National School Bus Safety Week is October 19 through 23, 2026, and Verra Mobility is providing a free toolkit with ready-to-use resources that schools, school districts, and community organizations can share this week and throughout the year. The milestone offers an opportunity for schools, transportation professionals, families, students, and drivers to reinforce the everyday actions that help keep children safe on and around school buses.

While illegal school bus passing is declining, too many children remain at risk. The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services estimates that 38.4 million illegal school bus passings occurred during the 2025-2026 school year, down from 39.3 million the previous year and 45.2 million two years earlier. The numbers represent an approximately 15% decline over two years.

Even with this improvement, drivers illegally pass stopped school buses an estimated 213,800 times on a typical school day. Parents and caregivers see the danger firsthand: 37% say they have witnessed an illegal school bus passing, and 33% have seen a near miss near a stopped school bus.

The toolkit makes it easier to share clear, consistent school bus safety information with families, staff, and the broader community. Resources include:

• Social media copy and graphics that raise awareness of illegal passing and safe driving around school buses.
• Educational content for websites, newsletters, and family communications.

Materials in the linked toolkit are Copyright 2026 Verra Mobility Corporation. All rights reserved. Schools, school boards, and non-profit organizations are licensed to copy, redistribute, reproduce, copy, and adapt materials in the toolkit for the sole purposes of safety messaging.

Download the 2026 National School Bus Safety Week Toolkit

Raising awareness is an important part of school bus safety, but it must be reinforced through the choices we make every day. Whether behind the wheel, accompanying a child to the bus stop, or riding the bus, everyone has a role in helping students travel safely. Keep these reminders in mind during National School Bus Safety Week and throughout the school year.

Drivers:

• Come to a complete stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, as required by state law.
• Remain stopped until the red lights turn off, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving.
• Slow down, stay alert, and eliminate distractions near school buses, bus stops, and school zones.

Parents and Caregivers:

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup.
  Teach children to wait at least 10 feet, or five giant steps, away from the road.
• Remind children never to walk behind a school bus and to wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing.
• Tell children to alert the driver if they drop something near the bus instead of retrieving it themselves.

Students:

• Wait until the bus stops completely and the door opens before approaching.
  Stay where the bus driver can see you.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
• Cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus, never directly in front of or behind it.

Education is essential, but communities also need tools that reinforce traffic laws and hold dangerous drivers accountable. At Verra Mobility, we go beyond raising awareness; we prioritize making a lasting difference in communities. Our school bus stop arm technology not only holds violators accountable, but it also changes driver behavior.

Across Verra Mobility programs, 98% of drivers cited for illegally passing a stopped school bus did not repeat the offense. Programs also saw an average 67% decline in stop-arm citations from the beginning to the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

For more information on Verra Mobility’s school bus stop arm safety program, visit verramobility.com/government/school-bus-safety.

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. —HopSkipDrive, the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation, today highlighted the ongoing work of its Safety Advisory Council (SAC), an independent group of experts who advise the company on the safety of riders, drivers, and clients. Since forming in May 2025, the council has met regularly, most recently at a hands-on, workshop-style session in Denver. That session produced a draft safety framework that sharpens HopSkipDrive policies and is moving into product development.

The council brings together specialists across child passenger safety, road safety, human trafficking prevention, K-12 mental health, and transportation consulting, alongside members with lived experience as crash survivors. Their guidance shapes work ranging from in-vehicle recording and rider verification to how HopSkipDrive supports students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), youth in foster care, and students experiencing homelessness.

“HopSkipDrive is built with students’ safety at the center of what we do. Safety is the reason we started the company, and having outside experts in the room has already changed how we build,” said Joanna McFarland, Co-Founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive.”We didn’t get to better rider verification, or the policy ground we’ve gained, without them. Their questions get us there faster than we ever could alone.”

Over a Year of Concrete Progress
Over the past year, HopSkipDrive has moved several council-informed initiatives from concept to practice, including:

● Ride Recording: In-App, part of CareEngine, captures audio and video on every eligible ride, encrypted and available to districts through RideIQ. CareDrivers never see the footage, and the program runs under a formal consent and retention framework.
● A council-informed push to strengthen rider verification beyond the traditional spoken code word, with new ways to confirm the right rider is getting into the right vehicle.
● Continued investment in structured rider and IEP data, replacing open-text notes with consistent, actionable detail so CareDrivers can better support each rider’s needs.
● Policy engagement that helps raise industry-wide screening and accountability standards while preserving specialized safeguards for child transportation, backed by continued monitoring of state and federal legislation that affects how districts get students to school safely.

“We’re in the room while frameworks are still being drafted, and that gives our feedback more weight than a sign-off at the end,” said Steve Nederveld, a former school-district director of mental health services and Safety Advisory Council member. “That’s a different kind of access, and it means the guidance actually lands somewhere.”

“What’s stood out to me this year is how early we were brought in — not after a policy or product is finalized, but while it’s still being shaped. In my work on youth safety and abuse prevention, I’ve seen how much stronger rider verification and behavior-support protocols become when that expertise is part of the conversation from the start. There’s real momentum here, and I’m looking forward to seeing it translate into even more concrete protections for kids. I honestly believe that HopSkipDrive’s thoughtful and comprehensive focus on rider safety should elevate the bar for all ride sharing,” said Shael Norris, Founding Executive Director of SafeBAE and Safety Advisory Council member.

A New Voice on the Safety Advisory Council
HopSkipDrive also welcomed Kyndra Webb of the National Safety Council, who brings expertise in child passenger safety, as the newest member of the Safety Advisory Council.
“My first HopSkipDrive Safety Advisory Council meeting was an engaging and mission-driven conversation focused on one shared goal: ensuring safe, inclusive transportation for every student, including those with specific transportation needs. I valued the collaborative dialogue and the opportunity for every council member to contribute to solutions that put student safety first,” said Webb.

What’s Ahead
Through the rest of the 2026-27 school year, HopSkipDrive and the council are developing a new framework for responding to rider behavior. The goal is that a behavior concern leads to added support rather than a lost ride, keeping students on the platform wherever it is safe to do so. The company is also expanding investment in tools that make it easier for riders who cannot easily advocate for themselves to report a concern.

The council’s role has shifted from advisory to structural. Its input is now built into how HopSkipDrive develops safety policy and product, and that shift will shape the next phase of the company’s safety work.

HopSkipDrive continues to arrange and coordinate rides for students with disabilities, youth in foster care, and students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The company’s safety record across these rides is detailed in its annual Safety Report, and its investment in vetting, technology, and council-informed policy is designed to reduce risk at every stage of the ride.

