School Bus Business Briefs: More Safety Solution Expansions & Great Start Program Launch
From a software expansion to a new alternative transportation support program, an AI dashcam reveal, and ridership milestones, here’s the latest supplier news.
In School Bus Fleet's latest Biz Briefs installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers across the industry.
Photo: Transportant/School Bus Fleet
6 min to read
Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier and OEM news in the school bus industry. In School Bus Fleet’s latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transportant, HopSkipDrive, ATWEC Technologies, EverDriven, and Tyler Technologies.
Transportant Expands School Bus Safety Tech Footprint in Arkansas
Transportant recently announced that three Arkansas school districts — Atkins, Elkins, and Vilonia — have integrated its technology across 60 school buses: 14 in both Atkins and Elkins and 32 buses in Vilonia. Sixteen districts in the state now use Transportant safety technology.
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Arkansas’s largest district, Bentonville Schools, was the first to adopt Transportant technology in the state. According to a release, the district uses the technology on every bus in its fleet, serving as “Arkansas’ model for connected transportation.”
“When I first started, I quickly realized we needed a better system than just paper directions for our drivers and old videotapes that can only be viewed after an incident has occurred,” said Jason Salmons, transportation director for Bentonville Schools. Salmons reports a 60% reduction in parent calls, a 30% increase in high school ridership, six hours saved per day by avoiding videotape review, and a 100% success rate in correctly dropping children off at their stops.
“Our strategy is simple: place advanced, proactive safety tools on every school bus so that no incident is unknowable, no student unseen, and no driver unsupported,” said Martin Staples, CEO of Transportant. “These three new Arkansas school districts join Bentonville and others around the U.S. who believe school transportation should not wait for a crisis — it should anticipate, prevent, and respond to threats to student safety in real time.”
HopSkipDrive Boosts Trust with Caregiver Phone Calls
The Caregiver Great Start Program, an initiative by HopSkipDrive, introduces a dedicated support team that provides proactive and personalized outreach to new parents and guardians of HopSkipDrive riders. While HopSkipDrive is built on a foundation of rigorous CareDriver vetting, including a 15-point certification process, the new program recognizes that “even the best technology requires a trust-building human connection.”
“I noticed far fewer calls and emails this year, especially at the start of the year, and I think it’s because their support team took that task off my plate. This support has made a huge difference,” said Brianne Nakayama at Southern California Regional Occupational Center.
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The Caregiver Great Start Program’s core strategic focus is to ensure a seamless, confident start for new caregivers. This involves personally welcoming them with a proactive call placed at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the first ride.
During this touch-point, the support team provides immediate, personalized guidance on ride logistics, safety measures, and how to utilize the HopSkipDrive app for maximum peace of mind.
The Caregiver Great Start Program’s core strategic focus is to ensure a seamless, confident start for new caregivers.
Photo: HopSkipDrive
The program actively engages all eligible caregivers for new riders from HopSkipDrive's client partners, ensuring 100% of contacted caregivers receive full guidance on safety protocols and app features.
ATWEC Technologies Introduces ZenCAM Plus AI Dashcam Solution
ATWEC Technologies, Inc., recently launched the ZenCAM Plus, a next-generation, AI-powered dashcam developed by its SafeBus Technologies, Inc., subsidiary. The new product offers safety features such as advanced real-time video, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-connected communications.
According to a release, ZenCAM Plus joins the SafeBus Alert Solution, the companies' established GPS tracking and child safety platform used by schools and transportation providers across North America. ZenCAM Plus can be deployed as a standalone solution.
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The cloud-connected dashcam delivers real-time LiveVue video streaming between the vehicle and the transportation office, along with two-way voice communication to support rapid response and operational visibility. Equipped with road-facing and cabin-facing cameras, ZenCAM Plus provides trip documentation, including Hyperlapse video recording and playback of each route.
As part of its broader operational plan, the company intends to relaunch its vehicle technologies division in January 2026, under the leadership of Stuart Barton, president of its SafeBus Technologies subsidiary. The renewed division will incorporate ATWT’s legacy vehicle safety products, including Kiddie Voice, KV-3, and KV-X systems, alongside its next-generation SafeBus offerings.
“ZenCAM Plus represents a meaningful step forward in how we protect children during daily transportation,” Barton said. “By combining AI-driven insight with real-time communication and visibility, we are giving schools and transportation teams practical tools that promote safer driving, greater accountability, and peace of mind for parents.”
EverDriven Approaches 2.5 Million Ride Milestone in California
EverDriven reached a major milestone in California, its founding state, by completing nearly 2.5 million rides and 27.5 million miles traveled over 20 years. The company serves more than 13,800 students across hundreds of districts.
Formerly known as ALC Schools, EverDriven started in Orange County, California, when its founders saw an opportunity to help students with unique transportation needs arrive at and leave from school safely. EverDriven has since expanded nationwide, now serving more than 800 districts in 36 states.
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“California has always been a pioneer in alternative transportation, and the work the team began here two decades ago set the standard for what safe, modern student transportation could look like,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven.
Last school year in California, EverDriven transported 3,352 students, completed 263,645 rides, and logged more than 3.5 million miles across the state. Plus, when California introduced SB 88, a landmark law setting new standards for student transportation, including enhanced safety protocols, driver training, and vehicle maintenance, EverDriven didn’t wait for the July 1, 2025, deadline; they implemented changes months ahead of schedule.
Even prior to any legislative requirements, EverDriven maintained a well-established reputation for providing safe, student-centered alternative transportation. Their proactive approach gave us confidence that we were fully compliant — long before the deadline,” said Carlos Chicas, the executive director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation at Capistrano Unified School District located in South Orange County, California.
Tyler Technologies Recognized for National Innovation, Culture, and Workplace Awards
Tyler Technologies recently announced it has been recognized with 12 industry workplace awards acknowledging its sustained leadership in technology innovation, growth, workplace culture, environmental stewardship, and overall corporate performance.
“Tyler is committed to fostering a workplace where people feel supported and inspired while continuing to advance innovative, sustainable solutions that help our clients build stronger, more connected communities,” said Lynn Moore, CEO and president of Tyler Technologies. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the passion and expertise our employees bring to serving the public sector every day.”
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This year’s awards and recognition include:
Detroit Free Press’ Top Workplaces Michigan
Forbes' America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers
Forbes' America's Best Large Employers
Forbes' America's Dream Employers
Forbes’ Global 2000
Government Technology's GovTech Top 100
Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
Newsweek’s America’s Greenest Companies
Newsweek's America’s Greatest Workplaces in Tech
Newsweek's America’s Greatest Workplaces
Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies
TIME's America's Best Midsize Companies
Tyler Technologies delivers outcomes for government agencies and the communities they serve, while consistently being recognized as an employer of choice by the industry. “Ongoing investments in the company’s people, culture, and innovation continue to keep Tyler team members and its business at the forefront of these lists,” a company release stated.
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