our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver.”

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The federal EV tax credit is no more, but California is stepping in with a plan to keep momentum alive in the country’s largest EV market. Governor Gavin Newsom has outlined a new set of state-level incentives aimed at first-time EV buyers, designed to pick up where the now-defunct federal tax credit left off.

However, the proposal rules out any repeat discounts for those who already own an electric vehicle, limiting eligibility to newcomers.

Read: Trump Killed The Federal EV Credit, So California Wrote Its Own

The initiative, which still requires approval from state lawmakers, would set aside $200 million. Under the current framework, passenger EVs priced at or under $55,000 would qualify, while vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks with a starting price below $80,000 would also be eligible.

Who Gets What and When?

California has yet to confirm the value of each incentive. What we do know is that the policy would require manufacturers to match the state’s contribution dollar-for-dollar. Like the old federal tax credit, the incentives will be offered immediately at the point of sale and will apply to new EVs purchased or leased. Additionally, Bloomberg reports there will be incentives for used EVs priced below $25,000.

Sarah Swig, a senior climate advisor to Governor Newsom, criticized the rollback of federal support. “The Trump administration’s reckless retreat has created unprecedented uncertainty for automakers and families alike,” she said.

“California is proud to partner with automakers who are committed to the transition to a zero-emission future through shared investment to keep costs down and drive the market forward.”

Expanding the EV Base

According to a spokesperson from the California Air Resources Board, limiting eligibility to first-time EV buyers will help to expand the market, “introducing new consumers to ZEV technology.” CARB added in a statement to InsideEVs that “research shows that once consumers make the switch to ZEVs, they typically don’t go back to dirty gasoline or diesel vehicles.”

In late 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom presented his first proposal for a new EV subsidy scheme in the state, in response to President-elect Trump’s threat to repeal the federal program. Newsom’s proposal would have excluded EVs from Tesla, which quickly drew the ire of Elon Musk. As part of the latest proposal, many Tesla models would be eligible.

Ron Kinney hopes California’s student injury data in school bus crashes serves as a blueprint for the rest of the U.S. to adopt lap/shoulder seatbelts.

When California became the first state in the nation to implement lap/shoulder seatbelts on school buses in 2004, many in the industry viewed the occupant restraints as unnecessary luxury items. But 20 years of data now tells a much more compelling story, resulting in injury declines and calmer school bus interiors for drivers.

Kinney, who served as state director of school transportation for the California Department of Education from 1983-1997, compiled 30 years of crash data from the California Highway Patrol’s annual “School Bus Crash and Pupil Passenger Injury Summary Report.” Kinney tracked the 10 years prior to and 20 years after the state law went into effect in 2002 that requires all newly purchased school buses after July 1, 2025 be equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts.

The law led to the development of the current FMVSS 222 requirements for lap/shoulder seatbelts in all Type A school buses nationwide.

Kinney’s data calculates a 74.5 percent decrease in the absolute number of school pupil passenger injuries since 2004. In terms of passenger injuries “per million vehicle miles” traveled, the report tracked a 45.5 percent decrease over the past 20 years.

Meanwhile, the data finds that as the percentage of California school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts increased incrementally since 2004, “it is reasonable to believe that school pupil passenger injuries will continue to decrease as more school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts are added to the state fleet.”

Nine of the 10 years prior to the implementation of lap/shoulder seatbelts, student passenger injuries ranged between 425 and 760 per school year, with the height of injuries being 1,112 in the year 2000. There was no information on why the injuries spiked. But 2000 also saw the most school buses on the road (26,291) and the highest number of miles traveled (367,893,624) during that 10-year period before seatbelts.

Meanwhile, in the 20 years after the lap/shoulder seatbelt law went into effect, injuries declined. In 2005, 400 students were injured. During the 2013-2014 school year, 266 injuries were reported. Injuries dropped to 136 the following year. However, the 2015-2016 school year saw a spike to 313 injuries, with the most school buses on the road (28,982) and miles traveled (283,812,564) in the 20-year span. Those resulted in the most school bus crashes (1,886) as well. The 2023-2024 school year, the most recent data collected, saw 131 passenger injuries.

