SBF Wrapped: 5 Most-Viewed News Stories in 2021
From First Student's sale to the driver shortage to new federal legislation with funding for electric and low-emission school buses, the world of pupil transportation tried to return to normal (or better) in 2021.
In 2021, highlights on the School Bus Fleet website included stories about ownership changes at First Student, new bipartisan infrastructure legislation, and the dire nationwide school bus driver shortage.
Here are the year's most-viewed SBF news stories:
1. FirstGroup Plans to Sell First Student, First Transit for $4.6 Billion(Published: April 23)
The company agrees to sell its North American school bus and public transportation companies to EQT Infrastructure.
2. More States Consider Calling in National Guard for School Transportation(Published: Sept. 16)
State officials in New York, Ohio, and South Carolina, are considering deploying National Guard troops to help drive buses as many school districts face a driver shortage.
3. New Jersey School Bus Company Owners Indicted(Published: Sept. 7)
Ahmed Mahgoub and his wife, Faiza Ibrahim, of F&A Transportation, are charged with conspiracy and records tampering connected to $3.5 million in school transportation contracts.
4. South Carolina School Bus Driver, Students Safe After Hijacking(Published: May 7)
A man with a rifle allegedly forces his way onto a bus at a bus stop, orders the driver to drive the bus, then kicks him and the 18 students off and drives the bus before abandoning it. The driver is credited for de-escalating the situation.
5. President Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill into Law(Published Nov. 15)
School transportation advocates praised the bipartisan legislation, which includes efforts against illegal bus passing, and provides $5 billion for electric and low-emission school buses.
Who knows what 2022 will bring? Be sure to subscribe to our print or digital edition, follow our YouTube channel, and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay in the know about the latest news in pupil transportation.
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