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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 PlattOctober 5, 2023

Closer Look: What School Transportation Leaders Need to Know About the EPA’s 2023 Rebate Program

What’s different this time? Who qualifies as prioritized? What about repowers? We take a deeper dive into the latest Clean School Bus Program funding opportunity.

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Articlesby Wes PlattOctober 3, 2023

Nate Thacker of DEMI on How a Silly Name Can Mean Serious Business

In this interview with School Bus Fleet, Nate Thacker of Utah-based DEMI discussed the CowFartBus and how renewable natural gas could be school transportation's fuel of the future.

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattOctober 2, 2023

Trip Sheet: SBFX 2023 Provides an Educational Oasis in the Arizona Desert

School Bus Fleet ConneX made its triumphant post-COVID return with school transportation directors and vendors connecting and sharing insights.

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Newsby Wes PlattSeptember 27, 2023

September 2023: Fleet Fuel Price Trends [Updated 09/27]

The average price for gasoline and diesel fuel dropped during the past week across the United States, but how likely is that trend to continue?

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School Bus Fleet Blogby Wes PlattSeptember 25, 2023

Trip Sheet: How Did School Transportation Work in Ancient Rome?

Obviously, the Roman Empire (27 B.C. to 476 A.D.) existed long before today’s school buses took to the roads. The Romans didn’t have much in the way of organized education, let alone school transportation systems.

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Articlesby Wes PlattSeptember 11, 2023

Prioritizing Safety: Gaining Insights from School Transportation Officials

School Bus Fleet surveyed school transportation professionals from Colorado to New York to get a sense of what the most serious concerns are when it comes to school bus safety.

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Newsby Wes PlattSeptember 9, 2023

Federal School Bus Seat Belt Legislation Gets New Proposal

Two U.S. senators - Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois - are putting forward the School Bus Safety Act, which would include federal requirements for seat belts on school buses.

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Newsby Wes PlattSeptember 6, 2023

Looking for the Next Round of Trailblazing School Transportation Leaders

School Bus Fleet seeks young up-and-coming leaders in the student transportation industry to highlight in a 2024 issue.

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Newsby Wes PlattSeptember 1, 2023

Ohio Leaders Exploring Seat Belts and More in School Bus Safety

The fatal ejection of an 11-year-old student in a recent bus crash has renewed concerns about secure transportation.

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Newsby Wes PlattSeptember 1, 2023

Zum Apologizes for Challenging Start in Maryland

The company, which won a contract from Howard County Public School System earlier this year, had to cancel bus routes as it continues to put drivers at the wheel.

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