At School Bus Fleet, our readers are the heart of what we do. And we love hearing from you! 

There’s power in sharing experiences and insights from a range of perspectives across the industry. That’s why we’ve gathered a selection of recent reader feedback — a snapshot of what’s been top of mind for school transportation professionals.

Here’s what they had to say about the posts that sparked discussion, connection, and curiosity.

Trauma-Informed Transportation

After reading the article “Supporting Students with Trauma-Informed School Transportation,” Pamela Parran said: “Wow! Great article. As a former Theraputic Foster Care Parent, I'm familiar with most of the obstacles and concerns addressed in this article. HopSkipDrive was not available 35 years ago, but I'm enthused to be a caregiver on the platform. TIC is a model all who work with children should be familiar and proctive with. I recognize the significance of, and the impact it creates, for ALL of our children.”

Someone else added: “This is a great article, thank you! I transport preschool aged kids and we learn very quickly who has rules at home and who does not. The bus can be a valuable time to teach kids what is expected while you have their undivided attention. Routes can be long, but the time spent helping the kids learn how to be successfull if so worth the ride!”

Used Buses

The piece, “Beyond the Initial Investment: Long-Term Savings with Used Buses” prompted one reader to say, “unbelievable what new buses cost these days. I just got a quote for over $170k per bus. Used is the way to go!”

Driver Screening

In response to last year’s post, “A Decade of Data: U.S. School Bus Crash Statistics Unveiled,” one reader said: “I am happy to see the emphasis on safety. However, Schools do not screen drivers as well as commercial driver organizations. We work with trucking companies and commercial bus drivers selection. Our clients us behavioral testing to identify candidates with the characteristics of your best drivers. This is in addition to checking records, etc. Adding seat belts and more cameras are good ideas if the person driving the bus has the personal characteristics to pay attention, deal with stress, is safety conscious, etc. We suggest you need to choose the person carefully who will be trained to drive our children. Consider screening for personal characteristics of the person you choose to train. Commercial organizations find when they do accidents and absenteeism decrease significantly. Shouldn't we select the best drivers to driver our most precious commodity, our children?”

Kudos for Industry Pros

Michael Brown was named SBF’s 2025 Contractor of the Year, and it’s clear he was well-deserving based on these notes submitted: “I knew Michael when he got that first one or two buses. He bought / rented them from Bud Lee at Martinez Bus Lines, Martinez, CA. Bud was also a Contractor of the Year, many years ago, probably sometime in the 1980's ? I was the shop manager then and did the first few services and inspections of Mechael's buses until he got his own maintenance program up and running. So all these many years later I see Michael is a HUGE success. I could tell at the time that he was very determined to do something on a BIG scale. CONGRATULATIONS Michael ! ! !”

And: “Our hearts are overflowing in joy to see this prestigious award you have been honored to receive! Congratulations! We love you & your family & blessed to know many of your employees ! Your bus transportation company is truly deserving of this award .. & is also transforming lives too! We love you & pray your company continues to grew & expand !! God bless you all & your influence! In the Bay Area! 💕🙏”

Additionally, a profile on driver trainer Susan Moorhead garnered these comments:

• “CONGRATULATIONS to an AMAZING School Bus Driver, Instructor, Manager and friend! Way to go Susan!!”

• “Susan, congratulations for 50 years. You are a great roll model for all transportation employees. Thank you for mentoring so many. Hugs.”

• “What a great career for susan and a role model for kids. What a great article about someone who has spent the greater part of her life influencing kids and training other drivers to get these kids home safely. Congrats Susan Your bro in NJ”

• “Congratulations, Susan, on a long and continuing career which has made a positive impact on many students, and on our student transportation profession. I'm glad to hear that you plan to continue to serve.”

Not to mention, the 2025 Administrator of the Year Kim Jones also received lovely feedback:

• “Kim, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are the best!!!! A huge thank you for getting my career jump started since the fitness days!”

• “Congratulations Kim…I’m Very proud of the accomplishments you have done.”

• “Congratulations Kim! I know you do the work for students, not recognition. However, it's awesome to have a space to celebrate you. I hope you and your team feel proud and enjoy this moment.”

Leadership Lessons

In response to the “Lessons Learned in Leadership… So Far” column, a transportation supervisor, wrote in to share this:

“I just finished reading your article in School Bus Fleet magazine and found it to have a lot of great advice… As I was promoted multiple times within a year, I have found it difficult to gain the respect of my team as they look at me as a driver instead of their leader. Some of the qualities you outlined in your article, especially building relationships with people you don’t necessarily get along with or know, is especially difficult for me as I am a person of few words…unless it is in writing, although I know this is something that I have to break out of my shell with. Thank you for writing your article and I now having it hanging in my office to remind me to give other grace and keep learning from those around me who have been in the industry for a longer time than myself. Keep doing great things!”

IEP & Assistive Tools

In February, we talked about special-needs issues. In response to the article on increasing IEP communication, one district admin said: “Thank you for this article. I have been stating the need for Transportation directors to be involved in IEP's for a long time with my district. Things are a little better but we have a long way to go.”

Another reader had some good points on selecting assistive tools and tech: “I have attended many IEP sessions and while the student is allowed they often are excluded but when the student is included and asked what they think the number one thing I hear over and over again is they don't want to ride the ‘special’ bus but rather on the ‘big bus’ with their siblings or classmates. I've always found it is easier to get buy in from the students if you actually listen to what they want and include it in the IEP. does make the job harder, but also easier in the long run Bob”

Our Request to You

What do you think? Please, share your own thoughts as comments on any posts you see on our website or email our team to share your feedback at info@schoolbusfleet.com. 

We read every comment. Your thoughts often help us form ideas for future articles that better serve what matters to you.

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the conversation.