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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).

ArticlesCover Storyby 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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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 12, 2023

5 Questions: HopSkipDrive's Mike Martin on Coming Back and Charging Onward

The former NAPT executive director makes his return to the school transportation industry as a strategic advisor to alternative transportation provider HopSkipDrive.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 8, 2023

4 ChatGPT Prompts for School Bus Routing

Can you use this AI tool to help optimize school bus fleet routes, congestion, and special-needs assistance within your school transportation operation?

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 5, 2023

5 Questions: Zonar's Tim Ammon Talks About His Latest Journey

Ammon brings decades of experience to his new leadership role at Zonar, a smart-fleet management technology provider.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 2, 2023

3 ChatGPT Prompts for Efficient School Bus Maintenance

Can AI help uncover the secrets to efficient school bus maintenance? From preventive plans to alternative fuels, explore prompts that could transform fleet management while prioritizing student safety.

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Newsby Wes PlattMay 31, 2023

May 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Update

Gasoline inched upward due to supply issues in certain areas, while diesel ends the month down nearly 3 cents per gallon on average across the United States.

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Articlesby Wes PlattMay 30, 2023

School Bus Fleet's Top Contractors of 2023

The top five largest school bus contractors responding to our School Bus Fleet survey this year include First Student, National Express, Student Transportation of America, Beacon Mobility, and North America Central School Bus.

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Articlesby Wes PlattMay 23, 2023

SBF Trailblazer 2023: Kyle Carrier of Richland School District

Kyle Carrier, 34, is assistant transportation director for Richland School District in Washington State.

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