ASBC launches recognition program
Officials say the School Bus Champion Award recognizes individuals and entities who have displayed exceptional support for the advancement of the school bus industry through leadership in safety, access to education, environmental benefits/stewardship and community impact. The EPA and the state of Utah are the first honorees for their work in “greening” school buses.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American School Bus Council (ASBC) announced on Monday that it will present its first two School Bus Champion Awards to the EPA and the state of Utah at a ceremony later this week.
The School Bus Champion Award is a new program launched by ASBC to recognize individuals and entities who have displayed exceptional support for the advancement of the school bus industry. Officials said award recipients will include those whose leadership has produced demonstrable positive outcomes for the communities they serve, as well as the industry as a whole.
The EPA and the state of Utah will be recognized on Wednesday morning at the U.S. Capitol.
The EPA will be recognized in honor of the 10-year anniversary of its Clean School Bus Program, which officials said has been effective in working to reduce emissions from the nation’s fleet of yellow buses.
The program began as a bipartisan demonstration program and has since become part of a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) program that affects all diesel vehicles and equipment. While the program is much broader today than just school buses, the yellow school bus is still a major part of the program.
The EPA recently launched a clean school bus rebate program using $2 million in DERA funding that went to 30 recipients around the country to help buy new, cleaner buses.
Chris Grundler, director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, will receive the award on behalf of the EPA.
Officials said the state of Utah’s work using EPA funding from the Clean School Bus Program is an example of the program’s effectiveness. Utah has leveraged more than $6 million in EPA grant funding and state matching funds to retrofit more than 1,200 buses statewide with emissions-control technology to help improve air quality.
Murrell Martin, state director of pupil transportation, will accept the award on behalf of Utah.
Future School Bus Champion Awards will be presented at industry events around the country, according to ASBC. Awardees will be recognized for leadership in one of the following categories: safety, access to education, environmental benefits/stewardship and community impact.
The next award will be presented at the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference in Mobile, Ala., in July.
The award itself is a bronze-colored hand-cast metal school bus mounted on a walnut base that is inscribed to recognize the honoree(s).
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →