Looking Back: Contractor Roundtable: After-School Transportation and Driver Shortages
Zum Expands California School Transportation Service
The tech-enabled student transportation provider has been awarded a five-year contract, worth about $79.5 million, to serve San Bernardino Unified School District (SBCUSD).

The San Bernardino City Unified School District serves about 47,000 students in 72 schools.
Image: Zum
San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) in California has awarded Zum a five-year, $79.5-million contract for its tech-enabled student transportation services.
The district, which serves 47,000 students in 72 schools, joins other U.S. school systems that have selected Zum, including Los Angeles Unified School District, San Francisco Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District, Metro Nashville (Tennessee) Public Schools, and Seattle (Washington) Public Schools.
"With this decision, San Bernardino will be able to deliver superior service built around the needs of students, families and the teachers, administrators and drivers committed to creating the best educational experience for children," said Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum. "Zum is at the forefront of a transformation in student transportation, helping schools move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to safer, greener, more reliable transportation services."
"San Bernardino City Unified looks forward to adding Zum to our transportation system," said Marie Espinosa, transportation director for SBCUSD. "Our students deserve the best, and Zum will help us bring a higher level of service to our school community. San Bernardino City Unified School District challenged all of our transportation partners to add real-time communication about the location of buses for parents and invest in a greener fleet that will make neighborhoods along bus routes healthier. Zum was chosen because they met our high expectations."
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 →

