WALL, N.J. — Student Transportation of America Inc. (STA) has been awarded a seven-year school transportation contract with the Pine-Richland School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The $3.7 million annual contract has the option of additional renewal years, includes 100% customer-paid fuel and adds to the regional density of STA's existing operations in Pennsylvania.

The public-private partnership will provide 77 school vehicles beginning in the 2015-16 school year. The new fleet will run on propane autogas.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded the contract for school transportation with Pine-Richland School District,” said Patrick Vaughan, chief operating officer of STA. “Our company's culture and new fleet of clean-burning propane vehicles have proven themselves in nearby Gateway School District and will be a welcomed addition to the students and residents of this community."

The vehicles will feature safety and communications equipment and GPS tracking systems, two-way radios, digital three-camera surveillance systems, stop arms and Child Check-Mate systems for enhanced security.

"The district's top priority remains student safety and the overall quality of service,” said Rachel Hathhorn, spokesperson for Pine-Richland School District. “The district is confident STA will bring a safe, well-managed transportation operation to the district."

Vaughan added that the company will conduct informational sessions with current drivers and other personnel who will be given the first opportunity to work for the company.