The report states that several factors need consideration when attempting to draw conclusions from the data. These include lap/shoulder belts having a positive impact in reducing pupil passenger injuries per million miles, California’s reduction in regular education home-to-school transportation, and expansion of special education home-to-school transportation.

Additionally, the report cites the increased number of California school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts and the number of pupil passengers wearing lap/shoulder belts. Kinney writes that the reduction of driver distractions from pupil passengers who are now belted in and less able to misbehave has led to a reduction in driver turnover. The reduction in disciplinary problems and driver distractions also reduces the risk of crashes caused by driver errors.

“This also contributes to reduced driver turnover by creating a safer, less stressful and more rewarding work environment,” the report states. “By physically containing students, these belts address the primary stressors that lead drivers to leave the profession.”

The report also touches on the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the 2014 Anaheim, California school bus crash, which resulted in a school bus leaving the roadway and striking a concrete light post after the driver fell unconscious. The bus continued up an embarkment and struck an uprooted tree.

NTSB crash simulations found that students sitting in row eight, where the tree intruded into the school bus cabin, would have experienced greater injuries had they not been wearing lap/shoulder seatbelts.

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Related: NTSB Calls for Seatbelt Polices, Procedures Following Texas School Bus Crash
Related: Illinois Bill Advances to Require Lap/Shoulder Seatbelts on New School Buses
Related: Evolution of Thought

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Kinney’s report also addresses the increased cost of a school bus with lap/shoulder seatbelts.

“Based on the large reduction in pupil passenger injuries revealed in this report since the implementation of lap/shoulder belts in all new California school buses, the cost-benefits of lap/shoulder belts clearly tip the scales in favor of installing lap/shoulder belts on all new school buses across the nation,” it states, adding that in the 20 years since lap/shoulder seatbelts were required California saw no student fatalities. “…the reduction in pupil passenger injuries more than justifies the few thousands of dollars initial cost.

“When spread over the average 20-year life cycle of a California school bus, the cost is around $500.00 per year. And, if you consider the number of trips per school year and the number of pupils transported each day, the cost is pennies per child per day. The litigation costs, not to mention the costs of settling a court case, can easily be measured in millions of dollars. The financial litigation risks, along with the pain and suffering of a pupil passenger and their family, is something to consider when drawing conclusions on the results and use of this report.”

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A dust-covered prototype spotted in a California parking lot has stirred plenty of curiosity across forums and social media. Weathered and left behind, it’s another eerie reminder of how unforgiving the EV game can be, especially for startups trying to find a foothold in a market that moves fast, burns money, and doesn’t wait for anyone to catch up.

More: Seres 5 Crushes Tesla Model Y In Comfort But Loses The Battle Where It Counts

The vehicle in question appears to be a near-production evolution of the SF7 concept, which SF Motors first revealed back in 2018. That company would later be rebranded as Seres, eventually spinning off the Aito nameplate in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei. And yes, keeping track can be a bit of a challenge.

Still, the Chinese automaker once had big plans for the North American market. In 2018, it purchased a factory in Mishawaka, Indiana, for $160 million, with the intention of building EVs on US soil and going straight after Tesla.

That same year, it also opened a 130,000-square-foot R&D and low-volume manufacturing facility at the McCarthy Creekside Industrial Center in Milpitas, California.

By the following year, however, those plans had been shelved. Officially, it was due to shifting market dynamics and the usual complications of US-China trade. Unofficially, the writing was already on the wall.

The Shape of What Could Have Been

The abandoned prototype, first noticed by forum users and Reddit sleuths, was spotted in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility in Milpitas, California. Compared to the original SF7 concept, this one looks much closer to production, with reworked bumpers, reshaped fenders, and more conventional lighting units.

Overall, it looks like a mix between a sedan and a fastback crossover, with discreet cladding around the wheel arches and a sleek roofline. It also features. US-market details like amber indicators suggest it was being prepped for local homologation.

Inside, there’s a large portrait-oriented infotainment display paired with a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is trimmed in white leather with wood accents, but it’s clearly suffered from exposure, thanks to windows left partially open to the elements.

