JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Student Transportation of America (STA) has been awarded a new 10-year contract with an existing school district customer that will effectively double the size of the company’s operations in Jacksonville.

The new $187 million contract, which starts July 1, makes Duval County Public Schools the new largest customer of STA, which is a subsidiary of Student Transportation Inc. The company’s public-private partnership with the district began in 2009.

According to STA, the new contract will generate more than $16 million per year in revenue, with fixed price increases for nine years. The deal also includes "live load" fuel reimbursed by the school district.

“We have a very good team in place already in Jacksonville, and this is a great opportunity to expand in what we feel is a vibrant, growing community," said Gene Kowalczewski, senior vice president of Student Transportation Inc.’s eastern business group. "Our team is already busy getting ready for a summer start-up that will require recruiting, training, staffing as well as additional facilities.”

STA will provide Duval County Public Schools with about 230 new school buses. The vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning, seat belts, three-camera digital recording systems, GPS tracking, two-way radios, crossing arms, and the Child Check-Mate system. The fleet will also allow for use of the SafeStop school bus tracking app if the district opts for it.