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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).

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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Articlesby Wes PlattMay 19, 2023

5 Useful ChatGPT Prompts for School Transportation Pros

Could AI prompts revolutionize school transportation operations? From efficient bus fleet routing to managing student behavior and emergency planning, see how AI-powered assistance might transform the way professionals navigate their crucial responsibilities.

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Articlesby Wes PlattMay 11, 2023

SBF Trailblazer 2023: Makenzi Prather of First Light Safety Products

Prather, 29, serves as a regional account executive for First Light Safety Products.

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Newsby Wes PlattMay 10, 2023

EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Seeks Input

The agency is gathering information until June 5 related to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, including school buses, from manufacturers, school districts, fleets, and other stakeholders.

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