Did You Miss: Everyone Aboard? U.S. School Bus Dealerships Offer Insights in Their Vehicle Market
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.

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
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.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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