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Sept. 21-23, 2026 | Scottsdale, AZ

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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).

News•by Wes Platt•August 2, 2022

Minnesota School Districts Could Get Matching Dollars for Clean Buses

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency aims to help non-prioritized applicants get the most funding possible for new battery-electric school buses in tandem with the EPA's Clean School Bus Program.

Articles•by Wes Platt•August 2, 2022

What You Need to Know About the EPA's Clean School Bus Program

An Aug. 19 deadline awaits districts that want to take advantage of federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

School Bus Fleet Blog•by Wes Platt•August 1, 2022

With Patience and Tolerance, Occasional Chaos Can Be Rewarding

Disruptive behavior, sometimes caused by these summer breaks, is on the rise and can prove particularly challenging during the first six weeks of the school year, Brooke Garcia said. In those instances, “the driver needs to the thermostat in the bus, rather than the thermometer.”

News•by Wes Platt•July 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.

News•by Wes Platt•July 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.

A yellow school bus with its service door open is parked after a rainstorm as dramatic clouds fill the evening sky. Reflections shimmer in the wet pavement, creating a scenic view of the bus yard at sunset.

Photo Galleries•by Wes Platt•July 22, 2022

PHOTOS: School Bus Fleet's 2022 Photo Contest

Winning entries in the 18th edition of School Bus Fleet’s Photo Contest captures weather and wildlife – along with the familiar yellow school bus. These shots were selected from 74 total entries by SBF staff.

News•by Wes Platt•July 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.

Articles•by Wes Platt•July 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.

News•by Wes Platt•July 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?

News•by Wes Platt•July 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.