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Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships

The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.

Collage graphic featuring the Zūm logo surrounded by images representing the company's recent milestones: the Providence, Rhode Island skyline; a soccer ball decorated with international flags symbolizing FIFA World Cup 2026 transportation services; a trophy representing CEO Ritu Narayan's Entrepreneur Of The Year award; and the Philadelphia skyline.

Today, Zum supports transportation for more than 4,500 schools across 18 states.

Credit:

Zum/School Bus Fleet

3 min to read


  • Zum has expanded its service to Rhode Island, marking it as the 18th state in the company's operational network.
  • The company is also starting new operations in Philadelphia, enhancing its presence in the Northeast U.S.
  • In addition to regional expansions, Zum is involved in logistics support for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

*Summarized by AI

On June 16, Zūm announced that Scituate School Department and Johnston Public Schools have both selected the company to modernize its student transportation operations beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

The partnerships mark Zum’s entry into Rhode Island, further expanding its national footprint across 18 states.

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Powered by Zum’s Connected Mobility Experience (CMX) platform, the districts will benefit from a technology-led and data-driven transportation system designed to improve reliability, transparency, communication, and operational efficiency.

Zum will be covering all routes for both districts.

“Getting students to school safely and on time is essential to student success,” said Scott Sutherland, superintendent of Johnston Public Schools. “Through this partnership with Zum, we will be able to provide families with greater transparency and real-time information while strengthening the reliability and efficiency of our transportation operations. We are excited to bring innovative technology and a student-centered approach to transportation for the Johnston community.”

Zum aims to reduce driver shortages by recruiting experienced drivers and training and certifying new drivers. Zum CMX is an integrated technology and operations platform that connects people, vehicles, and operations in real time. The system orchestrates the entire transportation ecosystem, from routing, dispatch, and fleet operations to driver workflows and family communications.

Additional District Partnerships in Seattle & Philadelphia

Earlier in the month, the company also shared that it will continue to serve Seattle Public Schools for the 2026–27 school year. It plans to add more than 130 new routes, bringing its total to more than 280 routes serving students across the district. Zum’s partnership with Seattle Public Schools began in 2022.

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And in May, Zum announced a new partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, also for the 2026–27 school year. Zum's team will cover a minimum of 200 routes covering about 330 schools for the district.

Zum's CEO is a 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year

Ritu Narayan, Zum's CEO and founder, was just named an Ernst & Young U.S Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Bay Area Award winner. Narayan was selected among hundreds of entrepreneurs and business leaders recognized for their vision, innovation, and ability to create long-term value.

Serving World Cup Fans in LA

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority partnered with Zūm's charter services from June 12-July 10 as an official transportation provider during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament in Los Angeles. 

Zum will deliver shuttle service at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium for Zones 1, 2 and 3 for athletes, teams and ticket holders during eight World Cup matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match.

“FIFA World Cup 2026 will give millions of fans all over the world a chance to connect and celebrate, and, through this partnership with LA Metro, we are honored to be part of it," Narayan said. "We look forward to serving athletes and fans at this historic event in Los Angeles.”

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The company provides bus and van rentals for school trips, sports travel, vacations and other events.

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