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Wes Platt

Former Executive Editor

Wes Platt joined Bobit in 2021 as executive editor of School Bus Fleet Magazine and maintained the helm through 2024.

He writes and edits content about student transportation, school bus manufacturers and equipment, legislative issues, maintenance, fleet contracting, and school transportation technology - from classic yellow diesel buses to the latest EPA-funded electric, propane, and CNG vehicles.

Wes has moderated online webinars related to student transportation, hosts a video podcast called The Route on the SBF YouTube channel that covers bus-related news and issues, and enjoys attending events with the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), National School Transportation Association (NSTA), and National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).

Previously, Wes worked as a journalist for The St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times) - he has no shortage of "Florida Man" stories. Be sure to ask about the armadillo hit man sometime. He also worked for North Carolina's Durham Herald-Sun, covering diverse beats ranging from crime and courts to K-12 education, including school transportation issues. He’s a Florida native transplanted to North Carolina, and a graduate of the University of South Florida (B.A. mass communications).

School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattAugust 31, 2023

Trip Sheet: Evolution of Seat Belt Laws on U.S. School Buses

The journey of school bus seat belt regulations has involved a complex interplay of safety data, public perception, cost implications, and policy decisions.

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Newsby Wes PlattAugust 30, 2023

New York Bracing for School Bus Staff Strike with Academic Year Ahead

If negotiations fail between the union and school bus contractors, a strike could affect 80,000 students in the five boroughs.

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Articlesby Wes PlattAugust 30, 2023

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.

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Newsby Wes PlattAugust 30, 2023

August 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Trends [Updated 08/30]

Diesel fuel prices continued their climb across the nation, while the average cost for a gallon of gasoline fell in most regions except for the West Coast.

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Newsby Wes PlattAugust 25, 2023

New Video Game Expansion Offers School Bus Driving Simulation

The first Official School Bus Extension for Bus Simulator 21 includes three Blue Bird school bus models. Thomas Built Buses are expected in the game later this year.

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattAugust 22, 2023

Trip Sheet: No Shortcut to Erasing School Bus Driver Shortage

School districts continue to cope with a shortage of talent behind the wheel of the big yellow buses that families rely upon to get students safely to and from school each day.

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Articlesby Wes PlattAugust 17, 2023

Everyone Aboard? U.S. School Bus Dealerships Offer Insights in Their Vehicle Market

Discover key trends, challenges, and needs in the student transportation industry through the eyes of the nation’s school bus dealers.

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Newsby Wes PlattAugust 16, 2023

Thomas Built Expects Little Impact to EV School Bus Production from Proterra Bankruptcy

The school bus manufacturer doesn’t anticipate any disruption to orders of its electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley.

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Articlesby Wes PlattAugust 8, 2023

Time’s Running Out for Clean School Bus Grant Questions

Inquiries about the second funding opportunity from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program must be submitted before midnight Eastern on Aug. 9.

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Articlesby Wes PlattAugust 8, 2023

4 ChatGPT Prompts for Transportation Directors Collaborating with School Boards

How can AI help school transportation managers engage with politicians who manage school districts?

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