About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation. 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 14,500 schools across two dozen states, with over 2,000 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. Millions of rides across 130 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

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DENVER, Colo.- Diesel prices reached a record high this fall, and many school districts that built their budgets around last year’s fuel costs are now absorbing the difference. The U.S. average price of on-highway diesel peaked at $6.529 a gallon the week of Sept. 21 and stood at $6.199 the week of Oct. 5, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That is about 69% above the 2025 average of $3.66.

EverDriven, a category leader in Modern Student Transportation, is showing how a routine route review can turn fuel volatility into a measurable budget opportunity for districts. Consider an example of a district operating 120 daily bus routes with an average route length of 35 miles per day round trip. This calculation uses the following baseline:

• Bus fuel economy of 6 miles per gallon, typical for a diesel school bus.
• Diesel at $6.199 per gallon, the EIA national average for the week of Oct. 5, 2026.
• A 10% reduction in routes by right-sizing service to actual daily ridership.

Consolidating routes by 10% alone could reduce annual diesel fuel costs by more than $78,000 annually:

• 10% of 120 routes = 12 routes consolidated.12 routes x 35 miles = 420 fewer miles driven per day.420 miles / 6 mpg =
• 70 gallons of diesel saved per day.70 gallons x $6.199 =
• $433.93 saved per school day. $433.93 x 180 school days = $78,107.40 in annual diesel savings.

District transportation leaders looking to calculate their own diesel savings from route consolidation can use EverDriven’s Diesel Savings Calculator, available at https://www.everdriven.com/resources/blog/diesel-route-savings-calculator

“This scenario counts fuel only. Running fewer routes also reduces tire wear, maintenance, and driver salary and overtime, so the full return for a district would likely be higher,” said Greg Jackson, General Manager of Consolidated Routing Services at EverDriven. “Because each mile optimized saves a fixed amount of fuel, the value of a leaner route plan rises with fuel prices. When prices ease, the efficiency carries forward into every future budget cycle.”

Route consolidation matches the number of routes a district runs to the number of students riding each day. Enrollment patterns have shifted in many communities, and route plans built for past ridership often go years without a full review. A well-planned consolidation keeps every eligible student on a route.

Districts that have adopted this model have seen route costs decrease by up to 15%, along with measurable improvements in on-time performance and reduced ride times for students with additional needs. Consolidated Routing Services complements EverDriven’s Alternative Student Transportation offering, which serves students that fixed routes cannot efficiently reach.

About EverDriven
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in routing and transporting students across all ranges 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 38 states, the company completed more than 2.1 million successful trips in the 2025–26 school year. 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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ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird), a technology leader and innovator of school buses, is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County. The company plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.

“For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia’s story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are proud when our long-time partners can grow and adapt to changing markets right here in the Peach State, and this expansion is the latest example that our pro-business environment is fostering sustained success for our business partners. I want to congratulate Blue Bird, Fort Valley, and Peach County on this announcement and their continued prosperity.”

Blue Bird school buses are available in a wide range of options and configurations to meet the diverse needs of school districts worldwide. The company has set industry standards through innovative design, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, and currently supports more than 1,900 employees in Georgia.

“Georgia is where Blue Bird was born, and it has been our home for nearly 100 years. Every bus that rolls out of our plant carries the pride of the people across Middle Georgia who build it,” said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Our new facility in Fort Valley is our way of investing back into the community where we will continue to build more of the safe, dependable buses that school districts rely on, so we can keep getting children to school safely for the next hundred years.”

Blue Bird will convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes at 401 Wanderlodge Way in Fort Valley into a new facility to build buses of all powertrains. The new, 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce Type C school buses, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered models. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2027. The company will be hiring for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles. To learn more about Blue Bird, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit www.blue-bird.com/careers.

“For generations, Fort Valley has helped Blue Bird move America forward. Today, Blue Bird is helping Fort Valley move toward a new century of possibilities,” said Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena B. Reeves. “May the next 100 years be defined not only by the buses we manufacture, but by the families we strengthen, the opportunities we create, and the future we build together.”

“Peach County is proud to be home to Blue Bird, and this massive $300 million expansion and creation of 375 new jobs is a monumental win for our entire community,” said Commissioner Roy Lewis, Peach County Board of Commissioners. “This investment underscores the strength of our local workforce and our collaborative partnership with state and local leaders. We look forward to seeing Blue Bird continue to thrive right here in Fort Valley.”

Regional Project Manager Candice Scott represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Peach County and Georgia Quick Start.

“Since 1927, Blue Bird has been one of Georgia’s longest-standing automotive manufacturers, evolving with the industry while continuing to grow in Fort Valley and Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “For nearly 100 years, families across America have placed their trust in Blue Bird every school day, entrusting these buses to safely carry their children to and from school. It’s remarkable to see that legacy continuing to create jobs and opportunity in a rural Georgia community, and to see Blue Bird continuing to invest and grow in the place it has called home for generations. Congratulations to Blue Bird on its upcoming centennial and to our local partners in Fort Valley and Peach County who have helped make this remarkable legacy possible.”

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Their dedicated team members design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is a proven leader in low-and-zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

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WARRENVILLE, Ill. – Summit School Services has introduced Catalyst, its connected, flexible approach to safe, reliable student transportation that combines proven technology, real-time data, transportation expertise, consistent fleet standards, and accountability into one integrated solution. Through the utilization of Catalyst’s technology stack, district partners and families can expect an elevated level of service and transportation experience that is more visible, informed, and proactive – providing an amplified level of confidence and peace of mind every school day.

Catalyst is Summit’s answer to defining a new, transformative chapter in student transportation, one that reduces unreliability and uncertainty and connects its advanced, smart technology to its teams, districts, and parents/guardians for service they can count on and trust. The creation of Catalyst is also a symbol of Summit’s century-long commitment to safe, dependable student transportation and a strong demonstration of its determination in setting higher standards for safety and service.

“Delivering safe, reliable transportation to the districts and families we serve is, and will always be, our priority,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Summit School Services. “Catalyst opens a world of opportunities that further supports safety and reliability. It changes student transportation by delivering more visibility, elevated safety, and better technology for school districts, families, and the teams serving our students, so that everyone involved can have a shared peace of mind and assurance that students are in the best, capable hands and on safe, dependable buses. Through Catalyst, we are truly setting a new standard in the way districts and families can trust and rely on student transportation and transforming how successfully our teams operate. It’s revolutionary, and it has been really inspiring to see all the hard work my teams have put into bringing Catalyst to life.”

