Many school bus drivers kept going to great lengths to get children to and from school despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, First Student joins the American School Bus Council (ASBC) in recognizing bus drivers during Love the Bus Month.

“We are grateful for the support and focus our drivers have shown to our operations during these challenging times,” said First Student President Paul G. Osland. “They continue to demonstrate just how essential First Student is in the communities we serve. Our location teams have been flexing to meet the evolving needs of our school district partners to help ensure we provide students with the safest ride possible to and from school.”

School bus drivers are among the most highly trained, tested, and scrutinized drivers on the road, undergoing strict background checks and licensing requirements and meeting rigorous training standards.

In a news release, First Student noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped illustrate the importance of in-person learning for students, and school busing is a critical component. Drivers have been on the frontline, showing an unwavering commitment to school districts and families.

About 26 million students in North America ride school buses each day. Five million of those journeys are on First Student buses.

The ASBC created Love the Bus Month in 2007 to raise awareness and appreciation for the experience of riding the school bus, as well as to honor drivers for their ever-important role in supporting education.

More than 50,000 First Student employees come together each school day to deliver safe transportation to families across North America. Throughout the month of February, the company will recognize these drivers, monitors, dispatchers, and technicians for their commitment to serve their communities.

What are you doing to celebrate Love the Bus Month? Send stories and photos to info@schoolbusfleet.com.