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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).

Newsby Wes PlattJuly 26, 2023

July 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Trends [Updated 07/26]

Average prices for diesel and gasoline across the United States jumped after a stagnant week, but still remained below highs of the same period in 2022.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJuly 26, 2023

3 ChatGPT Prompts for Special-Needs Transportation Providers

Can chatbots like ChatGPT give an AI boost to enhance special-needs transportation by helping to create inclusive environments and supporting sensory sensitivities? What can this resource do for drivers and aides in your operation?

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 19, 2023

Former Association President John Benish Jr. Joins NSTA Hall of Fame

The National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting awards banquet in Pittsburgh also saw Carina Noble pass the leadership baton to Dan Kobussen.

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 15, 2023

IC Bus Relaunches Flagship CE Series School Bus with Diesel, Electric Powertrains

The new design incorporates user feedback and a modular design that allows Navistar to share parts commonality between buses and trucks.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJuly 4, 2023

School Bus Fleet's Top Feature Articles and News Stories of 2023 (So Far)

It may be hard to believe, but we’re already better than halfway through 2023. So let’s take stock of what news stories and feature articles have proven most engaging for School Bus Fleet’s readers during the first six months!

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 28, 2023

June 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Trends [Updated 06/28]

On average, gasoline prices held steady, although climbed in some specific regions. The average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel fell just over a penny across the United States.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 26, 2023

5 Questions: Blue Bird's Phil Horlock on Innovation and Optimism in School Bus Manufacturing

Phil Horlock stepped aside as president and CEO in the summer of 2021, but never really went away from the company he'd been leading since 2010. Now he's back to lead Blue Bird Corporation onward.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 20, 2023

LIKE ROLLING WITH FAMILY: Aaron Silverman of ABC Transit

Our 2023 School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year manages a fleet of about 470 vehicles, transporting 25,000 students to and from schools throughout western Pennsylvania.

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattJune 16, 2023

Trip Sheet: Pursuit of Clean School Buses Requires Time, Money, and Commitment

From diesel to electric or propane, the ambitious endeavor of replacing the U.S. school bus fleet comes with a hefty price tag. The potential cost and time required for a complete transformation is pretty staggering.

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 15, 2023

School Bus Dealership Survey Update: Sneak Peek at Early Results

Get an exclusive preview into the School Bus Fleet survey results! Dealers from across the U.S. have shared their insights on challenges, market trends, and areas for improvement.

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