First Alt Partners with ASTA to Elevate Student Transportation Standards
In a significant move for the alternative student transportation sector, First Alt, a division of First Student, has joined forces with the Alternative Student Transportation Association (ASTA) as a founding member on July 14, 2025. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards improving safety and reliability for students relying on alternative transport options to and from school.
About First Alt
First Alt specializes in flexible transportation solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of school districts and their students. By offering a fleet that includes sedans, SUVs, minivans, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, they help districts accommodate the unique requirements of their learners. Greg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt, emphasizes that all students should have access to safe and trusted transportation, regardless of their circumstances, underscoring the division’s commitment to high safety standards and operational excellence.
Formation of ASTA
The ASTA was recently established with the mission of advancing education on best practices and fostering consistent standards in the alternative transportation domain. This coalition aims to educate all stakeholders involved, including service providers, school districts, and parents, on the importance of safe and effective transportation methods. By becoming a founding member, First Alt showcases its commitment to shaping policies that promote student safety while encouraging accountability and transparency among ASTA members.
Policy Principles and Standards
One of the main goals of the ASTA is to establish industry-wide minimum standards specifically for alternative student transportation providers. These standards include:
1. Driver Standards: This involves enforcing rigorous background checks that include fingerprinting along with driver education and continuous monitoring to prevent impaired driving.
2. Vehicle Standards: Providing annual inspections conducted by certified mechanics to ensure compliance with safety regulations specific to alternative student transportation.
3. Ongoing Safety Education: Mandating extensive driver education programs that focus on accident prevention and the importance of safety while transporting students.
4. Insurance Liability Protection: Ensuring vehicles are adequately covered by liability insurance that corresponds to their type and purpose.
By implementing these standards, ASTA aims to establish an environment where safety and quality of service are prioritized.
First Alt’s Leadership in Student Transportation
Joining ASTA signifies First Alt's leadership role in responding to the evolving demands of students, families, and educational institutions across the nation. By working closely with other industry leaders, First Alt intends to foster a community focused on high safety standards, thereby ensuring reliability and accessibility in student transportation.
In conclusion, First Alt’s initiative to become involved with ASTA illustrates their proactive approach to enhancing the safety, quality, and reliability of alternative student transportation. With educational initiatives and stringent standards set in place, the partnership aims to transform student transportation for the better, making sure every student has access to safe and effective means of travel for their educational journeys.
To learn more about ASTA and its mission, visit ASTA's official website.
About First Student
First Student is a leader in K-12 transportation across North America, currently serving 5.5 million students every day. With ambitious goals to complete a billion student rides in the upcoming school year, they remain committed to ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient school transport system. Their large fleet includes 45,000 vehicles, with continuous improvement in services like electric bus offerings and advanced fleet management technologies, showing their drive for sustainability and innovation.
About First Alt
First Alt specializes in flexible transportation solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of school districts and their students. By offering a fleet that includes sedans, SUVs, minivans, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, they help districts accommodate the unique requirements of their learners. Greg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt, emphasizes that all students should have access to safe and trusted transportation, regardless of their circumstances, underscoring the division’s commitment to high safety standards and operational excellence.
Formation of ASTA
The ASTA was recently established with the mission of advancing education on best practices and fostering consistent standards in the alternative transportation domain. This coalition aims to educate all stakeholders involved, including service providers, school districts, and parents, on the importance of safe and effective transportation methods. By becoming a founding member, First Alt showcases its commitment to shaping policies that promote student safety while encouraging accountability and transparency among ASTA members.
Policy Principles and Standards
One of the main goals of the ASTA is to establish industry-wide minimum standards specifically for alternative student transportation providers. These standards include:
1. Driver Standards: This involves enforcing rigorous background checks that include fingerprinting along with driver education and continuous monitoring to prevent impaired driving.
2. Vehicle Standards: Providing annual inspections conducted by certified mechanics to ensure compliance with safety regulations specific to alternative student transportation.
3. Ongoing Safety Education: Mandating extensive driver education programs that focus on accident prevention and the importance of safety while transporting students.
4. Insurance Liability Protection: Ensuring vehicles are adequately covered by liability insurance that corresponds to their type and purpose.
By implementing these standards, ASTA aims to establish an environment where safety and quality of service are prioritized.
First Alt’s Leadership in Student Transportation
Joining ASTA signifies First Alt's leadership role in responding to the evolving demands of students, families, and educational institutions across the nation. By working closely with other industry leaders, First Alt intends to foster a community focused on high safety standards, thereby ensuring reliability and accessibility in student transportation.
In conclusion, First Alt’s initiative to become involved with ASTA illustrates their proactive approach to enhancing the safety, quality, and reliability of alternative student transportation. With educational initiatives and stringent standards set in place, the partnership aims to transform student transportation for the better, making sure every student has access to safe and effective means of travel for their educational journeys.
To learn more about ASTA and its mission, visit ASTA's official website.
About First Student
First Student is a leader in K-12 transportation across North America, currently serving 5.5 million students every day. With ambitious goals to complete a billion student rides in the upcoming school year, they remain committed to ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient school transport system. Their large fleet includes 45,000 vehicles, with continuous improvement in services like electric bus offerings and advanced fleet management technologies, showing their drive for sustainability and innovation.
Topics Auto & Transportation）
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