Last FS-65 bus delivered
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses reached a milestone as it handed over the keys to its last customer-ready FS-65 conventional school bus.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses reached a milestone as it handed over the keys to its last customer-ready FS-65 conventional school bus.
In a ceremony at one of Thomas Built’s five manufacturing facilities in High Point, President and CEO John O’Leary presented the final FS-65 to Gary O’Brien, owner and operator of College Park, Md.-based O’Brien Bus Service.
With the delivery, the FS-65 conventional design was officially retired. The basic body design dates from 1972, when it was offered on a variety of chassis brands. Thomas Built began offering the body on the Freightliner-designed FS-65 chassis in 1995.
“Although this is the end of an era, it is a time of celebration as this company continues to evolve,” O’Leary said, citing Thomas Built’s introduction of the Saf-T-Liner C2 conventional-style bus two years ago.
Each Thomas Built employee and O’Brien himself signed an exposed interior panel and numerous hidden panels throughout the bus. When the chassis was manufactured by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) in Gaffney, S.C., the chassis frame rails were signed by FCCC employees.
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; Durham School Services adds a new district in California; First Student expands in New Jersey; and Minnesota Coaches rebrands and 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 →