Specs That Never Saw the Road

Originally, the SF7 was meant to ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower. A liquid-cooled battery was estimated to provide around 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range, putting the SF7 in direct competition with premium electric SUVs at the time.

Although the SF7 never made it to showrooms, the slightly smaller SF5 managed to find a second life. That concept evolved into the Seres 5, which we reviewed, and the Aito M5, developed through the Seres-Huawei partnership.

A Failed Dream

Seeing this derelict development vehicle in California is reminder of how close SF Motors came to offer vehicles in the US. But in the end, those plans never crossed the finish line.

The Mishawaka facility, originally chosen as the production site for the SF5 and SF7, once built the Mercedes R-Class. That likely explains the presence of the white R-Class, sitting on pallets next to the abandoned SF7.

The old Mercedes crossover carries SF Motors emblems and was repurposed as a development mule for a “high-performance electric powertrain.”

From One Collapse to Another

After SF Motors scrapped its US production plans, the Indiana facility was picked up by Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS), a startup that later filed for bankruptcy. Mullen Automotive stepped in and took ownership in 2022, but by late 2025, the company handed the plant over to the GEM Group to resolve outstanding legal liabilities.

Photos Reddit / Imgur / Google Maps

After years of leading the national shift toward electric vehicles, California may be approaching an inflection point. For the first time since the pandemic, EV sales in the state are expected to dip in 2025, even as several other states report a sharp rise in adoption.

Read: California Has A New Way To Make EV Owners Pay

Data from JATO Dynamics shows that during the first nine months of 2025, before the federal EV tax credit ended, roughly 302,000 electric vehicles were sold in California. That figure represents a 1.4 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, hinting that the state’s EV market could be nearing saturation.

We don’t have figures for the last quarter of the year, but given the elimination of the $7,500 federal tax credit on September 30, it’s safe to assume the final numbers will look worse, unless buyers suddenly developed a taste for paying more.

Despite this, California remains well ahead of the pack. EVs now account for 21 percent of new vehicle sales in the state, placing it above the District of Columbia (19 percent), Colorado (19 percent), Washington (17 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Oregon (13 percent).

ZEV States Surge

Several of these ZEV states saw marked gains last year. For example, New York’s EV sales rose 21.1 percent in the first three quarters, while Colorado posted a 30.1 percent increase. On average, EVs make up 13 percent of new car sales in ZEV states. In contrast, non-ZEV states average just 6 percent, contributing to a national average of 8 percent.

EV sales also rose sharply in many non-ZEV states during the same period. Florida, in particular, recorded an impressive 33 percent jump between January and September 2025, reaching 109,000 units, which now represent 9 percent of new vehicle sales.

That jump in Florida is notable not only for its scale, but also because it comes without the backing of ZEV mandates or aggressive state-level incentives. In a politically conservative state where environmental policy isn’t front and center, the increase suggests that consumer demand, not legislation, is doing the heavy lifting.

Texas followed with a 16.7 percent rise to 77,000 units. Illinois saw a 36.2 percent increase, reaching 32,000. Georgia posted a 23.3 percent bump to 28,000, while Michigan led in growth rate, soaring 90.7 percent to 31,000 EVs sold.

“The rapid uptake in BEV sales in Michigan is a clear example of why growth in traditionally non-ZEV states presents such a valuable opportunity for domestic brands,” JATO analysis and reporting specialist Anthony Puhl said.

“While it is possible for a brand to break into a new market, as Tesla has done on a national level, we expect BEV sales in other states to come from brands with which the population is already familiar.”

One of the key hurdles for EV adoption in non-ZEV states remains charging infrastructure. In ZEV states, there’s approximately one public charging point for every 880 people. In non-ZEV states, that number jumps significantly to one for every 2,216 people, highlighting a critical gap in support systems for EV owners.

CARLSBAD, Calif., – CalAmp today announced that it maintained an “A” rating by SecurityScorecard for the fourth quarter. SecurityScorecard is widely recognized as the global leader in cybersecurity ratings, as evidenced by its designation as a Leader in Forrester’s Cybersecurity Risk Ratings Platforms Wave and unmatched scale, including adoption by a significant majority of the Fortune 500.

