SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Ad Loading...

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.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

Buyers Guide and Directory thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide

Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.

Read More →
HopSkipDrive dashcam in a car.
Managementby StaffMarch 13, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches In-App Ride Recording and Real-Time Student Trip Tracking Tool

New software features add smartphone-based ride recording and web trip tracking to boost safety, transparency, and caregiver visibility.

Read More →
An orange and red graphic with an image of a school bus parked at the curb in the background, and text reading "Union Momentum Continues in Alaska, Ontario & New York."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 12, 2026

School Bus Labor Disputes and Union Organizing Continue Across North America

School bus drivers and monitors in New York joined Teamsters, while others in Alaska and Ontario face ongoing strikes over wages and contracts.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Headshots of Shelby Noakes, Rob Consoli, Rachel Trindade, and Michael Chase featured in a Zonar leadership update graphic from School Bus Fleet.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 11, 2026

Zonar Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments

After a recent merger and another acquisition, Zonar looks to the future with its four new executive team leads.

Read More →
Graphic promoting Kajeet Connected Communities, a program offering managed internet connectivity solutions for schools, libraries and nonprofits to support digital access initiatives.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 11, 2026

Kajeet Launches Low-Cost Internet Program for Schools and Buses

In the wake of federal funding cuts to the e-rate program and on-board WiFi, Kajeet offers a new option for Internet connectivity where it matters most for students.

Read More →
Graphic announcing Forest River Bus & Van’s 2025 Top Dealer awards alongside a plaque recognizing The Bus Center as a Top 4 Dealer of the Year for sales performance and customer service.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 10, 2026

The Bus Center Named a 2025 Top 4 Forest River Dealer

The Bus Center was named a Top 4 Dealer for Forest River Bus & Van for 2025, marking its second consecutive year receiving recognition from the manufacturer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Model 1 Commercial Vehicles facility in Elgin, Illinois with a lineup of commercial vans and shuttle buses parked outside the dealership and service center supporting fleet customers in the Chicago area.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Model1 Opens New Illinois Location, Joins Sourcewell

The dealership's new Elgin location will serve commercial fleets across the Chicago area.

Read More →
a photo of a row of school buses parked and text boxes overlaid that read "two new district installs" with the transfinder logo
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 6, 2026

Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder

Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.

Read More →
An orange, white, and red graphic with an image of buses lined up in white/red duotone and text reading "How GPS Helps Buses Stay On-Time."
ManagementMarch 6, 2026

How GPS Tracking Helps School Bus Fleets Improve On-Time Performance Without Adding Routes

Struggling with late buses? GPS data can help fleets cut delays, fix route bottlenecks, and improve on-time performance without adding routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black Zonar V4 telematics device shown on an orange background, a rectangular fleet telematics unit with status indicator lights and connection ports used in commercial vehicles to collect operational and emissions data.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Zonar Becomes First CARB-Approved OEM Telematics Provider

Zonar received CARB certification allowing fleets with factory-installed V4 telematics devices to automatically submit emissions data for Clean Truck Check compliance.

Read More →