First Student Expands Canadian Footprint with New Acquisition

First Student has acquired Barr Bus Lines. The acquisition represents the latest acquisition for First Student, joining the company’s Ontario operations with more than 4,000 school buses on the road every school day, according to a press release.

“First Student is proud to have decades of school transporation experience in Canada to provide the best start and finish to each school day. Barr Bus Lines is a natural fit with their dedication to safety,” said First Student President John Kenning. “We are looking forward to seeing our new student passengers in the fall.”

First Student has acquired six contractors in Canada in less than two years. Also, in May 2021, the company announced an order of 260 electric school buses, all of which will be deployed in Quebec. Delivery of those buses already has begun.

The terms of the transaction are not publicly disclosed. The transaction is subject to applicable contractual and regulatory approvals.