CalAmp K-12 is a complete bus and white fleet transportation management solution for school districts and bus contractors. By earning an A rating, CalAmp K-12 has demonstrated an exceptionally strong cybersecurity posture based on SecurityScorecard’s continuous, independent assessment. The rating reflects how effectively CalAmp minimizes externally observable vulnerabilities, such as misconfigurations, unpatched systems, or other exposure points commonly exploited by attackers. Because SecurityScorecard evaluates real‑world signals rather than self‑reported controls, the rating provides an objective and credible measure of CalAmp’s security resilience.

For CalAmp K-12 customers, this achievement offers meaningful assurance that the company’s connected‑asset and telematics technologies are supported by a cybersecurity foundation that meets or exceeds top industry benchmarks. At a time when external attack vectors and supply‑chain risks continue to escalate, CalAmp’s A rating underscores its commitment to protecting customer data, ensuring operational continuity, and upholding the highest standards of digital trust.

“School districts and bus contractors depend on us not only for advanced telematics and student safety solutions, but also for the highest standard of cyber‑resilience,” said Hamid Rezaie, Vice President of IT at CalAmp. “Achieving this A rating from SecurityScorecard reflects our uncompromising focus on protecting our systems and, by extension, safeguarding our customers’ data and operations. Security is foundational to everything we deliver, and this recognition reinforces the strength of that commitment.”

To learn more about CalAmp technology and how the company helps organizations monitor, track, and protect their vital assets, visit 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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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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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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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.

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Hollywood rarely if ever does justice to the school bus industry. Movies and television often push the stereotypes of child-hating, curmudgeons behind the wheel. While this stereotype was largely absent in “The Lost Bus,” streaming on Apple TV, the film portrayed driving a school bus as a dead-end job. It is based on a true story, but the real-life details paint a more complete picture.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin McKay, a school bus driver for Paradise Unified School District in Northern California, who saved a bus load of students and their two teachers (not one, like the movie portrays) from an elementary school that was in the path of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire—to date the deadliest wildfire in state history. McConaughey is a great actor, but from what I’ve read about McKay, the character doesn’t quite match the man.

I reached out to McKay for this column and never received a response. Still, I read that he was a consultant for the film. McKay is portrayed as down-on-his luck, barely able to rub two pennies together, divorced, caring for his ill mother, and at odds with his teenage son. The character is more concerned with getting additional hours than getting his bus back to the garage for a scheduled PM with the head mechanic. He nods in acknowledgement to his students as they board, but he appears distracted.

Journalist Lizzie Johnson, author of “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive An American Wildfire,” tells the full story. McKay was a former local high school football star who had a daughter as a teenager. His promising sports and academic careers derailed but he managed to carve out a successful stint as a manager of a Walgreen’s and later as a pharmacy technician, only to grow discouraged and quit after watching the opioid epidemic explode.

He returned to school—yes, like in the movie his beloved dog died, not long after his father succumbed to cancer—with the hope of becoming a teacher. The Paradise Unified poster seeking school bus drivers looked to be a perfect fit for his class schedule. He was also used to long commutes around Northern California visiting Walgreen’s stores.

Johnson’s book recounts the district’s hiring board asking McKay why he wanted the job. He discussed, Karen, his middle school bus driver in Paradise, who was always armed with a smile, an encouraging word and a bag of chocolate at Christmas. He left the officials in tears, as Karen had recently retired and they were planning on having lunch with her later in the day.

Johnson’s book portrays McKay as a caring, attentive driver, emulating Karen the best he could. That Kevin McKay was absent from “The Lost Bus.” By and large, school bus drivers are some of the most caring, dedicated and passionate people you’ll meet. Many of them climb the career ladder into administrative jobs. I know plenty of transportation directors who started in the industry behind the wheel.

I’ve read many opinions on social media from student transporters on “The Lost Bus.” The movie can’t be viewed through a lens of accuracy when it comes to student transportation operations. No audience is going to sit through a 30-minute scene of a pre-trip inspection. Transportation operations at Paradise Unified are also depicted as chaotic and unorganized. Actress Ashlie Atkinson plays “Ruby,” a nod to real-life Director of Transportation Rubina Hartwig.

