Veteran Calif. supervisor Charles Bednar to retire
Bednar began his career in the industry 41 years ago as a special-needs school bus driver for Taylor Bus Service in Orange County. He rose to vice president of the company before transitioning to the public sector, where he has spent the last 17 years at Corona-Norco Unified School District.
NORCO, Calif. — Charles Bednar, transportation supervisor for the local school district here, will retire this month after 41 years in the pupil transportation industry.
Bednar started his career as a school bus driver for Taylor Bus Service in Orange County, where he transported special-needs students, and he ultimately rose to vice president of the company. He then transitioned to the public sector, spending the last 17 years at Corona-Norco Unified School District.
In a letter to Castoways, which is published by the California Association of School Transportation Officials, Bednar wrote that the association was just 3 years old when he got his certificate and began driving for Taylor Bus Service.
The company had a contract with the Orange County superintendent to transport more than 1,000 special-needs students.
“We did it without GPS, without routing software, without cell phones, without two-way radios,” Bednar wrote. “We were always on time, mainly because parents were a touch more cooperative back then.”
He also noted that specialized equipment for special-needs students was rare. The buses were only outfitted with folding ramps — not wheelchair lifts. When the operation ran short of vans, they drove Crown buses and lifted students in wheelchairs onto the bus.
When Bednar left Taylor Bus Service as vice president, he said the company's fleet had grown from 60 buses to 1,300.
He joined the public sector in 1992, first working at Placentia-Yorba Linda (Calif.) Unified School District, and then at Corona-Norco.
“We have GPS now, and routing software and all the other modern stuff,” Bednar wrote. “We just don’t have a lot of money in our budgets. But drivers are better trained, buses are better equipped and school busing is safer than ever. That’s a testament to all you hard-working men and women who have chosen this life and keep doing it day after day because the kids need you.”
Bednar concluded by saying that he can retire this month knowing the industry is in good hands. His last day at Corona-Norco is Aug. 31.
More Special Needs Transportation
What More Than Two Million Rides Reveal About School Transit
More than two million student trips. Nearly 28million miles. Here's what that data reveals about the future of alternative student transportation.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches New Safety, Driver Consistency Features for 2026-27 School Year
The company’s free ride recording, live ride tracking, and consistent driver assignments aim to improve safety and continuity for diverse student transportation needs.
Read More →
The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)
Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained
Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.
Read More →
What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]
Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.
Read More →
First Student Boosts Student Support in Wichita & Texas
First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.
Read More →
2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →