Takeaways from Zum’s Recent Market Expansion

School transportation provider Zum has expanded into school districts in Missouri, Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania while the company aims to provide state-of-the-art services as it transitions to electric school bus fleets.

Recent new Zum partners include:

• Kansas City (Missouri) Public Schools.
• Branford (Connecticut) Public Schools.
• Reading (Pennsylvania) School District.
• Omaha (Nebraska) Public Schools.

Key Takeaways from Recent School Transportation Partnerships

• Focus on Safety and Efficiency: Each partnership emphasizes Zum's commitment to enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability in student transportation. The agreements aim to provide services to students, families, drivers, and school administrators.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Zum is prioritizing sustainability by transitioning school bus fleets to electric vehicles. The contracts with BPS and KCPS include plans to transition to fully electric bus fleets within five years, aligning with the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions.
• Elevated Benefits for Drivers: Zum is focused on improving conditions for school bus drivers, offering higher wages, modern benefits, and extensive training programs. The partnerships highlight the company’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of its drivers and ensuring they are equipped to provide high-quality service.
• Expansion Across Multiple States: Zum's partnerships extend its operations across multiple states, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Missouri. The company's expansion demonstrates its growing presence and influence in the student transportation sector, with plans to reach into additional states soon.

School Districts Look Ahead to Working with Zum

"Zum's proven track record, along with its enhanced communication and equity-focused decision making, will greatly benefit our students, families and drivers in Kansas City," said Dr. Jennifer Collier, superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools. "We appreciate their commitment to safety, efficiency, transparency, and student-centered approach, and are excited to partner with them."

The Branford contract is worth $60 million over the next 10 years. Said Superintendent Christopher Tranberg: “Student safety is a top priority and safe school transportation is among Zum's hallmarks of excellence. We are excited to shape the path for our students and community by reducing our carbon footprint as we transition to an electric bus fleet with enhanced communication and technology.”

The contract in Pennsylvania is worth $75 million.

Trevis Sallis, executive director of student transportation at Omaha Public Schools, looks forward to working with Zum.

“Our priority is safe and reliable trips to and from school,” Sallis said.