CINCINNATI — First Student announced the acquisition of Falcon Transportation, a Chicago-based provider of school and charter transportation services, on Monday.

“We see this as a logical step for First Student, both in terms of expanding our operations in a key area and in terms of leveraging market opportunities for growth,” said First Student President Dennis R. Maple. “We will continue to search for opportunities to use our resources, insight, and expertise to benefit school districts, students, and families across North America."

“I’ve long admired First Student and its commitment to the school districts, parents, and students they serve,” said Ed Peterson, owner of Falcon Transportation. “First Student is the clear industry leader and we’re proud to partner with them.”

Falcon Transportation started in 1996 and expanded to a fleet of 94 school buses, according to First Student. The company's primary customer was Chicago Public Schools. With the acquisition, First Student extends its market presence in Illinois and expands its relationship with the school district. In the 2017-18 school year, First Student will operate approximately 180 routes for Chicago Public Schools. The district’s first day of class is Sept. 5.