Student transportation provider Zūm announces a new contract in California, and a new award.

Fresno Unified's Partnership

Fresno Unified has awarded a five-year transportation contract toZūm. Fresno United is the third-largest school district in California, with over 70,000 students and over 100 schools.

The district will begin using Zum's technology platform in August to manage and monitor all district-operated general education bus routes for the 2025-26 school year.

For the 2026-27 school year, Zum will begin providing transportation services for all special education routes, including Zum's technology platform. The company said it will provide higher wages and expanded benefits for drivers, a new fleet of buses with advanced equipment and air conditioning, and continuous training and support for drivers and staff.

"Zum has a proven track record with recruiting and retaining high-quality drivers, implementing best-in-class equipment and technology and a commitment to safety and customer service," said Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her. "We are excited by this new partnership and share Zum's mission to ensure safe, reliable rides for every student in our district."

Also in Virginia Beach

Last April, the company also announced a three-year technology contract with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) to provide a single integrated platform to power the district's school transportation.

Zum's technology platform includes routing software and GPS tracking as well as Zum's parent app, which optimizes school bus routes, reduces student commute times, and tracks children's arrival and departure from school while connecting parents, drivers, schools and administrators in real time.

"This technology allows us to be more responsive and efficient than ever before," said James Lash, executive director of Transportation and Fleet Management Services. "With real-time tracking and dynamic routing, we are better equipped to ensure safe and on-time rides for our students, even when unexpected challenges arise."

Fast Company Honoree

Last month, Zūm also announced that it was recognized in Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards.

The annual recognition honors businesses and organizations that are developing creative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time and driving meaningful change in the world. This is the second year Zum has been named to this prestigious list. Zum was selected as an honoree in the Established Excellence: 5–14 Years in Business category.

The awards showcase 50 winners across 12 categories and 50 additional winners across industries. Fast Company editors and reporters judged applications based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society.

"At Zum, we recognize that student transportation has the potential to positively impact families, schools and entire communities through safe, efficient and equitable service and vehicle-to-grid technology to power the grid with electric school bus batteries," said Ritu Narayan, CEO and Founder of Zum. "We appreciate being included on Fast Company's World Changing Ideas list among so many organizations that are working to build a better world."