Keep Reading: Blue Bird Terminates Clean Bus Solutions
Blue Bird and Central States Bus Sales Welcome New Dealership in Alabama
The new Sales, Parts, and Service Center for school buses created 20 new jobs in the local community.

Central States Bus Sales has been an authorized Blue Bird school bus dealer for the past 50 years.
Photo: Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird Corporation recently applauded Central States Bus Sales for opening a new, state-of-the-art facility to serve bus customers in Alabama.
The dealership built a 15,000 sq. ft. Sales, Parts, and Service Center, creating approximately 20 new jobs in the local community. Central States Bus Sales is recognized as Blue Bird's largest authorized dealer in North America.
"Central States is excited to represent Blue Bird school buses in the state of Alabama and expand our service footprint. Since 1975, we have proudly served thousands of Blue Bird and Micro Bird customers in select central U.S. states," said Jeff Reitz, president and CEO of Central States Bus Sales.
According to a release, Central States Bus Sales sells and services the full line of Blue Bird Type A, C, and D school buses, both new and pre-owned vehicles, which include diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered buses.
Blue Bird Builds on 50-Year Partnership
With the opening of its Prattville location, Central States Bus Sales now operates in six central states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
The new Prattville facility features eight vehicle service bays, a full parts warehouse, and administrative offices. Blue Bird and Micro Bird customers can rely on certified sales, service, maintenance, repair, and parts support staff to ensure the safe and reliable operation of vehicles ranging from individual buses to large bus fleets.
The new dealership will create approximately 20 new jobs in the area, including administrative, sales, parts, service technician, and school bus driver positions. Open roles are posted on the Central States Bus Sales Employment website.
We are thrilled to build on our 50-year partnership with Central States Bus Sales, Blue Bird's 2025 Dealer of the Year," said Tim Gordon, senior vice president of sales and marketing of Blue Bird Corporation. "The dealership staff has proven again and again that they deliver outstanding service to Blue Bird customers across various central states."
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 →


