First Student’s alternative transportation division, First Alt, has joined the Alternative Student Transportation Association (ASTA) as a founding member.

According to an association statement, ASTA is a newly formed coalition dedicated to educating stakeholders, validating best practices, and advocating for consistent standards across the growing alternative student transportation sector. 

As a founding member, First Alt will work with industry leaders to shape policy principles, raise awareness, and promote high-quality standards that support student safety and operational excellence.

“At First Alt, we believe safe, consistent, and trusted transportation should be available to every student regardless of where they live or how they learn,” said Gregg Prettyman, vice president of First Alt. “We are proud to be a founding member of ASTA to help ensure alternative student transportation is held to high standards and recognized as a key part of the education ecosystem.”

ASTA’s Mission and Safety Standards for Providers

ASTA’s mission focuses on shared accountability, transparency, and establishing industry-wide minimum standards specific to association providers. These minimum standards include:

• Driver Standards and Impaired Driving Prevention: Fingerprint-based background checks, driver education, ride monitoring, and impaired driving prevention measures that comply with applicable state and local regulations.

• Vehicle Standards: Annual inspections by certified mechanics, meeting vehicle identification guidelines and other alternative student transportation-specific safety requirements.

• Ongoing Safety Education: Extensive continuing driver education and accident prevention programs.

• Insurance and Liability Protection: Measures to ensure all vehicles have comprehensive coverage appropriate to vehicle type.

By joining ASTA, First Alt signals its ongoing commitment to developing transportation solutions for diverse student and district needs.