As part of its connected approach, Catalyst powers each technology within its system to share information and communicate seamlessly, in real-time, across its operations and into the hands of not only our team members, but also the districts and families we serve, enabling greater efficiency, effectiveness, and proactivity. Districts can also integrate Catalyst’s technology solutions into their existing platforms, giving them the flexibility to customize technology solutions to their district’s needs.

In depth, for districts, families, and our transportation teams, Catalyst’s technology stack provides:

Advanced, Proactive Safety

• State-of-the-art smart dash cameras to inform drivers in real-time of potential risks, adding an extra layer of protection for not only our students, but also pedestrians and fellow motorists.
• Driving behavior monitoring to allow for greater, proactive coaching opportunities, which means driving patterns and habits can be anticipated and addressed early on – fostering safer driving behaviors.

Elevated, Timely Visibility

• Mobile bus tracking and notifications for timely updates on route changes and near real-time bus locations that are communicated consistently to parents, districts, and transportation teams to provide immediate peace of mind and transparency.
• Real-time visibility into enroute buses and direct access to on-board footage to allow for clearer communication, clarity, and prompt accountability when districts and local teams need it most.

Smarter, Efficient Performance

• Vehicle telematics to identify emerging maintenance care needs in advance – minimizing disruption risks and ensuring efficient vehicle performance.
• Route optimization powered by real-time GPS and geofencing and automated scheduling to maximize route efficiency and performance.

“What Summit has is a collection of best-in-class systems for operations, maintenance, safety, and scheduling,” said Adam Silbernagel, Senior Vice President of Information Technology, Summit School Services. “And what Catalyst does is bring all of those systems together to operate in a way that makes each and every ride more visible so that school districts can focus on safely getting their kids to and from school, and parents can wake up in the morning and not have to wonder if or when their student’s bus will arrive. Student transportation should work consistently, safely, reliably, and without disruptions to those who count on it, and that’s exactly what Catalyst delivers.”

To learn more about Catalyst, follow Summit School Service’s LinkedIn page and also visit Summit School Service’s website, which features a video series about Catalyst, highlighting its benefits, capabilities, and a few customer testimonials.

About Summit School Services

Summit School Services sets the standard for safe, reliable student transportation across North America. As the parent organization to trusted local operators including Durham School Services, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, Summit supports over 5,500 schools. Powered by Catalyst, a connected technology ecosystem, and guided by five core values: Safety, Care, Transparency, Community, and Culture, Summit delivers student transportation that works quietly, consistently, and without disruption.

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif., — Zūm, a leader in student mobility, is recognizing National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19-23) by announcing an update to its driver training curriculum designed to support the safety, well-being and individual needs of all students and recognizing drivers with outstanding safety records.

“Safety is more than what happens while the bus is moving. It starts before a driver leaves the yard and continues through every pickup, ride and drop-off,” said Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum. “School bus drivers are the heart of our operation and the ‘everyday heroes’ we depend on to deliver our children to school safely and set them up for a successful day of learning.”

‘Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes’
This week Zum is honoring drivers with celebrations at its bus yards nationwide and by acknowledging drivers who set the standard for safety. The theme of this year’s events is “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.”

Zum also announced an expansion of its SPED Safe driver training course that now requires all drivers to complete a training module devoted to “Supporting Students with Autism on the Bus.” Developed with industry-leading safety experts as well as Zum’s in-house team of state-certified trainers, SPED Safe equips drivers with evidence-based strategies to support the safety, well-being, and individual needs of all students, including students with disabilities.

Zum drivers receive comprehensive training that meets or exceeds county and state requirements, along with real-time feedback on their driving performance. Zum requires drivers to follow strict safety protocols, including completing a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) before and after each trip. Each driver also has a GPS-enabled tablet that provides real-time route updates, information about individual student needs and easy-to-use incident reporting tools.

‍Zum CMX: Prioritizing Student Safety
Zum also enables student safety through its AI-powered Connected Mobility Experience (CMX) platform. Zum CMX connects routing, dispatch, drivers, schools, families, safety and operations in real time, helping districts improve reliability, optimize resources and provide families with greater visibility.

Zum CMX enables transportation systems to move from uncertainty and disruption to coordinated, predictable execution — keeping student safety at the forefront.

• • Real-time visibility: Zum CMX provides real-time, map-based ride tracking, AI-powered arrival time estimates, and rider verification for every trip. This shared visibility reduces uncertainty, ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same information and enables coordinated action across the system.
  • Reliability driven by AI coordination: Zum CMX coordinates routing, dispatch, and execution based on real-time conditions. AI-powered systems are designed to continuously update routes, identify emerging issues such as road closures or traffic, and resolve disruptions before they cascade. Instead of reactive problem-solving, transportation teams can proactively manage their systems to improve reliability and reduce delays.
  • Transparency for families: The Zum App allows parents to see real-time information about vehicle location and their child’s pickup or dropoff status, along with a profile of their child’s driver, to give them peace of mind every step of the way.

“At Zum, student safety is our highest priority, before, during and after every ride,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “We believe the school bus is the on-ramp to learning. By providing safe, reliable student mobility, we help students access education and start their school day on the right foot, while giving families greater transparency and peace of mind throughout their child’s journey to and from school.”

Today, Zum supports more than 7,500 schools across 19 states. To learn more about how Zum is leading the nation in redefining student mobility, visit www.ridezum.com.

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TRENTON, N.J. — National School Bus Safety Week (NSBSW), Oct. 19-23, 2026, is a week that serves as a reminder that every school day, millions of students rely on the yellow school bus to get them safely to and from school, making it the largest form of mass transit in North America, while remaining the safest form of student transportation. However, illegal passing of stopped school buses and distracted driving continue to pose serious risks to students as they travel to and from school.

Each year, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) proudly participates in NSBSW, and we recognize the dedication of school bus drivers, bus monitors, transportation staff, teachers and students in their ongoing efforts to ensure the iconic yellow school bus remains the safest mode of transportation to and from school each and every year.

NSTA members are invited to participate and spread the message of NSBSW across our communities and sharing the social media graphics provided, by clicking here. We encourage you to download the graphics and add your company’s logo when you share them on your social media platforms.

Additionally, NSTA is encouraging members to continue to share the Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring former NFL standout Lomas Brown. The PSA reminds motorists to slow down, stay alert around school buses, and obey the laws designed to protect students. His message is simple and powerful: “When The Red Lights Are Flashing, No Passing.”

There is no expiration date on the use of these materials, allowing you to continue promoting this important safety message throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Finally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed school bus safety marketing materials. To view and download NHTSA’s school bus safety campaign material, please click here.

