Operations honor staff during Love the Bus month

At events held around the country — many of which took place on Valentine’s Day — school bus drivers and others involved in transporting students are recognized for their dedication. Barbecue lunches and breakfasts are among the celebratory activities.

Q&A: First Student’s Burtwistle on outlook, acquisitions

The president of the school bus contractor discusses with SBF her outlook on industry issues for 2011 as well as recent developments with the company.

Pupil Transporters Capture Winter Weather

Heroes in School Transportation

In this new feature, we shine the spotlight on pupil transportation professionals from around the nation who have saved lives or performed other selfless acts. Read about how their training, dedication and quick thinking paid off.

Missouri school district acquires lot for new district-operated fleet

The district's board of education purchases the lot, which includes an office and maintenance facility, from its contractor. School officials believe that having a district-operated fleet will save money in anticipation of major budget cuts; the district also switches to a three-tier bus system to further cut costs.

First Student acquires Star Shuttle Co.

The contractor began operating the school and charter transportation service provider’s approximately 70 buses under the Star Shuttle name on Oct. 30. Star Shuttle contracts have been transferred to First Student, and all 140 employees who passed stringent background checks were offered employment with the company.

Emergency information packet developed for special-needs bus riders

The packet, available to pupil transportation providers in Michigan, includes a Passenger Emergency Information Form template and a Transportation Information/Emergency Sheet template. The first form serves as a roster of all passengers on a bus while the second can be modified to include other important student information.

First Student names new managers in Ohio

Scott Turney will direct and manage multiple operations throughout the state for the contractor as region operations manager. George Gans will serve as contract manager for the company’s Columbus location.

First Student names senior contract manager

Roger Radcliffe will hold the position for the company’s Detroit location. He will oversee all transportation, safety and maintenance operations for the company’s contract with Detroit Public Schools.

School transportation workers unionize

Bus drivers and aides as well as crossing guards in Belvidere, Ill., vote to join the Teamsters union. The bargaining unit comprises 162 workers.