#USA #Cincinnati #First Student #HALO Technology #Rate My Service

First Student Prepares for Its Largest School Year

First Student is gearing up for an unprecedented school year, establishing itself as a leader in school transportation innovation. Having served over 20,000 schools in North America with a massive fleet of more than 46,000 buses, the company is poised to meet the needs of the growing student population. This year, it aims to transport over 5.5 million students daily across 44 states and 8 Canadian provinces.

To enhance safety, efficiency, and service quality, First Student is launching its cutting-edge HALO platform nationwide, equipping its fleet with 40,000 driver tablets. This technological advancement includes features like pre-trip inspections, turn-by-turn navigation, and a verified child check system to ensure students arrive at school safely and on time. Notably, the HALO platform addresses the industry's pressing driver shortage by creating a more efficient hiring and training pipeline, enabling faster candidate identification and improving first-time Commercial Driver's License (CDL) pass rates.

In addition, First Student is introducing the "Rate My Service" feature within the First View app, empowering families and students to provide real-time feedback on their transportation experiences. This initiative aims to enhance service quality, accountability, and trust between drivers, school districts, and the families they serve. According to John Kenning, CEO of First Student, "The journey to and from school should be the safest and most dependable part of a student's day. Our commitment to innovation and safety is our driving force."

Beyond regular transportation, First Student is expanding its First Alt service to cater to the diverse needs of students requiring flexible and high-quality transportation options. This includes services for students with special needs, those experiencing homelessness, and out-of-district students. Each driver undergoes rigorous training to handle varied student needs, ensuring equitable access to education for all.

First Student’s forward-thinking approach includes utilizing AI for route optimization and predictive maintenance to maximize service efficiency and reliability. By integrating advanced technology into their operations, First Student not only prioritizes the safety and comfort of every student but also aims to hit significant milestones throughout the school year, including achieving 10 million electric miles driven and reaching 700,000 downloads of the First View app.

In summary, First Student’s commitment to redefining the school bus experience is setting new standards in the industry. Their proactive strategies for innovation, enhanced safety, and dedicated service have positioned them well for a record-breaking year ahead. As they embark on this ambitious journey, their focus remains clear: creating a reliable, safe, and supportive environment for over 5.5 million students who rely on their services every day.