SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

At 90, school transportation veteran still on the job

Earl Rineer continues to pass his annual physical, train and test school bus drivers, and drive when needed. On his 90th birthday, Pennsylvania officials honor him for his school transportation career and other service.

Thomas McMahon
Thomas McMahonExecutive Editor
January 29, 2013
At 90, school transportation veteran still on the job

Earl Rineer, who just celebrated his 90th birthday, continues to pass his annual physical, train and test school bus drivers, and drive when needed.

2 min to read


LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. — Far from slowing down at 90 years old, Earl Rineer still walks or rides his bike to work.

The school transportation veteran, who works for Sague Bus Service, continues to pass his annual physical, train new school bus drivers, conduct recertification classes and drive when needed.

Ad Loading...

Earl's son Jerry Rineer, who is transportation supervisor for Lower Merion School District in Ardmore, Pa., told SBF that his father recently showed him how he stays so fit.

"He starts out every morning and ends every day doing push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, etc.," Jerry Rineer said.

Family members gathered on Saturday to celebrate Earl Rineer's 90th birthday, and several Pennsylvania officials issued proclamations to honor him on the occasion.

"Having reached nine decades of life, you deserve to be recognized and applauded for the innumerable contributions you have made to your family and community," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett wrote.

"From your service in the defense of our country during World War II to your service to the community as a volunteer firefighter and bus driver, your efforts have benefited many," U.S. Senator Robert Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania wrote.

Ad Loading...

The commissioners of Montgomery County, Pa., also issued a proclamation highlighting many of Rineer's contributions to the local community and the country.

Rineer served in Europe during World War II. After returning from the war, he served as a police officer and drove a fire truck as a volunteer fireman.

In 1976, Rineer began driving a school bus. In 1980, he became a certified school bus driver instructor.

Last year, during a visit to Blue Bird's plant in Fort Valley, Ga., the manufacturer honored Rineer for his public service and his dedication to transporting the children of Pennsylvania.

Jerry Rineer noted that, in addition to his school transportation job, his father "still performs all kinds of community volunteer services."

Ad Loading...

For 25 years, Earl Rineer has served as a volunteer bus driver for foreign students for an annual conference in Lancaster, Pa. He has also served as a volunteer bus driver for local churches' weekend retreats and other outdoor activities as well as for Teen Haven, a ministry for inner-city youth.

More Management

Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.

Read More →
Two school buses parked in front of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 28, 2026

Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City

From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.

Read More →
A HopSkipDrive caregiver waits by an open car door in front of a house.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 27, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support

The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A yellow school bus is parked outside a school beneath a large oak tree with blooming white blossoms, framed by white buildings and a bright blue spring sky.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 27, 2026

Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners

See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.

Read More →
Zonar Back to School Readiness Report for 2026
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report

Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
Collage highlighting recipients of the 2026 National School Transportation Association awards at the Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 23, 2026

National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners

Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A South Carolina Public Schools school bus lineup with text reading "How To Make Routing Data Persuasive."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 21, 2026

School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells

Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.

Read More →
Collage highlighting NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference, featuring awards presentations, NYAPT President Marc Medina speaking, packed educational sessions, and the event's "Back to the Future" theme celebrating 50 years of pupil transportation leadership.
Managementby StaffJuly 20, 2026

Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show

See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.

Read More →
Graphic for a School Bus Fleet news story showing a school bus, two students walking toward it, and the headline, "Ohio Considers Ending Transportation Payments," referring to proposed changes to student transportation policy.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 19, 2026

Ohio Transportation Workgroup Calls for End to 'Impractical to Transport' Payments

A final report from Ohio's Pupil Transportation Workgroup proposes ending "impractical to transport" payments and expanding transportation options through regional partnerships, but not all industry pros agree on the approach.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A close up of a school bus stop arm with a graphic overlay. Text reads "California Districts Adopt Routing Platform."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 15, 2026

Transfinder Expands California Footprint with Multiple School District Wins

Six California school districts selected the company's routing platform and related transportation technology as Transfinder continues expanding its presence across the state.

Read More →