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.

Ralph Braun: a pioneer in mobility

Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 6 years old, went on to develop innovative mobility products, including a motorized scooter and a vehicle wheelchair lift. The founder and CEO of The Braun Corp., who passed away on Feb. 8 at age 72, is also remembered for his contributions to safe pupil transportation.

At 90, school transportation veteran still on the job

Earl Rineer continues to pass his annual physical, train and test school bus drivers, and drive when needed. On his 90th birthday, Pennsylvania officials honor him for his school transportation career and other service.