METHUEN, Mass. – Lawrence Public Schools, NRT Bus Inc., Zenobē, and partners today hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the deployment of 35 new electric school buses. Thanks to successful public and private partnerships, Lawrence Public Schools has deployed 25 new electric school buses, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 10 minibuses, supported by an initiative led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), as part of their regular home-to-school operations. The buses are based in Methuen and support clean transportation for Lawrence Public Schools.

“To give students a comfortable, quieter daily bus ride while benefiting public health, the environment and Lawrence taxpayers is a big win for our entire community,” said Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Ralph Carrero. “This initiative is the power of public-private partnership at its best.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air for our students and schools, we are thrilled to announce the launch of this charging site to support our new electric fleet for Lawrence Public Schools,” said Scott Sheridan, Senior Vice President of NRT Bus. “We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of all our partners from the public and private sector who made this project possible and are helping us power this new fleet for the 2025 school year.”

“We’re drawing on our global fleet electrification experience to bring clean transportation and its many health and climate benefits to NRT Bus, Beacon Mobility and Lawrence Public Schools. This is an excellent example of public-private partnership in action, and we believe projects like this can be as financially sustainable as they are environmentally sustainable and beneficial,” commented Zenobē Executive Vice President of U.S. EV Sales and Marketing Maggie Clancy.

Undertaken as a partnership between the EPA, MassCEC, Beacon Mobility, Zenobē, Sargent & Lundy, National Grid, Liberty Utilities, and the school district, the charging site was completed last summer and is being used to charge and store the 35 new electric buses.

“This investment means healthier air for students, quieter neighborhoods, and cost savings for school districts over the long term,” said Rachel Ackerman, Senior Program Director for Clean Transportation at MassCEC. “Projects like this show how innovative partnerships can deliver immediate community benefits while accelerating the state’s transition to clean transportation. MassCEC is proud to support Lawrence Public Schools in putting these new electric minibuses on the road.”

Electrified by National Grid and Liberty Utilities, the charging station site provides a sustainable hub for recharging the electric batteries that power the new fleet to shuttle Merrimack Valley students and community members to and from school and other local activities.

“At National Grid, we believe fleet electrification is a key component of building a sustainable and diversified energy future,” said Jake Navarro, Director of Clean Transportation, National Grid. “We’re proud to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to invest in and modernize our energy infrastructure to support the customers and communities we serve.”

Lawrence Public Schools deployed the 25 new electric buses as part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program in 2022. The school district serves 13,000 K-12 students. The 25 electric school buses alone are projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1.35 million pounds per year, equivalent to removing 136 gas-powered passenger cars off the road for one year. In addition, the district was awarded $1,670,000 under MassCEC’s ACT School Bus Deployment Program in 2023 which was used to fund the 10 minibuses.

All vehicles were placed in service for the current 2025 school year.

About Zenobē Energy Ltd. (Zenobē):
Zenobē is an EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist, headquartered in the U.K. The company began operations in 2017 and now employs >380 FTEs with a wide range of leading skills including electrical engineering, software development, computer sciences and financing. Zenobē has around a 25% market share of the U.K. EV bus sector and supports over 3,400 electric vehicles across 120 depots globally. The company is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Zenobē is also the leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the Great Britain transmission network with >1GW of battery storage assets in operation or under construction. Zenobē’s North American headquarters are in Chicago with a subsidiary office in New York and it is actively hiring in Canada and the U.S. For more information visit zenobe.com or LinkedIn.

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The new school has begun and students are back in class, notwithstanding the dozen
school districts that have gone year-round, according to the National Association for YearRound Education. We know full well school buses never stop operating, at least in most places, but the yellow machines are marching full force across North America,
delivering the most precious cargo. It’s an exciting yet anxiety-riddled time of year. With all those school buses and all those children on roads and highways, risk follows, largely in the form of other motorists.

But this school year, more than ever before, school buses are armed with innovations that target increased safety and efficiency. And technology offerings as well as adoption will only continue its upward movement. By 2032, the global student transportation market is forecast to more than double in value, to $4.95 billion from $2.31 billion last year, according to market intelligence firm Skyquest Technology Group. The North American market, especially the U.S., makes up the lion’s share and figures to continue to do so, though Skyquest’s recent report notes the rapid emergence of China then Japan and Australia as the forerunners of the fastest-expanding market of Asia Pacific.

All this growth is being largely led by AI-based vehicle and student monitoring and tracking, safety technology, and cloud-based fleet management systems. Look no further than this month’s technology “Superusers” to illustrate these points. Repeatedly, I read about student transporters who need and are getting access to real-time data ranging from student ridership to video, communications to vehicle telematics—that not only impact the decisions they need to make but are making them easier. In fact, all these technologies and then some are becoming increasingly integrated to give a more complete picture of operational safety and efficiency.