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SMITHVILLE, MO – Durham School Services and its partner of three years, the Smithville School District, celebrated a remarkably successful start to the new school year, driven by the Durham team’s steadfast dedication, sense of duty, and close collaboration with the district to ensure students are transported to school safely and reliably each day.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with how incredibly well this new school year started, thanks to Andre and his team,” said Justin Collins, Executive Director of Operations, Smithville School District, referring to Durham General Manager Andre Richman.

Justin continued, “Working together with Andre and his team is always a phenomenal experience. They fully understand the level of dedication and responsibility that we expect from them, and they never miss the mark. Durham continues to deliver on its commitment to safe, reliable service. We truly appreciate all the hard work they’ve done behind the scenes this past summer to set our students, staff, and community up for success on day one, and we thank them for being an exceptional partner.”

To prepare for the start of school, Durham and the district worked collaboratively and leveraged their learned successes from previous years to plan for the 2026-2027 school year. From aligning on priorities and expectations to maintaining open communication and engaging in comprehensive safety and operational training, Durham and the district worked hand-in-hand every step of the way, focused on their shared commitment to student safety.

Samsara, the advanced safety and fleet management technology installed across Durham’s bus fleet, also played a significant role in the team’s successful start to the school year. By utilizing Samsara’s state-of-the-art smart cameras and software, the team gained real-time visibility into fleet operations, safety performance, and vehicle tracking while conducting their dry runs. Leveraging these insights, the team was able to proactively identify driving trends, provide targeted coaching, and develop weekly competency-based trainings to strengthen and hone drivers’ skills before the first day of school.

“I can’t stress enough how great my team is, and I credit the success of the new year all to them. Their commitment to the role they play in providing students access to a well-deserved education is truly admirable, and our 100 percent driver retention rate is evidence of that,” said Andre Richman, General Manager, Durham School Services. “I could not ask for a better team. They always arrive at work prepared, understand what is expected of them, and genuinely strive to ensure that families and the district can trust that their students are in good hands. They’re simply amazing. There’s no other way to put it.”

Now in the third year of its partnership with the Smithville School District, Durham looks forward to continuing to cultivate the strong, trusted relationship it has fostered with the district through their shared commitment to providing exceptional service and care that families can depend on. Durham also prides itself on the role it plays in the Smithville community beyond student transportation. Reflecting its commitment to their community, the Smithville Durham team proudly supports local events like the annual homecoming parade and the popular Touch a Bus events throughout the area.

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NEW YORK, NY — The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) announced today that they will be holding Operation Safe Stop events around the state. The annual event helps promote school bus safety and educates the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.

“Stop on red, our kids are ahead – that’s the Operation Safe Stop motto,” said David Christopher, Executive Director of NYAPT. “While the main focus is to remind drivers to stop for stopped school buses so we can keep our school children safe, it is important to note that law enforcement across the state will be out in force following yellow school buses and issuing tickets to those drivers who violate the law.”

This year’s Operation Safe Stop takes place Wednesday, October 21, 2026. It is a cooperative educational and enforcement project supported by NYAPT along with the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Education Department, the New York State School Bus Contractors Association, New York State Bus Distributors Association, the student transportation industry and state, county, city, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The illegal passing of stopped school buses is one of the major safety issues that our school bus drivers and students face on the ride to and from school daily,” said John Spacht, President of NYAPT. “We ask the public to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are on our roadways, and to stop when they see the red lights flashing on a school bus. A child’s life depends on motorists to drive carefully and do the right thing and stop for the bus.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. Those lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York State law prohibits passing a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, regardless of the direction of travel, even on a multi-lane or divided highway.

NYAPT Operation Safe Stop Committee Chair, Jasen Hibbart, Chenango Valley Central School District, urges motorists to look out for our children, “Our children shouldn’t have to worry about motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus. Slow down and watch for school buses and children. Stop when you see the red lights.”

Law enforcement will follow buses, looking for illegal passings. Penalties for a first-time offense of illegally passing a school bus include a fine of $250 to $400, five points on your driver’s license, and the possibility of up to 30 days in jail. A second conviction within three years may result in a fine of $600 to $750, five points on your license, and up to 180 days in jail. Three or more convictions will result in a fine of $750 to $1,500, 5 points on your license, and up to 180 days in jail.

Additionally, for those school districts and municipalities that choose to use automatic ticketing stop arm cameras on school buses, state law allows fines to be levied on the owner of any vehicle that illegally passes a stopped school bus, beginning at $250 for a first violation and up to $300 for subsequent violations.

NYAPT also noted that the 2.3 million children who ride school buses in New York State are driven by qualified and well-trained school bus drivers on routes carefully planned for safety, on buses that are maintained at the highest safety standards, and that school transportation officials are doing their best to keep students safe when they are on or near a school bus.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, students are 70 times safer riding a school bus to school than in a private car. See www.nhtsa.gov

The list below represents NYAPT chapters that are holding Operation Safe Stop Day public awareness events across the state on October 21, 2026.

Capital Region: Shaker Road/Loudonville
Fire Department 550 Albany Shaker Road
9:30 AM
Contact: Jerry Keenan

Rochester Area: Henrietta Fire Station #6
60 Erie Station Road Henrietta, NY
9:30 AM
Contact: David Richardson

Central New York Area: Lafayette Central School District
Transportation Department 5955 US 20 Lafayette, NY
10:30 AM
Contact: Christine Finch

Buffalo Area: Springville Central School District Transportation Department
369 North Street Springville, NY
10:30 AM
Contact: Eric Nagel

Suffolk County: Patchogue-Medford School District
Saxton Middle School 121 Saxton Street Patchogue, NY
11:00 AM
Contact: John Ryan

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AVON, Ohio – The Bowling Green, Kentucky, manufacturing operation of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) has received the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, which provides special recognition for outstanding safety and health performance. The award is administered by KYSAFE, part of Kentucky’s Division of OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Education and Training.

A representative of the state traveled to the Bowling Green facility on Aug. 26 to present the award. Plant leadership led the representative on a tour of the site and gave out snow cones to all employees.

The Governor’s Safety and Health Award is given to employers and their employees, who together have achieved the minimum required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost-time injury or illness at their establishment. The required number of hours depends on the number of employees. Bendix’s 795,508 hours without a lost-time injury exceeds the 750,000 hours required for the employee range of 251-375.

Bendix met the award’s other criteria as well: The establishment must also be free of any egregious safety or health violations for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of issuance of the citation and any pending discrimination complaint or any uncorrected or contested serious violations.