I contacted Hartwig to get her perspective of the storyline. She also did not respond, but several years ago she told me the entire experience was too traumatic for her to speak publicly about. Completely understandable. She did attend the movie premiere in September along with McKay, his son, and teacher Mary Ludwig, played by actress America Ferrera. (The other teacher on board the real lost bus declined to be a part of the film.) The Paradise Unified superintendent’s office did tell me the district played no role in production and producers never reached out.

In the end, while biographical, “The Lost Bus” is a thrilling ride that relies on the imagination. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass told People magazine some moments were “either exaggerated or collapsed.” McKay added he shared his perspective and some of that made it into the film. McConaughey has said he used some aspects of McKay’s story but made the character his own. The realism in “The Lost Bus” is the overall theme of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. What the viewing public needs to realize is school bus drivers perform extraordinary acts multiple times a day for the entire school year. Those instances simply don’t make the news or a Hollywood movie.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the November 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire
Related: Off-duty Ohio School Bus Driver Saves Student’s Dog From House Fire

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – 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 entered into an agreement whereby more than $6 million in deposits that had been made to GreenPower for the manufacture of EV Star Cab & Chassis will be retained by GreenPower with no further obligation to deliver vehicles.

GreenPower received advance payments to manufacture EV Star Cab & Chassis and these deposits were recorded as deferred revenue until delivery of the vehicles was accepted. The parties have agreed to not proceed and a total of $6.8 million of deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue in the current quarter ending December 31, 2025.

“The elimination of this deferred revenue reduces the total liabilities of the Company with a corresponding increase in our shareholders equity of $6.8 million strengthening our balance sheet,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “The EV Star Cab & Chassis that we manufactured with these payments will be used to produce our all-electric, purpose-built Type A Nano BEAST school bus, which will significantly reduce production lead times for these vehicles. This creates a clear path toward accelerated revenue recognition, margin expansion and improved operating cash flow for GreenPower.”

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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New tariffs and a federal leasing freeze compound cost pressures and regulatory challenges, limiting growth prospects. Houston, 12 Nov. 2025: The US offshore wind pipeline contracted sharply over the past year, falling to 23 projects from 45, as developers face a closing window for tax credits, a freeze on federal leasing and new trade frictions, …

The post US Offshore Wind Pipeline Halves as Policy Shifts and Costs Rise appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex
transportation challenges for more than 13,500 schools, today announced key enhancements to its industry-leading safety program. The company has launched a strengthened educational curriculum for CareDrivers, developed in partnership with child development experts, and will be rolling out a more sophisticated, skills-based CareDriver certification process to offer enhanced support for all students, including those with diverse needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This dual investment raises the industry bar by shifting from fixed quantitative requirements to a more thoughtful, qualitative assessment of a candidate’s caregiving capabilities. As part of the HopSkipDrive 15-point certification process, this skills-based video screening moves beyond fixed requirements to a more meaningful evaluation of a candidate’s situational judgment, empathy, and readiness to work with children. Because HopSkipDrive maintains a direct relationship with the CareDriver community, the company is uniquely positioned to implement these higher standards for screening and ongoing education, contributing to its industry-leading safety and compliance record.

In parallel, HopSkipDrive has launched new educational modules designed to provide CareDrivers with leading-edge skills to support neurodivergent riders. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Jenifer Eaton, MA, BCBA and Timothy Humphrey, M.S.Ed., BCBA, of Rooted in Play, as well as Steve Nederveld, former Director of Mental Health for Cherry Creek Schools.

Eaton and Nederveld also recently joined HopSkipDrive’s Safety Advisory Council. The program focuses on understanding sensory sensitivities, de-escalation techniques, and communication strategies.

“Safety and trust are the foundation of everything we do, and this evolution of our programs represents a deeper commitment to those values. We know that being a great caregiver starts with prior experience, and is further developed with the resources and education HopSkipDrive provides once CareDrivers are on the platform,” said Jen Brandenburger, SVP of Safety at HopSkipDrive. “By pairing a more intelligent, skills-based certification process with expert-led continuing education, we can help ensure CareDrivers are exceptionally prepared to support every child. This holistic approach raises the standard for the entire student transportation industry and reinforces our commitment to being the most trusted partner for schools and families.”

