First Student awarded Michigan, Illinois contracts

CINCINNATI — First Student Inc. has been awarded a contract to provide student transportation for Benton Harbor (Mich.) Area Schools beginning July 1.

The contract is a five-year agreement that includes the operation, maintenance and management of a fleet of 54 vehicles.

“First Student brings a number of advantages to each school district we serve,” said David Duke, senior vice president of sales. “In addition to safe, reliable, sustainable transportation services, First Student can offer cost savings that allow administrators to reallocate tax dollars into the classroom.”

The company was also awarded a contract to provide student transportation for Homewood (Ill.) School District 153, which will commence on August 31.

The contract is a three-year agreement; First Student will operate, maintain and manage a fleet of 20 vehicles.

Duke noted that the company's growth has allowed it to reinvest in new technologies, such as GPS systems on every bus.