Chicago contractor runs with biodiesel
OAK FOREST, Ill. — Chicago School Transit recently began fueling its buses with a B20 blend of biodiesel fuel. The move is part of the Illinois Cl...
OAK FOREST, Ill. — Chicago School Transit recently began fueling its buses with a B20 blend of biodiesel fuel.
The move is part of the Illinois Clean School Bus Program, which was developed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to reduce emissions.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn publicized the news on April 22 at an event held in conjunction with Earth Day.
“Thousands of Chicago students are breathing easier thanks to soy biodiesel in their school buses,” Quinn said. “I salute Chicago School Transit for reducing our children’s exposure to pollution.”
Officials said that Chicago School Transit is the first school bus operator in the Chicago metropolitan area to use the soy-based fuel. The B20 blend on which the buses are running is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel.
Cook-Illinois Corp., parent of Chicago School Transit, said it plans to implement biodiesel use in 14 of its other community school bus fleets. The company operates 1,400 school buses in the Chicago area.
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 →