Elsewhere in this magazine issue, the technology conversation inevitably turns to securing the plethora of data now at student transporters’ fingertips. If the technology itself doesn’t leave you feeling trepidation, cyberattacks will. The Watch Dog Blog reported last year that the Verizon Data Breach Report saw a 258-percent increase in total security incidents plaguing education and research sectors in 2023 compared to the previous year and a staggering 546 percent rise in data breach cases.

In addition to the security measures available to or being taken by student transportation operations, I found especially informative the IT glossary Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani included in her article. It wasn’t long ago we ran a similar glossary that defined electric school bus terminology. Many of those words and acronyms are now commonplace throughout much of the industry. I suspect many of the IT terms provided this month have already entered the industry lexicon.

With all today’s technology driving student transportation operations, not to mention tomorrow’s, collaboration with IT departments and a more intimate knowledge of technological solutions is a must. At the very least, student transportation leaders need to know what questions to ask of their IT departments and their dealers. And certainly, levels of security and data redundancy are at the top of the list.

Amid all this technology talk, the solutions I am most intrigued by are emerging virtual reality and augmented reality tools for maintenance professionals. Bob Pudlewski, NSTA Hall of Famer and our magazine’s technical editor, highlights how VR and AR as well as AI are changing or will change maintenance operations. Imagine being able to see into an engine to diagnose an especially vexing (and hidden) issue. Soon, Pudlewski writes, this will be possible.

It might happen even faster. Just two years ago at STN EXPO East in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cummins demonstrated during a plant tour how it is poised to use VR and AR goggles in its manufacturing and troubleshooting. The next great wave of innovation to hit the garage? As you read the following pages, ask yourself how the technologies discussed could assist and streamline your operations. Perhaps you and your transportation team are already using some of them. If so, what’s your “Superuser” story? I’d love to hear about it, and so would your peers across the industry.

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

Related: Roundup: Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO Charlotte 2025
Related: (STN Podcast E251) Making Safety Safer: Seatbelts, Technology, Training & Electric School Buses
Related: (Free White Paper) Your Step-by-Step Guide to Smarter, Safer Student Transportation Technology
Related: New Technology Provides Data to School Bus Routing

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As school districts across the country continue to grapple with a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, Burlington, Vermont, is stepping up its efforts to ensure students get to and from school safely and on time, reported NBC 5.

According to the news report, Burlington School District announced a series of new initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining bus drivers, including paid CDL training, increased wages and expanded benefits. The district has lost three drivers over the past year and, like many others nationwide, has struggled to fill the vacancies.

“We know that one of the biggest barriers to becoming a bus driver is the cost of getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL),” said Michelle Meola, director of human resources for the district. “That process can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and that’s a significant burden for many people.”

Starting wages have jumped from just under $18 an hour to $30 an hour, following recent union negotiations aimed at making the job more competitive in today’s labor market.

“In order to give a significant increase, we had to go through negotiations because we are under a union contract,” Meola explained . “But even before those talks began, we came to the table ready to invest in this position.”

Beyond better pay and training, the district is also reportedly working to make the role more sustainable by creating additional job opportunities for drivers within the school system. These could include roles in property services or other support functions, allowing drivers to become full-time employees and qualify for full-time benefits.

“We’re excited about this direction,” Meola told local news reporters. “It allows us to impact people’s lives by offering more stability, and it helps our district run more smoothly by keeping experienced, dedicated staff on board.”

Currently, the Burlington School District is looking to hire at least four new drivers. Officials are reportedly encouraging anyone interested to apply through the district’s website.

“This is more than just a job,” Meola added. “It’s an opportunity to be part of the community and make a real difference in the lives of students and families every day.”

Related: Dauphin County School District Considers Paying Parents Amid Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts

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DENVER, Colo. -EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced significant momentum in Texas, where its growing network now supports more than 14,446 students. Over the past 13 years in Texas, EverDriven has completed 860,286 trips and driven over 12.5 million miles. Since entering into the state in 2012, EverDriven has become a critical partner in ensuring students — particularly those with the greatest needs — arrive at school safe, calm, and ready to learn.

With 102 school district partnerships across Texas, EverDriven is uniquely positioned to serve one of the nation’s largest and most complex education systems. This school year, the majority of students the company transports are among the state’s most vulnerable — 86% experiencing housing instability under the McKinney-Vento Act and 9% requiring special education support. By delivering flexible, student-centered rides that complement traditional yellow bus service, EverDriven expands districts’ ability to meet these diverse needs at scale.

Districts served include some of the largest in the nation — such as Dallas ISD, Houston ISD, and Plano ISD — as well as newly added districts this year, including Waco ISD, Aledo ISD, and Red Oak ISD.

“EverDriven has become a trusted partner in helping us deliver on our promise to families,” said Jazmin Harrison, Ph.D., Executive Director of Student Transportation Services, Dallas Independent School District. “Their consistent, safe, and student-centered service helps us meet the diverse needs of our students — particularly those experiencing housing instability or requiring specialized support. The visibility and reliability they bring to our transportation program gives us confidence that every student can access the education they deserve.”

