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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 27, 2022

Ohio Contractor Terry Thomas Joins NSTA's Hall of Fame

Thomas, who runs Community Bus Service, was among the award recipients during the National School Transportation Association's convention banquet.

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 25, 2022

Could “Under the Hood” Exemption Become Permanent?

Advocates with the National School Transportation Association are asking for a 5-year exemption for school bus drivers seeking their commercial driver's license. If that's approved, a push for more permanent legislation may be on the horizon.

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 13, 2022

Rebate Applicants Given Tools to Fight Fraud

During a Clean School Bus Program webinar, investigators shared warning signs of fraud and gave tips to mitigate risks.

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Articlesby Wes PlattJuly 12, 2022

5 Questions: Mike Simmons Steps Up as NASDPTS President-Elect

In this interview with School Bus Fleet, Mike Simmons, state pupil transportation director for Arkansas, discusses his history in the industry, his goals for NASDPTS, and advice for future transportation directors.

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 7, 2022

SBF Flash Poll: "Under-the-Hood" Waiver Extension

How does the FMCSA's decision to extend the "under-the-hood" waiver for commercial driver's license testing until Sept. 30 stand to affect your student transportation operation?

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Newsby Wes PlattJuly 6, 2022

FMCSA Extends "Under the Hood" Waiver Through September

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration agrees that the waiver could help with the school bus driver shortage during peak recruitment season during the summer months.

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 28, 2022

Legislators Seek ACA Loophole Closure for School Bus Drivers, Other Support Staff

Sen. Edward J. Markey and Rep. Donald Norcross asked U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to eliminate a loophole that keeps some contracted school bus drivers and other support staff ineligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act.

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 21, 2022

Illinois Politicians Seek Eligibility Expansion for Clean School Bus Program

In a letter addressed to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, legislators want changes to eligibility and prioritization criteria to avoid keeping some districts locked out of the federal program.

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 20, 2022

SBF Incident Report Roundup - June 20, 2022

In this collection of recent news about legal issues and accidents related to pupil transportation: - Parents File Lawsuit in New Mexico Bus Collision - Maryland School Bus Crash Leaves Several Hurt - Former Florida Bus Driver Facing DUI Charges Apparently Attends Court Impaired - New York Worker Hurt Refilling Propane-Fueled School Bus - Montana Schools Superintendent Accused of Illegal Passing

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattJune 8, 2022

Low Voltage Ahead for Zero-Emission Rebate Plan?

The EPA has indicated that the next phase of the program may be more focused on grants rather than rebates, which might be more appealing to school districts across the financial spectrum. But even if they hand out millions of up-front dollars to buy new electric buses, it can be a risky investment without proper planning.

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