School bus company National Express is partnering with ALC Schools, a supplemental and alternative student transportation provider, to expand transportation service for students in underserved communities.

Working with over 450 districts in 24 states, ALC Schools serves students receiving McKinney-Vento services, who have special needs, or who live out of district, according to a news release from National Express. The company aims to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency with its smart routing technology and custom-tailored services.

Through the partnership, National Express will use ALC Schools's specialized resources and knowledge to expand its current reach of more than 500 school districts in 34 states and three provinces to additional districts and communities, according to the school bus company.

“Serving and increasing access for students in hard-to-reach communities is instrumental in helping them and our communities grow,” said Charlie Bruce, senior vice president of business development at National Express. “With the infinite knowledge and specialized routing expertise that ALC’s dedicated teams provide, there is no doubt in my mind that this partnership will help us do that, and much more.”

Megan Carey, chief development officer for ALC Schools, added that the partnership aligns with the company's commitment to safety and its mission to give students with special transportation needs “an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.”

“Our admirable track records and experience in student transportation — theirs with buses, and ours with alternative vehicle types — will give school districts nationwide a compliant, safe, reliable, and complete transportation solution.”