“We’re pleased that our safety efforts in Bowling Green have earned the respected distinction of a Governor’s Safety and Health Award,” said Ed Casper, Bendix safety and security director. “Everybody at the plant shares in this recognition. A strong safety culture doesn’t happen by chance – it’s built through everyday actions.”

The Bowling Green manufacturing operation, which opened in 2007, employs more than 300 people and produces the full lineup of commercially available Bendix brand foundation drum and air disc brake solutions.

About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of Knorr-Bremse, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, Bendix is driven to deliver the best solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. Log on and learn from the Bendix experts at brake-school.com. And to learn more about career opportunities at Bendix, visit careers.knorr-bremse.com/.

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DENVER, Colo. – Today EverDriven, the nation’s modern student transportation leader, announced expanded language support for its RideAware mobile app for iOS and Android. Caregivers and authorized school staff can now use RideAware in nine languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Vietnamese, Dari, Amharic, Nepali, and Somali. The expansion gives more families the ability to track their student’s ride in real time, view driver and vehicle information, receive pickup and dropoff notifications, and manage trip changes, all in their native language.

RideAware syncs ride information securely across caregivers, districts, and drivers servicing EverDriven trips into a single view of the student journey. With this update, that same visibility now reaches families who speak seven additional languages, reflecting the growing linguistic diversity of the districts EverDriven serves.

“Families expect 360-degree visibility into EverDriven student experience in their native language,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Language should never be the reason a caregiver feels left out of their child’s transportation experience. Expanding RideAware to these languages means more families have confidence in what they are seeing on their phone, and that is what makes consistent, reliable transportation possible.”

RideAware: Now Available in Nine Languages

RideAware gives caregivers and authorized school staff real-time visibility into a student’s ride. New users are automatically greeted in their device’s default language when one of the nine supported languages is detected, and existing users can switch languages at any time under Settings.

To protect student privacy and safety, only authorized adults can access trip information in RideAware. In any of the nine supported languages, caregivers and school staff can:

Track Rides with Confidence: Follow a student’s ride as it happens in real time, with driver and vehicle information available directly from a phone.

Make Updates with Ease: Modify or cancel a trip when a student is sick or plans change, with updates available up to two hours before pickup.

Choose Their Preferred Language: Select from nine supported languages under Settings, with the app defaulting to a device’s language setting automatically.

Receive Pickup and Dropoff Notifications: Schools get notifications when a student is picked up, reducing calls to drivers, uncertain ETAs, and unnecessary coordination efforts.

Expanding language access supports EverDriven’s broader commitment to reaching every student who needs a reliable ride, particularly in districts serving large multilingual caregiver and student populations. When caregivers can fully understand pickup times, driver information, and trip changes, they spend less time calling schools or drivers for clarification, and more time trusting that their student will arrive safe, calm, and ready to learn.

About EverDriven
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in routing and transporting students with a range of needs, from everyday support to the most complex circumstances, including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other students with additional needs. Serving more than 800 districts across 38 states, the company completed more than 2.1 million successful trips in the 2025–26 school year. 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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MEDIA, Pa. – Through one of its operating companies, Krise Transportation, American Student Transportation Partners, Inc. (“ASTP”), a portfolio company of CVC DIF, announces the acquisition of AJ Myers and Sons, a leading provider of student transportation in western Pennsylvania.

“For over 75 years AJ Myers and Sons has built a strong reputation in western Pennsylvania, and we’re proud to welcome their team to the Krise/ASTP family,” said Tod Eskra, President & CEO of ASTP.

Jason Dobry, President of Krise Transportation said “We are honored to welcome AJ Myers and Sons to the Krise/ASTP family. AJ Myers has earned the trust and respect of the communities it serves through its commitment to safety, reliable service and strong relationships with its employees, school district partners and local communities. We recognize the responsibility that comes with this acquisition and are committed to being thoughtful stewards of the AJ Myers legacy while providing for the company’s continued success.”

Since 1950, AJ Myers has successfully served the student transportation needs of communities in western Pennsylvania.

“As we considered the next chapter for AJ Myers and Sons, it was important to find a partner that shared our commitment to our employees, school district partners, students, parents and communities.” Said Jordan Myers, Vice President of AJ Myers and Sons. “ASTP and Krise Transportation respects the values that have defined AJ Myers and Sons while bringing the resources and capabilities to support its continued growth. I am confident this partnership will create new opportunities for our team and is positioned to deliver safe, dependable service for many years to come.”

Established in 2021, ASTP is driving the future of student transportation by focusing on customers, safety, embracing technology, and leading with a people-first approach. The company refers to its team members as “HEROES” and has built contemporary and digitally enabled marketing, recruiting, and training programs. ASTP seeks to deliver great service, every day, to families, students, and business partners. The company’s network of leading operators currently serves more than 110,000 students daily.

About American Student Transportation: Partners
American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP) is a national student transportation platform built around strong local operators working together to strengthen student transportation through investment and innovation. The result is student transportation that stays rooted in the communities they serve, delivered by drivers invested in the students’ safety and well-being. ASTP’s platform of companies, including Krise Transportation in Pennsylvania and Assisted Student Transportation in Kansas and Missouri safely transports over 110,000 students daily.

Learn more about American Student Transportation Partners.

About Krise Transportation: Krise Transportation, Inc., a leader in Pennsylvania for safe and reliable student transportation, holds a single vision of being the student transportation provider of choice for education partners in Pennsylvania. Krise’s mission is to create and maintain reliable, efficient, and safe transportation programs. Krise Transportation is built on the principle that every child deserves equal access to education. The Krise team brings this principle to life through comprehensive student transportation programs, providing the labor, training, equipment, and operational expertise our school districts deserve.

Learn more about Krise Transportation.

About CVC DIF: CVC DIF is the infrastructure strategy of CVC, a leading global private markets manager. CVC DIF manages approximately $28.5 billion in assets and invests in critical infrastructure sectors, including transportation, energy transition, digital infrastructure and utilities. With deep sector expertise, operational capabilities and long-term capital, CVC DIF partners with businesses that provide essential services and have strong potential for sustainable growth.

Learn more about CVC DI

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CUMBERLAND, R.I. – From coast to coast, Durham School Services is helping students start the school year strong. Now, the spotlight turns to the East Coast, where the company recently celebrated another successful start-up alongside its longtime partner of 21 years, the Cumberland School Department.

In preparation for the first day of school, Durham’s team and the Cumberland School Department dotted every i and crossed every t. From start-up meetings to safety training and driver refresher courses, these standard procedures were completed flawlessly. While this preparation played a significant role in last month’s success, the true credit, according to Mark Dumont, General Manager, Durham School Services, is “the relationship we’ve built on open communication, collaboration, and our shared commitment to student safety.”

