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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 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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Newsby Wes PlattJune 6, 2022

NASDPTS Names New President-Elect

The former president-elect, Pat Schofill, has left his position as Georgia's state student transportation director. Mike Simmons of Arkansas returns to the role.

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Newsby Wes PlattJune 3, 2022

SBF Legislative Roundup - June 3, 2022

In this collection of recent news about laws and regulations related to student transportation: - Colorado Electric Bus Funding Signed into Law - New Jersey Legislature Passes Electric School Bus Bill - Miranda’s Law Commemorates Victim of New Jersey Bus Crash - California Legislation May Prove Challenging for School Transportation

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Articlesby Wes PlattJune 1, 2022

5 Facets of Boosting Staff Morale

School Bus Fleet sought advice from pupil transportation leaders in Georgia, North Carolina, Iowa, and Kentucky.

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Videosby Wes PlattMay 30, 2022

Looking for Normal

Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, previews the upcoming Contractors Issue, including Contractor of the Year Jacob Iverson of Harlow's Bus Service and the Top Contractor Fleets

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ArticlesCover Storyby Wes PlattMay 25, 2022

Jacob Iverson Adjusts to Meet Challenges in Pupil Transportation

With decades of experience in the industry, the senior vice president of Harlow’s Bus Service in North Dakota earns recognition as our 2022 School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year.

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Articlesby Wes PlattMay 25, 2022

School Bus Fleet's Top Contractors of 2022

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 in Massachusetts, and North America Central School Bus in Illinois.

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