EverDriven’s service in Texas has grown rapidly: last school year alone, the company transported 2,299 students, completed 100,749 trips, and driven nearly 2 million miles across the state.

“Texas is leading the way in adopting modern approaches to student transportation,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “From large districts like Dallas and Houston to smaller, rural communities, we’re proud to work alongside schools across the state to deliver safe solutions families can count on. With our human-led, tech-enabled approach, we’re helping districts provide every student with a consistent and reliable ride that supports their ability to learn.”

In addition to growth in student ridership, EverDriven is helping Texas districts raise the bar for safety and visibility. Through its human-led, tech-enabled approach, the company is equipping schools with its 360-Degree Student Experience, giving districts, caregivers, and administrators full visibility of every ride to strengthen safety, transparency, and accountability.

Together, with a 99.99% safety record, 100% compliance in driver and vehicle safety checks, and a commitment to consistency, EverDriven is redefining what modern student transportation means for Texas families and districts. Its combination of flexible routing, rigorous safety protocols, and real-time visibility gives districts confidence and families peace of mind.

Looking ahead, EverDriven plans to expand service to additional districts, roll out new technology that enhances visibility, and continue raising the bar for safety. As Texas’s student population grows more diverse and mobility needs more complex, EverDriven remains committed to innovating alongside districts to ensure every child can access education through safe, consistent, and modern transportation — today and into the future.

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

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. –Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) started off the new school year by welcoming students back safely thanks to the support from its transportation provider, Durham School Services. As part of its back-to-school preparation training, the Durham team refined and practiced various safety and driving skills and performed practice runs of their routes to ensure familiarity and efficiency. In total, Durham runs 112 routes and transports over 5,000 students to and from the school every day for the district.

“The Ann Arbor Public Schools is pleased to be working with Durham School Services who provides the district’s general education and special education bus service. The management staff, led by manager Renae Pickel and her team, partner with us to provide transportation services to over 5,000 students,” said Liz Margolis, Executive Director of School Safety & District Operations, Ann Arbor Public Schools. “The Durham team also works with us to ensure students are scheduled for busing in the most efficient manner and to assess the routes during the first few weeks of school for any improvements in service. Further, they understand our families and the expected level of service. We look forward to a smooth 2025-2026 school year for transportation.”

In addition to celebrating the successful start to the school year, AAPS and Durham are also celebrating a three-year extension to its already decades-long partnership. The new partnership between AAPS and Durham extends through 2028 and plans are currently underway to transition the school’s fleet of buses to electric vehicles (EV).

Durham was one of five providers that submitted a proposal in response to AAPS’ request for proposals and was recommended by the review committee after careful and thorough consideration. In the recommendation letter, which is publicly accessible, it was noted that, “Over the contract term, Durham focused on student safety, on-time performance, and customer service, with an expertly maintained fleet of updated buses. The Durham Ann Arbor operation has consistently been awarded the Michigan State Police Certificate of Excellence for a 100% pass rate for all school bus safety inspections.”

“Maintaining and building a decade-long partnership, as you can imagine, takes significant dedication, effort, and hard work,” said Renae Pickel, General Manager, Durham School Services. “Thanks to our team members, we’ve not only been given the opportunity to continue serving AAPS for another three years but also had our best school start-up in years. We had a driver in every seat covering all 112 routes and all routes ran successfully. That is such an immense achievement, and I can’t help but feel a huge sense of pride for what my team has accomplished through their diligence and immeasurable efforts. Lastly, on behalf of the team, I’d like to express how truly appreciative we are for the school’s trust and recognition of our team’s commitment to always providing the utmost safe, dependable service to their students and community.”

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

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A central Pennsylvania school district is considering a transportation stipend for families as it continues to grapple with a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WGAL News.

According to the news report, the Susquehanna Township School District may offer up to $1,000 per year to parents who transport their children to and from school. Under the proposed plan, families would receive $50 per student per month, with a cap of $100 per household.

The move reportedly mirrors similar efforts in districts like Philadelphia, where parental stipends have been used to ease transportation challenges.

The district stated the goal is to reduce the number of students requiring school bus service, thereby decreasing the number of buses needed each day. The proposal reportedly comes as the district canceled classes Monday for two elementary schools due to a lack of available drivers. District officials emphasized that participation in the stipend program would be voluntary. No final decision has been made.

Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
Related: School District Pays Parents to Drive Their Children to School
Related: Rural Virginia Counties Move Needle on School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage

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A routine school bus ride turned into a frightening ordeal for students and staff after a Spring Hill parent boarded the vehicle threatening the driver, reported Fox 13.

Authorities say via the article that 40-year-old Alvon Corley unlawfully boarded a Hernando County school bus at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 22 near the intersection of Anderson Snow Road and Edward R. Noll Drive. The bus was on route to JD Floyd Elementary School, with students on board, when the incident occurred.

According to the article, Corley, who has a child that rides the bus, allegedly stepped onto the vehicle without permission, used profane language toward both the driver and the bus attendant and refused to leave. Deputies reported that he stood in the bus doorway, blocking the vehicle from continuing its route and delaying the transport of students.

