First Student honored for hiring military vets
The school bus contractor receives a Flag of Freedom Award as part of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s “Show-Me Heroes” initiative. Since the initiative began in 2010, officials say First Student has welcomed veterans returning from overseas into the ranks at locations in Columbia, Parkville, Kansas City and St. Joseph.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon recently recognized First Student Inc. with a Flag of Freedom Award as part of his “Show-Me Heroes” initiative.
First Student was honored for hiring military veterans returning from overseas.
Since 2010, when the initiative was introduced, more than 1,700 companies in Missouri, including First Student, have pledged to help veterans in their job search. First Student has welcomed veterans into the ranks at its locations in Columbia, Parkville, Kansas City and St. Joseph, officials said.
In other news, the charter bus division of the company, First Student Charter Bus Rental, partnered with SP Plus Gameday to provide free shuttle service Friday through Sunday for race fans attending the 2012 Daytona 500 and its companion races.
More than 340 buses and trained drivers will be used to transport spectators from their parking spots to the Daytona International Speedway.
This marks the fourth year that First Student has provided transportation for the event. Last year, shuttle buses transported 66,000 race fans from parking lots to the Daytona International Speedway.
More Management

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
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, Hall of Fame Inductee
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, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
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 →


