#USA #Fort Worth #First Student #HALO Technology #Fort Worth ISD

First Student Partners with Fort Worth ISD for Comprehensive Fleet Maintenance

In a notable initiative aimed at elevating student transportation services, First Student has been appointed by the Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) for a robust suite of fleet maintenance services. This collaboration underscores First Student's reputation as the leading provider of student transportation solutions.

As part of this partnership, First Student's specialized division, First Services, will oversee the maintenance of the district's fleet of 240 buses. By leveraging the innovative HALO technology platform, First Student plans to enhance the overall efficiency, safety, and reliability of the transportation system. This commitment aligns with their ongoing goal to ensure a smoother and more dependable ride for every student.

Leslie Norgren, vice president of First Services, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “We are dedicated to providing comprehensive fleet maintenance services that guarantee reliable, safe, and efficient transportation for students.” The partnership aims to not only improve service quality but also reduce operational costs significantly, with projected savings reaching up to 20%.

In a strategic move, First Student will also offer existing technicians from Fort Worth ISD the opportunity to transition to their team, providing competitive wages and benefits while still allowing those who prefer to remain as district employees an option to do so. This approach ensures that ASE-certified technicians back the maintenance service, adhering to high industry standards.

First Student’s HALO technology platform will be utilized at the Fort Worth ISD facilities, integrating real-time diagnostics and maintenance procedures using tablets. This technology not only streamlines service tracking but also minimizes vehicle breakdowns through predictive analytics. Moreover, the enterprise-level management of inventory and assets will contribute to better accessibility of parts, enhancing the overall maintenance operations.

Kellie Spencer, Deputy Superintendent at Fort Worth ISD, emphasized the importance of this partnership in ensuring that students have safe, reliable transportation. “Partnering with First Student for our fleet maintenance is crucial in minimizing bus breakdowns and ensuring that students arrive at school punctually,” she remarked. Ensuring reliable transportation is vital for student success, and this collaboration allows Fort Worth ISD to focus more on educational goals while relying on First Student for high-quality transportation services.

First Services doesn’t stop at fleet management. Their offerings include various comprehensive services tailored to help districts create transportation solutions that meet their specific needs:

• - Fleet Management: Through the Fleet as a Service (FaaS) program, First Services aids districts in efficiently sourcing buses, maintaining vehicles, training technicians, and implementing best practices.
• - Fleet Maintenance: Maintenance as a Service (MaaS) provides districts with a full-service maintenance option, alleviating concerns over parts, staffing, and variable maintenance costs.
• - Fleet Electrification: Recognizing the shift toward electric vehicles, First Student, noted as the largest operator of electric school buses in North America, assists districts in various aspects of electrification, from grant applications to infrastructure design and deployment.
• - School Bus Routing: First Services also provides standalone routing efficiency analyses, reviewing routes and schedules to bolster on-time performance while keeping costs in check.
• - Transportation Management: With extensive experience in the field, First Services evaluates essential metrics, ensuring safety standards are met while providing consistent reporting.

As the foremost provider of K-12 transportation solutions, First Student plays a pivotal role in ensuring that around 5.5 million students across North America have reliable transportation to and from school. With nearly a billion student trips projected for the 2024-25 school year, First Student continues to innovate and elevate the transportation experience for students.

This partnership with Fort Worth ISD exemplifies First Student's commitment to excellence, contributing significantly to educational success through enhanced transport solutions.