When warned that law enforcement would be contacted, Corley reportedly responded with a threatening remark. “I’ll go back and get my [expletive] gun,” he said, then exited the bus.

The incident was reportedly captured on the bus’s surveillance camera. After a review of the footage, conducted in coordination with the Hernando County School District Office of Safe Schools, Corley was arrested. He now faces charges of trespassing on school grounds, a serious offense especially given the threat of involving a firearm.

No weapons were found at the scene, and no injuries were reported. However, the sheriff’s office and school district officials are taking the threat seriously. It is unclear what led to the incident.

“This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable,” a spokesperson for HCSO said via the article. “We will continue to work with school officials to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

The Hernando County School District has not commented on whether additional security measures will be implemented following the incident. Corley remains in custody as of Tuesday. His bond and court appearance details have not yet been released.

Related: South Carolina Man Arrested for Allegedly Pointing Gun at School Bus
Related: New York School Bus Hit by Gunfire
Related: Iowa Student Found with BB Gun on School Bus
Related: North Carolina Student in Custody for Bringing Gun on School Bus

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COPPELL, Texas – Coppell Independent School District (ISD) and Durham School Services celebrated a smooth, successful start to the school year thanks to the outstanding job done by Durham’s team in transporting students to their first day of school safely, on time, and ready to learn. The Durham team transports 7,500 students and runs 64 routes for the school district.

Durham and Coppell ISD have been partners since 2017 and have built a mutually supportive, trusting partnership over the course of the past eight years. Beyond providing transportation services, the Coppell Durham team is also a committed community partner. Throughout the years, the Durham team has participated in the community’s holiday parade as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program and is also a member of the Coppell Chamber of Commerce.

Sid Grant, Chief Operations Officer for the Coppell Independent School District, shared, “The first day and week of student transportation provided by Durham School Services was the smoothest and most operationally efficient start-up I have ever witnessed in my twenty plus years of working with student transportation. Durham’s General Manager, Jake Sutton, and his team, did amazing work developing bus routes, routing each student, communicating to parents, and training the drivers in preparation for the first day of school. Their efforts and attention to every detail ensured the safe and successful transportation of 7,500 students.”

“Our team here in Coppell has worked extremely hard to ensure we started the school year successfully,” said Jake Sutton, General Manager, Durham School Services. “I could not be prouder of the office staff, maintenance team, drivers, and monitors for delivering the best start up in decades. Thank you, team, for being the premier team in the business, and thank you to Coppell ISD for recognizing the team’s efforts and being a phenomenal, supportive partner.”

If you’d like to be part of the Durham team in Coppell or another location, we encourage you to search and apply for available opportunities at www.durhamschoolservices.com/career/.

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

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Warren City Schools in Ohio kicked off the new academic year with a spirited community celebration at Courthouse Square. While the atmosphere was upbeat, school officials took the opportunity to address a pressing challenge facing the district; a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WKBN 27.

“Our goal is to have a lot of positive energy and to kick school off in a very positive light,” said Superintendent Steve Chiaro via the article, who praised the strong turnout and community support.

But behind the celebration lies a logistical concern. John Lacy, executive director of business operations for Warren City Schools, stated the district is “barely covering routes” and urgently needs more drivers to avoid double routes and delays.

To attract applicants, the district showcased a school bus during the event and shared details about the position. Bus drivers in Warren earn approximately $24 an hour, receive full benefits, and work year-round, not just during the school year. The district also fully covers the cost of CDL training for new drivers.

“We’re doing everything we can to recruit,” said Lacy via the article. “People are often surprised at how good the pay and benefits are.”

The district said it remains hopeful that community outreach and incentives will help ease the shortage. In the meantime, Superintendent Chiaro reportedly emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting student success.

“Because we can’t do it alone,” Chiaro said. “We need every aspect of assistance in helping our kids along the way.”

Related: Ohio-Based Training Program Equips School Bus Drivers to Handle Active Threats
Related: Indiana School District Hosts “Hop on and Hire” Bus Driver Career Day Amid Shortages
Related: Ohio School Bus Drivers Attend Life-Saving Emergency Training
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage

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Just days into the new school year, Fulton County Schools in Georgia has already dismissed or accepted the resignation of multiple bus drivers found in violation of the school district’s strict student safety protocols, reported WSBTV News.

Since the academic year began on Aug. 4, three drivers reportedly were removed from duty or stepped down after failing to follow district policy regarding the drop-off of young students. These incidents involved children in pre-K through first grade being let off the school bus without a parent or approved guardian present, a violation a long-standing safety rule.

An internal email obtained by local news reporters revealed that a total of seven drivers had been lost within seven days, according to the district’s transportation coordinator. The email underscores the urgency with which the district is addressing these violations.