As an important Company value, safety is, without a doubt, the star that guides all of the Durham team’s operating decisions, and this is also true for the Cumberland School Department.

“I work very closely with Durham’s General Manager, Mark, and speak to him frequently,” Tracy Walton, Transportation Coordinator, Cumberland School Department. “We approach everything collaboratively with safety top of mind. This allows us to provide our students and their families with not only the utmost care, but also efficient, effective transportation. I think this year’s start-up was a perfect example of what this type of partnership can achieve.”

With deep-rooted experience in student transportation dating back to 1917, Durham has helped define best practices in the industry and maintains the keys to service excellence, including proactive communication, teamwork, and elevated safety standards, which have established the Company as a premier transportation provider. By leveraging that century of experience, Durham has continuously implemented effective operations and built long-standing partnerships, like the one with the Cumberland School Department.

“A strong start does not happen by accident. It takes lots of planning, communication, partnership, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the students and families we serve,” said Mark Dumont, General Manager, Durham School Services. “By communicating early and frequently, reviewing the details together, and responding promptly when adjustments are needed, we help ensure that the district stays informed and, in turn, build a greater level of trust with district leaders and the families that depend on us. I am beyond pleased with what my team has accomplished together with the Cumberland School Department and look forward to continuing Durham’s legacy of providing excellent service.”

“I am very proud of the partnership we have established with Durham School Services and the safe, steadfast service we have been able to provide to our students and community. From their drivers, monitors, and staff to the leadership team, Steve, Francisco, and Mark, Durham has shown nothing but the highest regard for ensuring our students are well taken care of and above all, safe while in their care. This commitment, coupled with proactive problem-solving and continuous communication, is why we have enjoyed such success all these years,” said Dr. Philip Thornton, Superintendent of Schools, Cumberland School Department. “I couldn’t ask for a better transportation partner for our district, so thank you, Durham, for all that you do to protect our students’ access to safe, reliable transportation.”

Beyond day-to-day transportation, Durham is also a proud community partner. The team often supports local Touch-a-Truck and Ride-Along events, bringing an iconic yellow bus for children to explore and ride on before the new school year begins. The team has also donated buses to transport children throughout the community for seasonal events and activities such as Halloween celebrations. These efforts and more give Durham the opportunity to build stronger ties with the community and remain the trusted provider the Cumberland School Department and its families have depended on for more than 20 years.

About Durham School Services
As a premier transportation provider, Durham School Services provides safe, reliable student transportation that communities trust and families depend on. With operational discipline, local commitment, proven safety standards, and clear accountability, we bring deep expertise to every route we operate. Driven by our five values: Safety, Care, Transparency, Communities, and Culture, we deliver transportation that works quietly, consistently, and without disruption.

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Student Transportation of America (STA), a leader in student transportation, safety, and fleet services across North America, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sunrise Transportation, effective September 18, 2026.

Sunrise provides safe, reliable transportation for special needs and general education students across Illinois and Connecticut. Based in Downers Grove, Illinois, Sunrise has been serving student transportation needs for nearly 40 years with a fleet of nearly 1,000 buses, vans and SUVs equipped with a variety of accessible features and the latest in safety and other technologies. They transport more than 23,000 students daily across their operations. Sunrise has a special focus on serving special education and differently-abled students with their unique transportation needs.

For STA, this acquisition reflects an expansion of footprint across multiple locations across Illinois and Connecticut, further solidifying our presence in those regions. Sunrise Transportation’s values closely mirror STA’s mission to provide safe, reliable and caring transportation to the communities we serve.

“Sunrise Transportation’s focus on safety, reliability, compassion represents exactly the kind of organization we are proud to welcome into the STA Family of Brands,” said Gene Kowalczewski, CEO of Student Transportation of America. “Their commitment to technology and innovation partnered with their strong local leadership and deep ties to the communities aligns perfectly with who we are as a company. We are excited to support and continue this growth.”

Across North America, STA’s Family of Brands is united by a shared focus on what matters most: safety, reliability, and care for people. The model combines local expertise and relationships with the resources, technology, and support of a larger organization—ensuring communities continue to receive personalized service while benefiting from industry-leading transportation practices.

STA will work closely with Sunrise leadership and employees to ensure a seamless transition for customers and staff. Day-to-day operations will continue without interruption, and the company looks forward to preserving the strong local relationships that have defined success for Sunrise for almost half a century.

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HIGH POINT, N.C.– Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America and a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, announced the appointment of Brian Daniels as vice president of sales, aftermarket and marketing, effective late October.

Daniels brings two decades of experience with Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and deep ties to the school bus industry to his new role.

“Brian is a proven and respected leader whose track record of delivering results, building strong teams and earning the trust of colleagues, customers and industry partners speaks for itself,” said T.J. Reed, president and CEO of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles. “His roots in the school bus industry and genuine understanding of its purpose make him uniquely suited to lead Thomas Built Buses’ sales and marketing organization and serve our dealers and customers.”

Daniels joined DTNA in 2006 after beginning his career in the Thomas Built Buses dealer network with Hoekstra Transportation. Since then, he has held a variety of leadership roles across DTNA, including positions in product strategy, product marketing, Daimler Truck Remarketing and vocational and on-highway national accounts.

Most recently, Daniels served as head of new truck pricing at DTNA, where he led strategic pricing and sales initiatives supporting customers and dealers across North America.

“As I step into this leadership role, I look forward to continuing to foster a culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration with our dealer and customer partners, with the goal of achieving shared success in all that we do to keep the world moving,” said Daniels.

Daniels is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. Daniels succeeds Daoud Chaaya, who will be transitioning into the role of head of elite support, dealer network development at DTNA.

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

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

Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. together form Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

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LOS ANGELES, Calif.— HopSkipDrive, the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation, today debuted CareEngine, the technology platform that powers every HopSkipDrive ride. Purpose built for the complexity of school transportation, CareEngine connects school districts, schools, families, riders, CareDrivers, and HopSkipDrive’s Safe Ride Support team before, during, and after every ride, so everyone gets the information they need at the right time.

Districts today are too often stuck stitching coordination together with disconnected systems that don’t speak to each other, can’t move at the speed students need, and aren’t sustainable over time. When something changes, coordination breaks down exactly when it matters most.

