OLATHE, Kan. — Olathe Unified School District 233 recently extended its relationship of over 30 years with First Student.
The district has awarded the company a new five-year contract to manage and operate more than 220 school bus routes.
“We have been proud to serve generations of families in the Olathe community,” said First Student Area General Manager John Billigmeier. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the district to deliver tailored transportation solutions that provide students a safe and reliable way to get to and from school.”
First Student is updating its fleet in Olathe with the addition of more than 50 new buses over the course of the contract.
First Student transports nearly 8,000 Olathe Unified School District 233 students each school day.
Kansas district renews First Student contract
Olathe Unified School District 233 awarded the company a new five-year contract to manage and operate more than 220 school bus routes.
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