Fulton County Schools maintains what it calls a “zero-tolerance approach” to the safety of its youngest school bus riders. District rules reportedly specify that students in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade must be met at the bus stop by a parent or guardian or be accompanied by an older sibling in second grade or above. For students in special education programs, individualized transportation plans dictate their drop-off procedures.

“There is no excuse for failing to follow this standard,” said the district via the article. “Drivers are trained on this requirement when they are hired, it is reinforced by management throughout the year, and it was a key part of all back-to-school transportation trainings last month. We provide the training, support and student management strategies to make it happen.”

The district added via the news report that the vast majority of its nearly 800 bus drivers follow these expectations every day, and that it remains committed to hiring and retaining only those who demonstrate a strong commitment to student safety.

“This isn’t just a part-time job or simply transporting children,” said parent Lola Green to local news reporters. “It’s a serious responsibility. Families are trusting these drivers with what matters most to them.”

Green, who reportedly withdrew her son from the school system this year, described a troubling incident last year involving her son, who has autism. Despite his individualized education plan requiring a guardian to be present at the drop-off, she said the bus driver released him without anyone there to receive him. Doorbell camera footage showed the child arriving alone at their home.

“Anything could have happened to him,” Green said. Following her complaint, the district removed that driver from her son’s route.

The email from the transportation coordinator to local news reporters also noted that the recent driver dismissals occurred across both the northern and southern parts of the district, not concentrated in one area.

While Green said she’s encouraged by the district’s swift response, she believes it’s just one step in a larger process. “Do the work to make sure they’re hiring people who are going to meet the needs of the children and the families they serve,” she said.

Related: What’s the 411 on Stop-Arm Violations?
Related: Ohio Bill Seeks School Bus Illegal Passing Fine Increase, Safety Fund
Related: Rhode Island School Bus Driver, Safety Monitors Fired for Leaving Student in Bus
Related: School Bus Driver Fired After Skipping Students’ Stops in Alabama

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SHELTON, Conn. -Just in time for back-to-school, the City of Shelton announced today the launch of a new school bus safety program in partnership with BusPatrol. The initiative is designed to protect children as they travel to and from school by curbing the dangerous and illegal motorist behavior of passing stopped school buses.

Starting Tuesday, August 26, Shelton Public Schools’ fleet of 68 buses will be equipped with BusPatrol’s AI-powered stop-arm enforcement technology. The program will begin with a 30-day warning period during which vehicle owners who illegally pass stopped school buses will receive warning letters without monetary penalties. On September 29, the program will enter live enforcement, with violators subject to a minimum $250 civil penalty under Connecticut law. Every violation is reviewed by trained municipal staff before a fine is issued.

Importantly, the program is provided at zero cost to the City, school district, and taxpayers. BusPatrol covers the upfront investment, including the technology, installation, and ongoing maintenance. The program is entirely violator-funded, meaning drivers who break the law and put children at risk pay for this important student safety program.

Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti said: “We’re proud to lead the charge as the second city in the state to launch stop-arm enforcement. This is about one thing: protecting our kids. We’re setting the standard for student safety and sending a clear message – passing a stopped school bus is never worth the risk.”

Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol, said: “Every day, drivers put kids at risk by blowing past school bus stop-arms. The data shows these programs work. Nine out of ten drivers who receive a violation notice do not do it again. That proves the technology changes driver behavior and makes roads safer. By bringing AI-powered enforcement to Shelton, we are helping the City tackle a public safety issue with a solution that is protecting children nationwide.”

Dr. Ken Saranich, Superintendent of Shelton Public Schools, said: “The safety of our students is our top priority at Shelton Public Schools, and implementing this program will mark a major step in further safeguarding our children as they ride the bus to and from school daily. We are grateful to partner with BusPatrol to enhance student safety and promote safer driving behaviors in our community.”

Shelton is the latest city in Connecticut to implement a BusPatrol program, following Bridgeport, and joins a growing movement across New England. Neighboring Stratford and Trumbull are also expected to launch the program in the new school year, along with Waterbury, Danbury and New Haven.

Every day, more than 330,000 children ride school buses in Connecticut. A recent study found that cameras on just 74 buses recorded nearly 10,000 illegal passes in six months, equivalent to 75 violations per weekday. Each violation represents a moment where a child’s life is put at risk.

Connecticut law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, so children can cross the road safely. This applies on two-lane and multi-lane roads in both directions. The only exception is when traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway with a raised median or barrier.

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Blue Valley Schools started the new school year on a strong note last week thanks to the dedicated efforts of its long-time school transportation partner, Durham School Services, and the Blue Valley Schools transportation team. For the first day of school, Durham drove a total of 105 routes and transported 4,000 students.

Durham has been the district’s transportation provider for 14 years, and just last year, announced a five-year partnership renewal that runs through 2029 – a clear indication of the school’s continued, deep trust with Durham’s service and team. Further, over the years, as a committed community partner, Durham has supported various local pantries through donations, provided grants to teachers, and has annually sponsored the Blue Valley Educational Foundation’s (BVEF) Annual Community Breakfast event as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program.

