Student Transportation Inc.
Wall, N.J.
What is the biggest change you have seen in your area in recent years?
In the Northeast, there has been a tremendous growth in charter schools. Initially, charter schools were predominantly elementary/middle schools, but with student enrollment nearly tripling over the last few years, more charter high schools have been created. With the expectation of continued growth in both enrollment and new school charters being issued over the next five years, I think it will have a significant impact on transportation requirements.
Gene Kowalczewski
Senior Vice President
We’ve seen more opportunity to help struggling school districts save money. Whether they are looking at the possibility of completely converting their operation to a contracted service or they are looking for competitive pricing on an extracurricular trip, we are certainly seeing more opportunities to get involved.
Mike Straus
Vice President – Midwest Region
While there are a lot of budget cuts being made in our area, we’re still noticing that more school districts are requesting newer technology and safety equipment on buses, like digital cameras, child-check systems, stop arms and GPS. Even requests for alternative fuel sources like biodiesel have increased.
Chris Ingold
Terminal Manager – Jacksonville, Fla.
Fleet Facts
Number of school buses: 8,371
School district contracts: 220
States operating in: 13
Canadian provinces operating in: 1
Company head: Denis J. Gallagher, Chairman and CEO
Website: www.RideSTBus.com