The new initiative reflects HopSkipDrive’s dedication to providing the most empathetic and effective specialized transportation solutions, built upon a foundation that includes trauma-informed care education, Child Abuse and Neglect screenings, and three types of rigorous background checks.

“A safe, positive ride to school plays a crucial role in a student’s overall success and that begins with a prepared, empathetic adult behind the wheel,” said Jenifer Eaton. “HopSkipDrive’s commitment to helping CareDrivers better understand trauma-informed practices and the unique needs of neurodivergent students is truly invaluable. By equipping CareDrivers with these insights and strategies, we’re building a more compassionate and responsive system, one that ensures every student is supported with the patience, understanding, and respect they deserve.”

The new education modules are now available to all CareDrivers on the platform, and the enhanced certification process will begin rolling out to new applicants over the coming weeks.

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 17 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.

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Two California farmworkers were celebrated as local heroes after saving 20 children from a burning school bus in Madera County north of Fresno last month, reported ABC News.

Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco were honored on Oct. 21 by the Madera County Board of Supervisors for their quick thinking and bravery during the Sept. 4 incident, when they pulled students to safety from a school bus engulfed in flames.

“All the students made it out safely without any injuries due to the immediate action taken by the farmworkers and the bus driver,” the Board said via the article. “The Board of Supervisors recognize the two men for their selfless courage and bravery, demonstrating the highest ideals of public service, compassion and community spirit.”

Romero and Zarco were reportedly driving to work when they spotted thick smoke rising from the school bus. Without hesitation, they rushed to the scene and began evacuating the trapped children, battling heat and smoke to reach those seated in the back rows.

“We are profoundly grateful to the two farmworkers whose heroic actions saved the lives of more than 20 children,” said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue via the news report. “Their quick thinking, bravery, and compassion in the face of danger exemplify the very best of Madera County.”

Zarco recalled the urgency of the moment.

“We were just making sure the kids were far away enough so that they wouldn’t get hurt,” he said.

Romero added, “One more moment that would have lasted, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Both men downplayed their heroism, saying they were simply doing what needed to be done. According to the article, CAL FIRE Division Chief Larry Pendarvis also praised the pair, saying their “situational awareness and fortitude” made the difference in saving lives. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
Related: Two Juveniles Charged with Destroying Buses in Arson Fire
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire
Related: North Texas School Bus Engine Catches Fire, Students Evacuated Safely

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CAMPBELL, Calif., – ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of EV charging solutions, today announced it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide EV charging solutions to public agencies in the U.S. and Canada. The award represents ChargePoint’s third consecutive agreement with Sourcewell, dating back to 2017.

Through the agreement, entities such as municipalities, transit authorities, and public schools can deploy ChargePoint EV chargers, software, and services through a streamlined procurement process with preferred pricing. ChargePoint secured the Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements while delivering exceptional value and service. This agreement enables any public agency access to purchase from ChargePoint using Sourcewell-vetted pricing, streamlining the public purchasing process.

“This latest agreement extends our longstanding relationship with Sourcewell to accelerate and simplify the adoption of EV charging solutions for local governments, schools and other public agencies,” said David Vice, Chief Revenue Officer at ChargePoint. “Over the course of our relationship we’ve enabled hundreds of Sourcewell member agencies go electric, meeting their sustainability and ESG goals.”

Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated, competitive pricing contracts, Sourcewell enables government, educational, and nonprofit organizations to secure cost-effective and efficient purchasing solutions.

ChargePoint and the ChargePoint logo are trademarks of ChargePoint, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.

About ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
ChargePoint has established itself as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging innovation since its inception in 2007, long before EVs became widely available. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the entire EV ecosystem, from the grid to the dashboard of the vehicle. The company serves EV drivers, charging station owners, vehicle manufacturers, and similar types of stakeholders. With a commitment to accessibility and reliability, ChargePoint’s extensive portfolio of software, hardware, and services ensures a seamless charging experience for drivers across North America and Europe. ChargePoint empowers every driver in need of charging access, connecting them to over 1.25 million charging ports worldwide. ChargePoint has facilitated the powering of more than 16 billion electric miles, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying the future of transportation. For further information, please visit the ChargePoint pressroom or the ChargePoint Investor Relations site. For media inquiries, contact the ChargePoint press office.