“Blue Valley Schools are off to a strong start this fall, thanks to the efforts of our transportation team and Durham School Services,” said Jason Gillam, SFO, Director of Business Operations, Blue Valley Schools. “On-time performance has continued to improve each day as routes settle in, and families are experiencing smoother service overall. We’re grateful for the hard work and collaboration that made the first days of the 2025–26 school year one of our best bus start-ups yet.”

“Congratulations to our team and Blue Valley Schools for such a smooth, successful start to the new school year,” said Cody Aksamit, General Manager, Durham School Services. “I’d like to thank my team for their ever admirable hard work, along with the preparation efforts they’ve put into ensuring school start-up runs as smoothly as possible. From safety start-up meetings to practice runs of routes, our teams stayed focused on their objective, and it paid off. I’d like to also give special thanks to Blue Valley Schools for their unwavering support for the past 10+ years. Welcome back, everyone, and here’s to a great start to the school year!”

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

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MACON, Ga.- Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, is delivering 25 electric school buses to Little Rock School District (LRSD) in Arkansas. The zero-emission school bus fleet marks a new era of clean student transportation for the school district. LRSD is the third-largest school district in the state and operates more than 40 schools serving over 19,000 students.

Blue Bird provides its most advanced Vision electric school buses to Little Rock School District. The state-of-the-art electric buses have a vehicle range of up to 130 miles on a single charge and can carry up to 69 passengers. The high-performance batteries take merely two hours to fully recharge.

Following the completion of the Blue Bird electric school bus order, LRSD will maintain a bus fleet of approximately 70 vehicles. LRSD’s zero-emission school buses will travel nearly 1,400 miles each school day, as they pick up and safely transport 500 students to and from schools.

“This is more than just adding new buses—it’s about doing what’s right for our kids and our community,” said Dr. Jermall D. Wright, superintendent of the Little Rock School District. “We’re proud to introduce Blue Bird’s electric school buses as a step toward a cleaner, healthier future. Every mile these buses travel means less pollution, cleaner air, and a stronger commitment to the well-being of our students and the neighborhoods we serve.”

“We are pleased that Little Rock School District continues to place its trust in Blue Bird to help the school district shift to clean student transportation,” said Albert Burleigh, vice president of North America bus sales at Blue Bird Corporation. “For more than 25 years, the school district has relied on Blue Bird and our local dealer partner to meet its school bus and service needs. We look forward to helping LRSD expand its school bus fleet with safe, reliable, and environmentally-friendly vehicles.”

LRSD received a $9,875,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) widely popular and highly effective Clean School Bus Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric school bus fleet. The EPA has already awarded nearly $3 billion through the landmark bipartisan initiative. The program to date will enable more than 1,300 school districts nationwide to replace old diesel buses with nearly 9,000 electric and ultra-low emission vehicles.

LRSD can considerably lower its operating expenses by replacing diesel with electric school buses due to reduced fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. School districts have reported paying a mere 19 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses compared to fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses.

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 2,500 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today.

LRSD purchased its advanced electric-powered vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer Central States Bus Sales in North Little Rock, Ark.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our 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 the 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.

About the Little Rock School District
The Little Rock School District (LRSD) is the state’s third largest district, serving more than 19,000 students. The District has the distinction of having three national Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence; nearly 200 teachers with National Board Certification; and historically within the past decade, the most National Merit Semifinalists in the state. LRSD is also home to the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year and consistently ranks among the top award recipients in STEM-related competitions and the performing/creative arts. For more information, visit https://www.lrsd.org.

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As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, school districts face increasing pressure to modernize their student transportation systems — both to meet rising demand and to ensure every student has safe, equitable access to learning. In this webinar, we’ll explore how forward-thinking district leaders are reimagining transportation through technology, flexible solutions, and a student-first mindset.

District leaders will walk away with actionable strategies to future-proof their transportation systems and support vulnerable students — including those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, or facing complex medical needs.

What you’ll learn:

• The top transportation challenges facing districts this year—and how leaders are responding
• How modern technology (like AI-assisted routing and real-time GPS tracking) is transforming school transportation
• Why Alternative Student Transportation is now a core part of district strategy—not a backup plan
• How to improve student safety, reduce absenteeism, and meet funding goals through personalized transportation

Brought to you by EverDriven

REGISTER BELOW:

Presenters:

Courtney Pallotta
Chief Marketing Officer
EverDriven

Adam Warner
VP of Operations & Head of Safety
EverDriven

Alan Fliegelman
VP of Product Management
EverDriven

The post (Free Webinar) Modernizing Student Transportation: Meeting Every Student’s Need This School Year appeared first on School Transportation News.

Nominations are open through the month of August for alternative student transportation company EverDriven’s Modern Student Transportation Awards, a national program created to celebrate school district leaders who are setting new standards in how students are transported to and from school.

Finalists will be notified in early fall, and the winners will be formally announced at the Modern Student Transportation Awards Celebration in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6. Winners will receive a $2,500 college scholarship to benefit a student in their district who qualifies under the McKinney-Vento Act or for special education services.

