CINCINNATI — Port Huron Area Schools has selected First Student Inc. to provide school transportation for its students under a three-year contract that will begin with the 2011-12 school year.

First Student is currently interviewing district drivers and local residents to join its transportation staff in Port Huron, as well as adding additional safety features to each of the local school buses.

“We are pleased that Port Huron Area Schools has chosen First Student to provide safe and reliable transportation for the district,” said Roger Moore, First Student senior vice president, Great Lakes region. “We are committed to safety and excellent customer service, and we look forward to working with the district, students and community for many years to come.”

First Student's Port Huron buses will include GPS tracking systems, which allow the company to know the speed and location of each bus at any given time, the Child Check-Mate electronic reminder system designed to ensure no child is left unattended on a bus and crossing gates to allow children to cross in front of the bus at a safe distance.

Each bus will also undergo a stringent daily, monthly and annual vehicle maintenance program. Moreover, each driver will conduct a multi-point inspection prior to beginning his or her route.