ALBANY, N.Y. — The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and Zonar Systems are making available $50,000 grants for the latest school bus security, safety and efficiency equipment.

Officials said grants will be awarded to the school districts that submit the best proposals for utilizing Zonar’s electronic fleet management solutions, including its Electronic Vehicle Inspection Reporting system.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for some of our members to acquire what in our industry is already recognized as equipment with a track record of saving dollars and much more by improving safety, security and overall efficiency of school bus operations,” NAPT Executive Director Mike Martin said.

Martin explained that when integrated with Zonar’s GPS and cellular technologies, EVIR gives pupil transportation service providers the vital ability to “inspect, track and know” almost instantly, and it helps to eliminate paperwork burdens.

In addition to enhancing inspections and maintenance, among the system’s many applications are idling and speed monitoring as well as routing and time management efficiencies. 

NAPT will accept and evaluate applications from NAPT members for awards of $50,000 worth of equipment/hardware provided by Zonar. Zonar will determine the number of 2013 grant recipients after reviewing the applications.

Applicants must be NAPT members in the U.S. and Canada that are not currently using such equipment. Non-members of NAPT may join the association for $100 and become eligible to submit an application.

Details on the requirements and application process are available here. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2013. Officials said the winning school districts will be announced in October at the NAPT Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Zonar is also donating 10 scholarships for attendance to the 2013 NAPT Summit. Each scholarship will cover the cost of one conference registration. Attendees will be responsible for all other expenses.

Any NAPT member in good standing is encouraged to apply. If applicants are not current members, Zonar will also cover the cost of NAPT membership. Any person currently employed by an organization providing pupil transportation services is eligible to apply.

Officials said priority will be given to applicants who justify this scholarship as a determining factor for their ability to attend the 2013 NAPT Summit.

“I am pleased to be working for a company that understands the importance of professional organizations and the work they do,” said Don Carnahan, Zonar’s vice president of business development for pupil transportation and current president-elect of the NAPT Board of Directors. “Zonar is committed to helping NAPT expand the range of opportunities and benefits it offers its members.”

A downloadable application for the conference scholarship is available here. NAPT members can apply for the scholarship through Sept. 13, 2013. Officials said a formal announcement of the recipients will be made on Sept. 27.