They will also be awarded a full conference pass and paid travel to attend the TSD Conference, a customized award plaque, and a digital winner’s seal for use in their organization’s communications and marketing efforts.

With this initiative, EverDriven said it hopes to spark a movement across the country by celebrating those who are going above and beyond for their students. To submit a nomination, visit here.

The inaugural awards seek to spotlight those who are not only meeting the evolving needs of student mobility but leading the way with innovation, equity and safety at the forefront. In a press release, EverDriven expressed its belief that every student should have access to safe, dependable and forward-thinking transportation, as it serves as a gateway to learning, personal growth and opportunity.

The Modern Student Transportation Awards were born from this mindset, the company added, and they are designed to honor school districts that are transforming traditional transportation models into modern, student-centered systems.

“Modernizing student transportation isn’t just about safety, it’s about expanding access to education for every child, every day,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “We’re launching these awards to celebrate the bold thinking and innovation happening in school districts across the country. These leaders deserve recognition for creating systems that improve outcomes for all students.”

Nominations are accepted until Aug. 28. Submissions must include details about the nominee, school district, transportation initiative, and the demonstrated impact of their efforts. Individuals can be nominated in multiple categories, such as safety and reliability, equitable access to education, innovative use of technology, and humanitarian efforts in student transportation.

A panel of expert judges from across the student transportation and education sectors will review the entries based on specific criteria for each award. EverDriven said it will announce the judges in the coming weeks.

Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students
Related: TSD Conference Registration is Open for Event in November
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SANTA FE, N.M., – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (Nasdaq: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), 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 it has signed a contract with the state of New Mexico to implement an all-electric school bus pilot project. The contract is the result of an award made by the state under an RFP published in May.

The two-year pilot project will deploy three GreenPower Type A all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission Nano BEAST Access school buses in the first school year (2025-26), and three GreenPower Type D all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission BEAST and Mega BEAST school buses in the second school year (2026-27). The shool buses will rotate around the state in five pilot rounds each school year with each round lasting six weeks. GreenPower will install charging systems, provide training for the drivers, mechanics and the community’s first responder and help ensure a seamless testing period.

The contract between GreenPower and the state of New Mexico provides more than $5 million for the purchase of vehicles, cost of charging infrastructure and overall management of the pilot. GreenPower will support the implementation of the project from a location to be established in New Mexico. Based on voluntary requests to participate, school districts are currently being selected by the state to participate in the pilot. The manufacturing of the three Nano BEAST Access school buses is substantially complete and they will be ready for deployment for Round 1 the week of September 15.

“The New Mexico pilot project provides an opportunity to expand the reach of GreenPower’s zero-emission school bus product and gives parents, kids and school districts in the state the opportunity to evaluate the transition to all-electric, purpose-built school buses,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “The project is leveraging the successful pilot that GreenPower conducted in West Virginia, but also has a concentration on evaluating charging options and infrastructure.”

The pilot will include both Level 3 DC fast chargers and Level 2 slow chargers for the Nano BEAST Access school buses, and will evaluate Level 3 DC fast charging in the second year with the BEAST school buses. A part of the second year will be a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) evaluation using the GreenPower Mega BEAST. The Mega BEAST is a 40-foot Type D all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school bus that delivers a class-leading range of up to 300 miles on a single charge because of its massive 387 kWh battery pack. The range of the Mega BEAST is greater than any electric school bus in it’s class. It has more uphill climbing power and the most compelling and cost effective V2G capability for a more stable electric grid and community sustainability in areas where it is deployed.

“We are particularly interested in evaluating charging as a part of the pilot project,” said Mark Roper, Director of the Economic Development Division within the New Mexico Economic Development Department. “Range, charging rates and grid resiliency are critical components of switching to all-electric, zero-emission vehicles.”

GreenPower is partnering with Highland Electric Fleets to install and implement the charging infrastructure necessary for the pilot. In a letter to the state, Highland’s Chief Commercial Officer Brian Buccella shared the company’s commitment to supporting GreenPower in assessing charging infrastructure and creating a reliable EV pilot project in New Mexico. “Our experience delivering and operating electric school buses at scale positions us well to assist in the successful execution of this pilot program. This initiative presents an opportunity to reduce transportation-related emissions in New Mexico communities, protect student health and modernize school transportation,” Buccella said.

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. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com

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Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) students ages 12 and under are now eligible to ride local metro buses, Light Rail and subway services free of charge with their student passes.

The expanded fare policy went into effect Sunday, with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) stating the aim is improving access to education, jobs and extracurricular opportunities for youth throughout the city.

“This change enables greater participation in after-school programs, access to part-time jobs and other opportunities,” officials said in the statement.

Under the new policy, children up to age 12 can now ride free. Previous, free rides were only available for children age 6 and younger. MTA said the change is expected to help more families take advantage of public transportation without added financial strain.