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A typical school day took an unexpected turn for 5-year-old Hendrix Camden, a kindergartner with special needs, when he was mistakenly dropped off several miles from home by a school bus driver, reported First Alert 4.

The incident reportedly occurred the afternoon of Oct. 9, when Camden boarded a school bus after class at an Amador County Unified School District elementary school east of Sacramento, California, just as he had every other day. But his usual driver noticed something was wrong.

“Yesterday, his normal bus driver showed up, and we made eye contact, and he goes, ‘Hendrix isn’t on my bus today,’” said Twilight Camden, Camden’s mother via the article.

Unbeknownst to her, Camden had been loaded onto a different bus, one that would drop him more than three miles from his home, on the side of a remote, winding road. “I was sad,” Camden recalled.

Panic set in when Twilight arrived at the bus stop, only to find her son missing. Then came a phone call from an unknown number. “I get back to my car, and I’m getting a phone call from a random number, and they’re saying, ‘Hey, we have Hendrix,’” she said. “And I assumed it was a van driver, or he was just put on a different route or something.”

Instead, the call was from an employee of Kamps Tree Services, a local tree-trimming company, who had found the young boy walking alone along the two-lane road.

“The kid, he came walking from around the corner over there and came up to this first house here, and since there was nobody there, he came around this way,” said one worker via the news report. “He just wasn’t sure where he was at, and I tried to make him comfortable, gave him a water bottle and a cookie.”

Twilight Camden said her son had walked roughly a quarter mile on his own before encountering the workers.

“There’s nowhere for him to be that could have been safe, and I was hoping, praying that he didn’t get kidnapped,” she said.

The district protocol requires kindergarten students to be released only to an adult or parent. “If there’s not anybody there, you don’t have signal, you keep driving to the next stop and you call,” she emphasized.

Twilight Camden is now demanding accountability from the school district and its transportation department, urging them to review their procedures to ensure this never happens again.

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Related: Tennessee Kindergartner Found Safe After School Bus Mix-Up
Related: 7-Year-Old Student Missing for Hours After Being Placed on Wrong School Bus
Related: 6-Year-Old Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Dismissed After Leaving Students at Wrong Bus Stop

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California’s demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is surging despite federal attempts to derail the Golden State’s pursuit of a 100% clean energy future. A record 29.1% of all new cars purchased in Q3 of 2025 were ZEVs. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Californians purchased 124,755 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the third …

The post California Smashes ZEV Sales Record in Q3   appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

A fourth-grade student from Hirayama Elementary School in Fresno, California, is being celebrated for his quick thinking and bravery after alerting staff to a fire that ultimately consumed his school bus, reported Your Central Valley news.

William Ruiz was one of four students riding the Clovis Unified School District bus home when he heard a strange noise coming from beneath the vehicle. “Well, I did hear like a steam, I heard like a pop,” Ruiz told local news reporters.

According to the article, smoke began rising from under the bus, and Ruiz didn’t hesitate to act. “So, I told the bus driver, ‘Smoke! Smoke!’” he said. “And the bus driver, he looked under there and said, ‘That’s not smoke, that’s fire.”

The driver immediately pulled and reportedly attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. When it failed, he quickly evacuated the children.

“We all [got] out, and it was like catching flames,” said Ruiz via the news report, adding that two student backpacks were burned. The fire, which reportedly started in the engine compartment, rapidly spread and engulfed the entire bus. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

On Oct. 2, Ruiz was honored with a “Super Hira Award” from his school for “showing heroic qualities like kindness and bravery.”

His mother, Valerie Ramos, added via the article that she couldn’t be more proud. “We tell him to speak up all the time, whether it’s bullying or if you see something, always tell an adult,” she said. “It feels great. Good job, William.”

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Related: Michigan Middle School Student to Receive NAPT Heroism Award
Related: Georgia School Bus Driver Named “Hidden Hero” After Saving Student’s Life
Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire

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