New England Transit Sales Named Thomas Built Dealer of the Year
3 New Dealers Join Thomas Built Buses Platinum Support Program
TBB dealers from Idaho, Ohio, and British Columbia join the ranks, each achieving Platinum certification in its support of the OEM.

Velocity Truck Centers in British Columbia is one of the three newest dealer groups to join the program. Pictured is (L to R): Chelsea Judd, Richie Conlin, Mark Brown, Steve Francis. and Gurvir Sidhu.
Photo: Thomas Built Buses
Today, Thomas Built Buses announced the addition of three new dealerships to its Platinum Support Dealer Program for 2024.
The newest groups who have achieved Platinum certification and joined the program are:
Western Mountain Bus Sales of Nampa, Idaho
Myers Equipment of Canfield, Ohio
Velocity Truck Centers in British Columbia
Their designation demonstrates their commitment to providing unparalleled service and support to Thomas Built Buses customers.
The Platinum Support Dealer Program recognizes dealerships that go above and beyond in customer service, parts availability, and service capabilities. Dealers meet rigorous standards and demonstrate unwavering dedication to operational excellence.
The company's announcement notes tht through extensive training, Platinum Support dealerships learn to eliminate waste from day-to-day business operations, pass down faster vehicle assessment, reduce vehicle downtime, and lower vehicle lifecycle costs for the customer.
“The dedication and commitment demonstrated by Velocity Truck Centers, Myers Equipment, and Western Mountain in achieving Platinum Support status is truly commendable,” said Dee Dee Parnell, general manager of dealer network development at Thomas Built Buses. “Their continuous pursuit of excellence ensures that our customers receive unparalleled sales and aftermarket support, reinforcing our commitment to superior service.”
Established in 2015, the Thomas Built Buses Platinum Support Dealer Program is focused on improving the customer experience. Today, nearly 80% of all Thomas Built dealers are Platinum Support-certified.
More Management

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex
See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.
Read More →
Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.
Read More →
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →


