REI's Chris Shigley on company growth, market trends

As Radio Engineering Industries celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2013, the company’s national sales manager says customers’ needs have played a key role in its development from a radio sales and repair store to a manufacturer and distributor of transportation products. One product he sees in great demand in the industry today is cameras, both for internal surveillance of a school bus and to capture stop-arm violators.

Industry veteran Dick Fischer to retire

Fischer, owner and president of Trans-Consult, will spend this summer on the road conducting his "Train-the-Trainer" program, and he'll then hang up his keys to spend more time with his family. He reflects with SBF on his nearly 61 years in the industry.

Blue Bird’s 550,000th bus delivered to Washington district

Mukilteo School District takes delivery of the manufacturer’s 2014 All American rear engine unit from dealer Bryson Sales and Service. Officials say the bus features a one-piece roof bow and a purpose-built chassis, along with an ergonomic driver’s cockpit and enhanced parts commonality with the Blue Bird Vision.

Vintage School Buses

Illinois bus driver logs 46 years behind the wheel

Joyce Bernard applied for and accepted a position at Serena Community Unit District #2 in 1967, craving a job that allowed her to spend a lot of time with her children. Now in her 70s, she tells SBF that the thing she loves most about her job is the students she transports, and she has no immediate plans to retire.

Veteran school transportation manager ends career with one last trip

When Louk Markham got behind the wheel of a school bus recently, it wasn't just any field trip — it was his final journey in a pupil transportation career that began nearly 40 years ago. Markham, who concluded his tenure as transportation supervisor at Merced (Calif.) City School District, discusses the highlights and challenges of his time in the yellow bus industry.

Hoekstra Transportation celebrates 85-year anniversary

The Michigan-based company has been a dealer for Thomas Built Buses since 1980, and it also provides new and used school, child care and commercial vehicles. Officials say this year also represents a new beginning of growth and opportunity for the company.

REI celebrates 75-year anniversary

Radio Engineering Industries Inc., which provides video surveillance and other solutions for various markets, including the school bus market, was founded in 1938 by Clyde H. Hays, and it continues to be family owned and operated. The company will mark the milestone with special activities throughout the year.

Horlock points to growth in propane business for Blue Bird

With Blue Bird recently netting its biggest-ever order of propane school buses — more than 400 — President and CEO Phil Horlock is ebullient about the fuel’s potential. Here, he discusses alternative fuels, the state of school bus sales and other pertinent topics.

1 of Chowchilla school bus kidnappers denied parole

A California board again finds James Schoenfeld unsuitable for release from prison, but he will be re-examined in three years. In 1976, Schoenfeld and two others hijacked a school bus and imprisoned the 26 children and their driver in a buried moving van.