SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Krapf acquires Septran Inc.

Septran provides school transportation for special-needs students in Illinois and Minnesota. Blake Krapf, CEO of Krapf Bus Companies Inc., says that the owner and founder of Septran is ready to retire and wanted to ensure that the company he built continues to be family-owned and employee-centered.

July 11, 2011
2 min to read


WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Krapf Bus Companies Inc. has acquired Septran Inc., which provides school transportation for special-needs students in Illinois and Minnesota.

The company operates a fleet of 1,150 vehicles, which range from minivans to small buses. About 15 percent of Septran’s fleet is full-size school buses.

“This is an important step for us, and we weighed it very carefully,” said Blake Krapf, CEO of Krapf Bus Companies. “Septran is a premier company in special-needs school transportation in the Midwest, and we are very proud that they selected Krapf from among many others to take over their operations. We believe the Midwest offers a lot of opportunities for Septran, and now for us.”

Krapf added that Septran’s owner and founder is 83 and ready to retire, but he wanted to ensure that the company he built continues to be family-owned and employee-centered, as well as remain an important part of the communities that Septran has served. These are core values of the Krapf companies, according to Blake Krapf, and Septran’s owner found that compelling.

“We are very proud to have Septran as part of the Krapf bus family,” added Dale Krapf, chairman of Krapf’s board of directors. “They have a very strong management and employee team, a great customer base, a well-managed fleet and a fine reputation. We expect to not only add to their future, but also to learn from them to make all our operations even better.”

Krapf Bus Companies’ acquisition of Septran is the second the company has made recently. Hash Bus Co. LP also became part of the Krapf bus family, as SBFreported last month.
 
Krapf, established nearly 70 years ago, is the largest private school bus contractor in Pennsylvania and Delaware. It also operates charter buses, paratransit vehicles and public transit lines in its home county of West Chester.

More Management

Children run toward a stopped yellow school bus on a residential street as a graphic overlay reads “School Bus Fleet Biz Briefs” with the date February 9, 2026, promoting an industry business news roundup.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 7, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: School Grants, New Contracts & Revenue Growth

In school bus tech and vendor updates, check in on news from EverDriven, Gatekeeper, Fleetio, Transfinder, RIDE, and new district partnerships.

Read More →
A red and orange personnel roundup graphic with text reading "Changing Lanes."
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 4, 2026

Changing Lanes: EverDriven, ADROIT, DeVivo Companies, School Bus Logistics, Zum, & Dorman

Check out some of the latest personnel moves from across the school bus industry, including new leadership appointments, various promotions, and major restructuring.

Read More →
parked school buses
SponsoredFebruary 3, 2026

From Damage Control to Decision Partner: Transportation's Role in School Closures & Redistricting

School closures are inevitable, but transportation chaos doesn’t have to be. Learn how modern routing technology helps districts model closure scenarios before board votes turn into crises.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic reading “It’s Launch Day! Behind SBF’s New Website” with a desktop and mobile preview of the redesigned School Bus Fleet website on an orange and cream background.
Managementby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

School Bus Fleet, Refreshed: New Website, New Look, Same Commitment

A cleaner layout, improved organization, and a better reading experience are here. Explore what’s new on schoolbusfleet.com!

Read More →
A red and orange graphic with text reading "Representation Matters in School Transportation Leadership."
ManagementFebruary 3, 2026

Why Representation Matters in Transportation Leadership

A firsthand look at how diverse leadership in school transportation builds trust and drives stronger systems.

Read More →
the contractor of the year award logo on an orange background with confetti
Managementby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year

We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 the driver hero award logo is on a black background with the School Bus Fleet an AngelTrax logos and text that reads "Calling all heroes behind the wheel."
Sponsoredby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.

Read More →
two men stand in front of a school bus in tennessee
ManagementJanuary 30, 2026

A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose

Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.

Read More →
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →