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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 PlattJanuary 27, 2023

Building Strengths for Special-Needs Passengers

School transportation professionals benefit from training to make the most efficient use of equipment aboard their buses.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 25, 2023

Diesel, Gasoline Prices on the Rise This Week

Across the country, average diesel and gasoline fuel prices jumped between 8 and 11 cents compared to last week.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 23, 2023

School Bus Maintenance Survey In Progress

School transportation managers are encouraged to share their insights in School Bus Fleet's annual survey. Results will appear in the March print edition.

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattJanuary 19, 2023

Editor's Note: Another Vital Role Emerges for School Bus Drivers

This might not mean human trafficking or exploitation in every one of those situations, but it does indicate that school transportation professionals are positioned to see the signs and, with proper training, can report suspicions to the right place.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 18, 2023

Diesel, Gasoline Costs Continue Recent Trajectories

Diesel prices dropped in most areas except the Rocky Mountains, while gasoline inched up again at the pump.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJanuary 14, 2023

2023 Special-Needs Survey: Bus Production Lead Times, Lack of Aides Among Several Pain Points

The 2023 survey, which will appear in the February print edition of School Bus Fleet, offers a glimpse of how special-needs transportation providers are faring and what challenges they face.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 13, 2023

Kentucky School Transportation Director Named NCST Vice-Chair

Elisa Hanley, who has represented Kentucky at the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services since 2014, looks forward to her role on the steering committee of the National Congress on School Transportation when it meets in 2025.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 11, 2023

Blueprint Lays Out Transportation Decarbonization Plan

The strategy, developed by four federal agencies, builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. It includes a push for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040 and a net-zero economy by 2050.

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Newsby Wes PlattJanuary 11, 2023

Diesel Slightly Cheaper This Week, While Gasoline Costs Rise

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average cost for diesel is about $4.54 this week, while gasoline costs about $3.26 on average.

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattJanuary 5, 2023

Editor's Note: A Year on the Rebound

While purchase orders for new school buses increased overall, production lines continue to struggle to meet demand in a timely manner due to ongoing supply chain issues. School districts might order a new bus today but not actually see it loading up with students until 2024.

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