#United States #Winnemucca #Lithium Americas #Thacker Pass #Diversified Transportation

Diversified Transportation Expands Its Role at Thacker Pass

Diversified Transportation LTD, a prominent member of the Student Transportation of America (STA) family, has successfully secured an essential industrial busing contract. This agreement with Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corp marks a significant expansion for the company as it begins to provide transportation services for construction teams working on the Thacker Pass project in northern Nevada.

The Thacker Pass site is operated by Lithium Americas, a key player in the lithium market, particularly in the context of improving domestic supply chains for critical minerals. Through a collaborative joint venture with General Motors, the Thacker Pass initiative aims to bolster the production of lithium carbonate essential for battery manufacturing, thereby enhancing the electric vehicle market.

Commencing Operations

Service began in early February 2025, initially deploying two buses. As construction ramps up, the fleet will expand to over 50 motorcoaches daily to accommodate the commuting needs of approximately 2,000 workers, tradespeople, and support staff. These workers will travel between their accommodations in Winnemucca, Nevada, and the construction site, located over 60 miles away.

Gene Kowalczewski, CEO of STA, expressed his pride in expanding Diversified Transportation's footprint into the United States. He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering quality industrial busing services for this significant project, ensuring safe and reliable transport. "Together with our STA of Nevada team, we aim to establish a trusted partnership through our dependable and punctual services," he stated.

Safety First

Safety remains a priority for both Lithium Americas and Diversified Transportation. Richard Gerspacher, Executive Vice President of Lithium Americas, highlighted the importance of worker safety in selecting Diversified Transportation. He mentioned that the local connection was further enhanced by hiring two residents of Winnemucca as bus drivers, thus solidifying community ties.

Tim Lindsay, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Business Group at STA, reassured that Diversified Transportation would provide a comprehensive transportation solution, which includes regular maintenance of the fleet, optimized routing, and the recruitment of qualified drivers. The company's drivers are professionally trained and play an essential role in ensuring safety on the route to and from Thacker Pass.

Community Involvement and Economic Impact

The Thacker Pass project is not only significant for its lithium production capabilities but also for the economic uplift it represents for the surrounding communities. By creating new jobs and enhancing local economic activity, the project is set to make a considerable impact in northern Nevada. Diversified Transportation is also collaborating with local companies such as Western States Investments LLC and Schommer Construction to offer parking, maintenance, and support services at the construction site.

Looking Forward

As Diversified Transportation progresses with its new contract, the firm aims to leverage its extensive experience and established operational strategies to meet the demands of this critical project. By investing in community relationships and focusing on the safety and satisfaction of both employees and local residents, Diversified Transportation is poised for a successful rollout in this emerging market.

For further information on the services offered by STA and opportunities within the transportation sector, you can visit www.ridesta.com. With a history rooted in safety and community values, STA continues to lead the industry, providing safe and reliable transportation services across North America.

Overall, this contract not only represents a significant achievement for Diversified Transportation but also illustrates the increasing importance of domestic supply chains in the lithium market, paving the way for sustainable industrial growth in the United States.