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5 Explorations of Innovation from School Bus Fleet

These stories highlight the evolution of school transportation, from the vehicles that carry our children to the next generation of industry leaders blazing new trails.

Wes Platt
Wes PlattFormer Executive Editor
Read Wes's Posts
December 25, 2023
5 Explorations of Innovation from School Bus Fleet

John Phraner of Trans Tech said he expects his company to expand all-electric school bus capacity to meet demand created by mandates in California and New York.

Photo: Trans Tech

2 min to read


Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, school transportation leaders continued to find their footing as they carried the industry forward with ambition, optimism, and innovation.

School Bus Fleet selected a handful of stories from 2023 that help capture these approaches that could help create a cleaner and more efficient yellow bus fleet across North America.

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SBF Trailblazers: Invigorating the School Transportation Industry

Look for the next class of School Bus Fleet Trailblazers in January 2024!

Image: School Bus Fleet

Our inaugural class of School Bus Fleet Trailblazers comes from across the student transportation industry, from behind the wheel to vehicle manufacturers to alternative transportation providers.

Revolutionizing the Ride: A Closer Look at Innovating Type A School Buses

Discover the latest breakthroughs in Type A school bus design that are elevating safety standards, embracing eco-friendly technology, and incorporating smart features.

Evolving the Yellow Bus While Keeping Faith with the Core Mission

The technology that goes into the school bus and makes it run may change, but the goal remains the same: safe and reliable transportation between home and school for children.

Enhancing School Transportation with Biodiesel: One Company’s Green Journey

Cook-Illinois Corporation, among the largest family owned and operated school-bus contractors in the U.S., has relied on biodiesel to transport children safely and affordably to and from school for more than 15 years.

SBF Administrator of the Year: Turning to Technology in Challenging Times

Karim Johnson led Bethlehem Central School District in New York through a technological evolution before moving on to Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia.

Photo: Karim Johnson

School Bus Fleet’s Administrator of the Year for 2023 is a longtime devotee of the “Cheese Bus” who has kept electronic evolution and cleaner vehicles front of mind for his New York school district. Editor's Note: Johnson moved on to lead the transportation department for Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia over the summer.


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