N.C. Transportation Hall of Fame honors industry veteran
Thomas Built Buses sponsors the Perley A. Thomas Award for Excellence in Pupil Transportation. This year's recipient, Don Byrnes, served the industry for 32 years as a transportation director and past president of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association.
[IMAGE]230[/IMAGE]
CARY, N.C. — The North Carolina Transportation Hall of Fame will hold its sixth annual induction and award ceremonies here on Oct. 4.
This year's recipient of the Perley A. Thomas Award For Excellence in Pupil Transportation will be Don Byrnes, retired transportation director for Cleveland County Schools.
Byrnes started his career in school transportation in 1974 with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He moved to Cleveland County Schools and served as director of transportation for 13 years before retiring in 2006 with 32 years of service in the pupil transportation industry.
He is a past president of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association, and represented school transportation in the North Carolina Association of School Administrators for six years.
"As the sponsor of the award, Thomas Built Buses is proud to recognize Byrnes's achievements and contributions to the industry," the company said in a statement.
More Management

HopSkipDrive’s CareEngine Targets the ‘Exceptions’ in Student Transportation
The new platform works alongside districts’ existing transportation management systems to coordinate specialized rides, automate last-minute changes, and turn ride data into operational improvements.
Read More →
The Right Ride for Every Student: Navigating the New Student Transportation Ecosystem
How should districts blend school buses with small-vehicle transportation and other options? EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling discusses safety, costs, partnerships, and strategy.
Read More →
Annette Brown Always Takes the Extra Time: Meet Our 2026 School Bus Driver Hero
For more than 30 years, the Wa-Nee Community Schools driver has treated students like family, combining safety, compassion, and servant leadership to make a lasting difference on and beyond the school bus.
Read More →How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
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; Durham School Services adds a new district in California; First Student expands in New Jersey; and Minnesota Coaches rebrands and 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 →