CareEngine was built to close that gap. School transportation is unlike any other transportation, involving far more than a car and a driver moving a rider from one place to another, and every ride is personal: a seven-year-old who depends on a consistent pickup routine, a teenager experiencing homelessness in her third school placement this year, a student who is non-verbal and relies on a familiar greeting. A late pickup can affect a classroom, an outdated handoff instruction can create a safety concern, and a missed update can lead to uncertainty and a chain of phone calls.

When a student’s home address changes at 10:30 at night, CareEngine puts a new plan into motion, and coordinates everyone in real-time. The CareDriver’s route updates automatically in the CareDriver app. RideIQ gives district staff real-time visibility into the change, the school’s Daily Queue shows the day’s updated pickups and dropoffs, the student can follow their own ride through Track My Ride, and the family’s Caregiver app confirms the new pickup, all without a series of phone calls, left messages, or lost sticky notes that plague current processes.

CareEngine brings that coordination to every part of the ride:
● Seamless coordination, always in sync: Districts can book a full school year of rides in minutes. When a pickup time, address, rider instruction, or any other detail changes, CareEngine automatically routes the update to everyone who needs it, the district, the family, and the CareDriver, so one update replaces five phone calls.

● Proactive, human-centered safety: CareEngine brings the CareDriver app, HopSkipDrive’s Safe Ride technology, and the Safe Ride Support team into one connected system that can flag unsafe driving while a CareDriver is still on the way to pickup, giving Safe Ride Support the chance to intervene before a child ever gets in the car.

● Individualized care at scale: CareEngine’s unified system captures each student’s specific needs and preferences, and seamlessly communicates them to the CareDriver at the right time, every ride. This creates a consistent experience tailored specifically to each student, even when the CareDriver changes. CareEngine makes it possible to deliver this level of individualized care consistently across thousands of students and millions of rides.

● Speed when it matters most: New rides are guaranteed in as little as six hours, and location changes in as little as two. For a student whose housing placement changes unexpectedly, that means getting to school the next morning, not the next week, protecting their attendance and continuity at their school of origin.

● A system that improves with every ride: Every ride adds useful information: how long a pickup actually takes, where delays keep repeating, and which instructions reduce confusion. HopSkipDrive’s team uses those insights to make coordination smoother and more reliable over time.

“We’ve spent more than a decade building purpose-built technology for every person involved in a student’s ride: districts, schools, families, riders, CareDrivers, and our safety team,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and co-founder of HopSkipDrive.”CareEngine is what happens when all these applications connect with each other in one unified system. It helps transportation teams spend less time chasing information and more time serving their students. It’s not a new fix for the driver shortage. It’s what makes sure the capacity districts do have isn’t wasted on coordination they shouldn’t have to do by hand.”

CareEngine arrives as student transportation faces two forces at once. Need is rising: More students require specialized transportation than ever before, from students in temporary housing to students in foster care to students with IEPs who need consistent, individualized care. At the same time, capacity remains constrained and issues like budget restrictions and school bus driver shortages persist. HopSkipDrive’s 2026 State of School Transportation Report found that 71% of districts experienced at least one tangible operational consequence of driver shortages in the past year, including longer ride times, missed or late pickups, and staff pulled in to cover gaps. Nearly a quarter, 23%, say they can no longer offer transportation for extracurricular activities or field trips at all.

More information on CareEngine can be found here.

About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation. 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 14,500 schools across two dozen states, with over 2,000 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. Millions of rides across 130 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y., – First Student, North America’s largest student transportation services provider backed by EQT Infrastructure, and Con Edison, today announced the completion of the first phase of an electric school bus project serving the New York City Department of Education. The project brings together electric school buses, First Student’s First Charge infrastructure solution, advanced bi-directional charging technology, and a cost-effective approach to fleet electrification in one of the nation’s most complex urban environments.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we’re doing with Con Edison and the progress we’re making together to advance electric school bus transportation,” said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. “Our mission is to provide the safest, most reliable, and efficient ride to school, so that students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential. Living that mission means continuing to live our values, including setting the highest standards for student transportation. Safety will always be at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to pair that commitment with innovation that is improving the sustainability of student transportation.”

At the center of the project is First Charge, First Student’s innovative trenchless, modular charging infrastructure solution that reduces costs and accelerates time to market. By avoiding traditional underground trenching, the installation reduced infrastructure construction costs by 13% while minimizing construction complexity and disruption, an especially important advantage in dense urban environments like New York City.

“Con Edison supports innovation to help make transitioning to electric vehicles affordable for our customers,” said Vicki Kuo, senior vice president of Customer Energy Solutions at Con Edison. “Eliminating the need to bury the service line to these chargers lowers the upfront costs for First Student and is a strategy that other fleet owners can replicate to save money and complete projects more quickly. Replacing inefficient, fossil fuel-powered buses with vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions will help keep our region sustainable.”

Con Edison and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) contributed funding for the project. The funding included six bus vouchers awarded through NYSERDA’s New York School Bus Incentive Program through First Student’s school bus manufacturer, International, as well as funding for four retrofit buses.

This project is also exploring ways to decrease energy costs for fleets. Using advanced load management software, the electric school buses charge during off-peak hours when energy is less expensive, not only decreasing complexity but also ensuring energy is used efficiently.

First Student is continuing to expand its electrification operations in New York with the addition of 40 new electric school buses. First Student is also considering additional initiatives at its Brooklyn facilities, including expanded solar use and the creation of a smart energy hub.

NYSERDA is supporting the purchase of six electric school buses for this project through the New York School Bus Incentive Program and through First Student’s vendor, International, and four retrofit buses through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program.

“This project is exactly the kind of critical infrastructure investment to which EQT is committed across our portfolio – pairing patient, long-term capital with practical innovation that strengthens energy security and accelerates the shift to cleaner transportation,” said Crosby Cook, Partner at EQT Infrastructure. “First Student’s work with Con Edison demonstrates that the right partnership between fleet operators and utilities can make electrification more affordable and scalable.”

“Electric school buses offer a healthier, quieter transportation experience for students while reducing pollution in the communities they serve,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful planning, innovative charging solutions, and strong partnerships can help lower costs and accelerate the deployment of electric school buses in New York City and across the state.”

“Deploying electric school buses at scale requires more than vehicles; it requires the right infrastructure, technology, and utility partnership,” said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. “Working with Con Edison, we’ve demonstrated a more efficient approach that can help overcome some of the cost and construction challenges that have traditionally made fleet electrification difficult in dense urban environments.”

During the 2025-26 school year, First Student operated approximately 490 electric school buses, with more than 550 additional vehicles on order. The company has surpassed 11.2 million miles driven in electric buses.

To learn more about First Student, visit www.firststudentinc.com.

About First Student
First Student, the leading student transportation services provider in North America, safely transports millions of students across the U.S. and Canada each day. With a fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles and a workforce of highly trained drivers, the company partners with school districts, divisions, and boards to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions that families can depend on. Recognized as a CIO 100 Award winner and named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list, First Student provides a range of transportation services, including special-needs transportation, routing and fleet management, vehicle electrification, maintenance services, and charter transportation. Through its proprietary HALO technology platform, First Student is helping shape the future of student transportation by integrating safety, operations, maintenance, workforce management, and customer communications into one intelligent transportation ecosystem that enhances safety, improves operational performance, and creates a more connected transportation experience for students and families. Learn more at https://firststudentinc.com

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scale pupil transportation, David possesses deep expertise in operational oversight, safety protocols, fleet maintenance, employee engagement, and client relations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rutgers University.

DENVER, Colo. EverDriven, the national leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced the appointment of Caroline Argibay as Chief Financial Officer. Argibay joins EverDriven’s executive leadership team and will have oversight of all areas of the company’s financial activities including financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, treasury, and capital markets.

“Caroline’s experience leading finance through periods of significant growth makes her exactly the right partner for EverDriven,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “She has a proven track record of building strong financial foundations and forming the kind of collaborative partnerships that help a company scale responsibly. Just as important, she understands why this work matters.”

Argibay most recently served as Vice President of FP&A at Alterra Mountain Company where she led financial planning and analysis, as well as capital markets and investor relations activities for a private-equity owned business. She spent her early career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Argibay’s interest in EverDriven’s mission is shaped by her family’s personal experience with special education.

“I am proud of the service that EverDriven provides in our communities, and this mission is one I believe in personally as well as professionally,” said Argibay. “I’m looking forward to helping to drive the performance that allows EverDriven to serve even more students and families as it continues to expand its support of additional school districts across the country.”

About EverDriven
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in routing and transporting students across all ranges 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 38 states, the company completed more than 2.1 million successful trips in the 2025–26 school year. 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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CINCINNATI, Ohio -First Student, North America’s largest student transportation services provider, today announced new enhancements to First View, the leading parent transportation app that brings together traditional yellow bus and First Alt alternative transportation into one connected experience. Whether a student rides a yellow bus, an alternative vehicle, or both, First View gives parents one place to stay informed with real-time visibility, communication, and support throughout every journey.

With more than 1.1 million downloads and 300,000 active users as of June 30, First View continues to help families stay informed and confident about their student’s transportation. New enhancements for the 2026–2027 school year expand the app’s capabilities while making it even easier for families to manage transportation across multiple students, multiple vehicles, and multiple service types – all within a single experience.

“Every great school year begins with a safe ride, and families deserve confidence in that journey,” said John Kenning, President and CEO of First Student. “Our mission is to provide the safest, most reliable, and most efficient ride to school so students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential. First View brings that mission to life by giving families greater visibility and confidence in their child’s journey, whether they travel by yellow bus, alternative transportation or both. It’s another way we’re living our values of Caring for Our Students and Setting the Highest Standards while creating a safer, more connected transportation experience for every student and family we serve.”

New Features and Enhancements for the 2026–2027 School Year

Track multiple students in one app, regardless of the type of vehicle they ride to school.

Expanded language support, now available in 15 languages including English, Spanish, Canadian French, Arabic, Chinese, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Somali, Portuguese, Swahili, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Amharic, Russian, and Pashto.

Push and in-app notifications when the vehicle arrives for pick-up and drop-off, both at the stop and at school.

Trip change notifications, including driver, vehicle, and schedule updates, as well as when a student boards or exits the vehicle.

Service alerts from districts/divisions and locations, including weather changes, delays, and road closures.

Expanded multilingual customer support, including a First Alt call center that is 50% bilingual, outbound Spanish-language parent outreach, and a dedicated Spanish-language inbound support line for families.

Unlike most transportation apps that support only one type of service, First View’s parent app allows families to manage transportation for every student in one place. Parents can track yellow bus routes, alternative transportation, and even charter transportation for summer programs through a single app, creating one seamless transportation experience regardless of how their children travel to and from school. This unified approach is especially valuable for families with multiple children or students whose mode of transportation changes throughout the school year.

“Providing families with accurate and timely transportation information is important to us,” said Lisa Riveros, Director of Transportation for Wichita Public Schools. “I really like how First View gives parents real-time visibility into their student’s transportation so they can stay informed, know what to expect, and have confidence that their child is getting to and from school safely.”

Families can also share feedback after every trip through First Student’s Feedback Portal, helping the company continuously improve the transportation experience.

For families who use First Alt, First Student’s alternative transportation service, First View provides additional capabilities designed specifically for individualized transportation. Parents can view and cancel same-day rides, manage trips scheduled up to 14 days in advance, access driver and vehicle information, and receive notifications when their student boards or exits the vehicle. The app helps ensure a better experience for families whose students have disabilities.

“The expansion of First View to 15 languages is a tremendous benefit for our families,” said Victoria Storti, Transportation Specialist for Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. “Every parent deserves access to timely transportation information in a language they understand. By offering more language options, First View is helping us create a more inclusive experience, improve communication with families and ensure more parents can stay connected to their student’s daily transportation.”

The enhancements are being introduced as part of First Student’s broader back-to-school readiness efforts, helping families start the school year with greater confidence while reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering one connected transportation experience across every student, every vehicle, and every journey. First Student’s continued investment in technology and innovation was recently recognized with a 2026 CIO 100 Award, honoring organizations that use technology in innovative ways to deliver business value.

First View is available to download in the App Store or Google Play.

About First Student
First Student, the leading student transportation provider in North America, safely transports millions of students across the U.S. and Canada each day. With a fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles and a workforce of highly trained drivers, the company partners with school districts, divisions, and boards to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions that families can depend on. Recognized as a CIO 100 Award winner and named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list, First Student provides a range of transportation services, including special-needs transportation, routing and fleet management, vehicle electrification, maintenance services, and charter transportation. Through its proprietary HALO technology platform, First Student is helping shape the future of student transportation by integrating safety, operations, maintenance, workforce management, and customer communications into one intelligent transportation ecosystem that enhances safety, improves operational performance, and creates a more connected transportation experience for students and families. Learn more at https://firststudentinc.com

About First Alt
First Alt, the alternative transportation service from First Student, facilitates safe, reliable, and customized transportation for students with specialized needs. Backed by First Student’s quality training, technology, and safety standards, the First Alt service ensures that every student, regardless of ability, housing, or placement, receives equitable, high-quality transportation to and from school. Learn more at: https://firstalt.com

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