American Student Transportation Partners' (ASTP) President and CEO Tod Eskra has been named an Entrepreneur of the Year in the greater Philadelphia region by Ernst & Young.

Founded in 2021, ASTP and its operating companies (Krise Transportation and Assisted Student Transportation) have rapidly expanded and become one of the 10 largest student transportation providers in the United States, serving school districts across Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Kansas through a technology-driven approach focused on safety, reliability, operational excellence, and local partnerships.

"Today's student transportation environment demands more than simply moving buses and students from point A to point B," Eskra said. "It requires innovation, local engagement, and a relentless commitment to the safety of the families and communities that depend on us. One of the things I'm most proud of is how we've grown by strengthening local relationships and community trust, not by replacing people with technology, but rather by giving our front-line team members technology that lets them closely engage with our school district partners to deliver safety and service excellence. I am honored and humbled by this recognition but it’s really a reflection of our incredible front-line local leaders and team members who work tirelessly to ensure students have access to education by delivering them to school safely, on time and ready to learn.”

A veteran transportation executive, the company announcement stated that Eskra has championed a people-first leadership philosophy while helping guide ASTP's expansion into new markets and partnerships. Since its founding, ASTP has differentiated itself through a modern operating model that combines deep operational expertise, advanced technology, performance analytics, and with a commitment to preserving the local relationships and community trust that have long been hallmarks of smaller successful student transportation providers. This approach helps school districts navigate increasingly complex transportation challenges while maintaining the personalized service and accountability that families and communities expect.

Under Eskra’s leadership, the company has maintained a focus on supporting and investing in ASTP’s local operating team members, strengthening customer relationships, and building upon the transportation legacies established within the communities it serves.