CINCINNATI — Nineteen First Student locations recently earned the Blue Seal of Excellence, which is given by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

To receive ASE's Blue Seal of Excellence, 75% of the service technicians at a location must be certified by ASE. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered.

The latest First Student ASE Blue Seal locations include:

•    Batavia, New York
•    Boonville, Missouri
•    Berlin, New Jersey
•    Danville, Illinois
•    Fern Ridge, Oregon
•    Kirkwood, Missouri
•    Lackawanna, New York
•    Lawnside, New Jersey
•    Millcreek, Pennsylvania
•    Picton, Ontario
•    Port Elgin, Ontario
•    Prescott, Ontario
•    Princeton, Ohio
•    Red Wing, Minnesota
•    Southern Pennsylvania
•    Southern York, Pennsylvania
•    Vashon, Washington
•    Warwick, Rhode Island
•    Whitecourt, Alberta

These locations are among the more than 120 to have earned Blue Seal status throughout FirstGroup America, the parent company of First Student. FirstGroup America also includes First Transit, First Vehicle Services, and Greyhound.

“We recognize the importance of putting safe vehicles on the road,” said Todd Hawkins, senior vice president of maintenance for FirstGroup America. “Our maintenance teams strive to be the best at what they do. Blue Seal shops have the knowledge and training required to diagnose problems precisely and accurately, which helps to reduce vehicle downtime, improve reliability, and lower transportation costs.”

ASE was created in 1972 to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.