BCPS students will also see a major benefit. They can now use their student transit passes at any time of day, not simplyduring school hours. This flexibility allows students to more easily attend after-school programs, internships, part-time jobs and other opportunities.

In addition, the All-Access Student Transit Pass previously reserved for college students is now available for all private school students. This move broadens access to affordable transportation for more young people across the Baltimore region.

MTA also extended the transfer window for riders using the CharmPass app. Transfers, which were previously limited to 90 minutes, are now valid for up to 120 minutes. The change offers more flexibility and convenience for commuters navigating the city.

The fare changes also laid the groundwork for a low-income fare program. Eligible participants in the Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will eventually benefit from discounted transit fares, supporting greater mobility for economically disadvantaged individuals.

However, the MTA is also tightening fare compliance. A new $5 surcharge is applied to light rail riders who who do not have a valid ticket and then purchase one using the CharmPass app during fare inspections. The measure is intended to encourage system-wide compliance while maintaining accessibility. MTA offers a complete policy guide.

The updated policy is part of a broader push to make public transportation more equitable and accessible for Baltimore’s youth and lower income communities.

Related: (Recorded Webinar) How Detroit Public Schools Improved Attendance with Multimodal Transportation
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Related: Ohio Public Schools Shifting Over 1,200 Students to Public Transit This Fall

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The School District of Philadelphia is gearing up for its annual “Ring the Bell” bus tour ahead of the upcoming academic year.

The “Ring the Bell” bus tour consists of a colorful school bus that visits multiple locations across Philadelphia during the summer, typically late July through mid‑August.

During each stop, families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, access on‑site registration for PreK–12th grade, sign up for the Parent Portal to access student information online, participate in interactive educational activities, games, and raffles, enjoy snacks and frozen treats, and receive immunizations and school physicals (at select sites).

According to the district’s website, all bus tours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting July 28 through Aug. 15. Locations can be found here.

The aim of the tour, which is built around a “festival-like” community experience, is to eliminate barriers for busy families by bringing services directly to neighborhoods, so parents don’t have to hunt for information.

The festive atmosphere often includes raffles, prizes, and fun for kids and families.

Related: Salvation Army Hosts Stuff the Bus Donation Drive in Indiana
Related: Kentucky School District Seeking Bus Drivers, Monitors Ahead of School Year
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Related: (Free White Paper) Prep Your Bus Fleet for Rolling Back to School

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Barrington Public Schools in Rhode Island reported its third incident involving a former school bus monitor, reported WJAR 10.

According to the news report, the district’s acting superintendent, Chris Ashley, said in a letter to families on Monday that a third incident was reported involving a former bus monitor. School officials said last month that the former employee was under investigation after a “serious allegation” was reported.

Authorities have since stated that the allegations involve inappropriate touching. On Monday, Ashley communicated that all three reported incidents occurred on a route that transported students with disabilities.

“We had previously refrained from identifying the route out of concern for student privacy. However, in light of this most recent development, we now must share that all three reported incidents occurred on a special education bus route, a route that served some of the most vulnerable members of our school community. This reality is as painful as it is unacceptable. Our responsibility to every child is to ensure not only their education, but their safety, dignity, and care,” Ashley said in a letter to families via the article.

The bus monitor, whose identity was not disclosed in this writing, had been employed with the Ocean State Transit to serve Barrington schools and has since been fired. School officials said via the article that the bus driver, who was involved in two of those incidents as well, was also fired from the role. The school board also voted to end its contract with Ocean State Transit.

Ashely said via the news report that the incidents have been reported to Barrington police and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. However, while the Barrington Police Department said it is aware of the complaint, no charges have been brought against the bus monitor in this report. The case remains under investigation.

Related: New Jersey School Bus Monitor Faces Manslaughter Charges Following Student’s Death
Related: Florida School Bus Monitor Charged with Child Abuse
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related:Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs

The post Rhode Island School District Reports Third Incident Involving Bus Monitor appeared first on School Transportation News.

Warren County Public School held its Bus Driver and Monitor Recruitment Fair, giving applicants the opportunity to apply and drive a bus, reported WBKO News.

The Recruitment Fair occurred on Saturday, where applicants were able to drive a school bus on site and get a glimpse of what it means to be a bus driver.

One applicant, Charles Smith, told local news reporters how impactful it can be to become a bus driver beyond driving kids to school. He stated that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in changing a student’s mood or making their day. Smith recognizes people may not realize the difference transporting students can make for them.

The district’s Transportation Director, Chip Jenkins, emphasized how crucial bus drivers are for the school system and students getting to and from school.

“Sometimes we don’t know their home environment. Sometimes it can be quite troubling,” Jenkins said via the news report. “When they get on that school bus, they can feel safe, and they know that they’re going to a school where they can get educated throughout the day and then we’ll take them home safely.”

Related: Pennsylvania School Bus Transportation Company Hosts Hiring Event
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Related: Ohio School Bus Drivers Attend Life-Saving Emergency Training
Related: Salvation Army Hosts Stuff the Bus Donation Drive in Indiana

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