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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 PlattMay 13, 2024

How Do You Say School Bus Driver in 20 Different Languages?

From Spanish to Mandarin, delve into the universal role these unsung heroes known as "school bus drivers" play in ensuring children's safety and well-being on their daily journey to and from school.

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Remembering Frank DiGiacomo, retired publisher of School Bus Fleet and Metro Magazine.
Newsby Wes PlattMay 11, 2024

School Transportation Leaders Remember SBF’s Frank DiGiacomo

DiGiacomo retired as publisher of School Bus Fleet and Metro Magazine in January 2022. He’s remembered as a stylish and steadfast advocate of pupil transportation.

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Poster image for Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattMay 9, 2024

Trip Sheet: School Transportation Pros Can Champion Children's Mental Health

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day underscores the significance of school bus drivers in fostering supportive environments during students' journeys. SAMHSA's initiatives, including stigma reduction and access to resources, complement the Biden-Harris administration's funding efforts to enhance youth mental health services and workforce development.

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School bus driving competition judge inspects the results.
Newsby Wes PlattMay 8, 2024

Safety Competitions Back on Track Post-Pandemic

In June, Kansas holds its annual conference and driving competition, while NSTA goes to Texas for the latest School Bus Driver International Safety Competition.

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Newsby Wes PlattApril 30, 2024

DEA May Reclassify Marijuana in Historic Move

Some administrative hurdles remain, but the shift could result in marijuana's acceptance as a Schedule III drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and might bring changes to federal drug-testing laws.

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Toy school bus cradled in hands with text: New Safety Standards Proposed for Electric School Buses.
Articlesby Wes PlattApril 25, 2024

New Safety Standards Proposed for Electric School Buses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes FMVSS No. 305a, upgrading electric vehicle safety regulations, including heavy vehicles like school buses. Comments accepted until June 14.

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Newsby Wes PlattApril 24, 2024

Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grants Program Now Open

Applicants have until July 25 to submit packages to be eligible to receive part of the $932 million the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award recipients.

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Newsby Wes PlattApril 19, 2024

Zero-Emission Funding Delays Blamed for Latest Lion Electric Job Cuts

The Canada-based electric vehicle manufacturer is reducing its workforce by about 120 employees in overhead and product development functions.

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Articlesby Wes PlattApril 17, 2024

[SBF FLASHBACK] Contractors of the Year Since 2014

Explore a decade of outstanding leadership in student transportation as we revisit past School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year recipients and call to nominate the next.

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Articlesby Wes PlattApril 13, 2024

How Do You Say School Bus in 20 Different Languages?

No matter how you say it, the meaning of "school bus" is consistent around the world as a source of safe, reliable transportation for students from home to school.

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