First Student's HALO Platform Revolutionizes School Transport, Wins Fast Company's Top Tech Award

First Student's HALO Platform Receives Fast Company Recognition

In a significant achievement for school transportation innovation, First Student's HALO™ platform has been acknowledged as one of the Next Big Things in Tech by Fast Company. This recognition highlights the platform's crucial role in transforming how over 5.5 million students are transported daily within K-12 systems across North America.

The HALO platform combines various cutting-edge technologies, including advanced AI, real-time data analytics, and predictive diagnostics, creating a cohesive and intelligent ecosystem. This multifaceted approach ensures that safety and efficiency are prioritized throughout every student's journey. According to John Kenning, the CEO and President of First Student, the recognition serves as validation for their commitment to student safety. He stated, "HALO is redefining what school transportation can be," emphasizing that it brings greater transparency and peace of mind to families every day.

Since it was launched, HALO has been implemented in 20,000 schools, facilitating the daily transport needs of millions of students. The accompanying First View® app, which allows real-time bus tracking, has been downloaded over 1 million times. With an impressive 4.8-star rating on the App Store, this app reflects a high level of parental satisfaction with the service.

What sets HALO apart is its ability to interconnect various stakeholders involved in student transportation — students, parents, drivers, and school districts. This integration promises improved communication and efficient handling of transportation logistics. Utilizing RFID and GPS technology, HALO tracks every student’s journey while enabling real-time alerts for maintenance needs on buses. The platform also enhances the driving experience with AI-powered cameras and safety alerts, ensuring a safer ride for students.

Sean McCormack, First Student's CIO, noted that the design of HALO transcends redefining transportation alone; it aims to enhance student safety while providing parents a reliable means of tracking their children’s travels. This joint focus fosters peace of mind for families, ensuring they feel secured with the transportation arrangements.

HALO’s capabilities are continually evolving. Its recent collaboration with Samsara introduces even more advanced AI-driven safety features, significantly improving the operational safety of each bus ride. This partnership means that school districts can make data-driven decisions, ultimately lowering operational costs while enhancing the reliability and safety of school transportation.

First Student is taking immense strides in transforming the school transportation industry. The commitment to safety is at the forefront of their operations, with HALO standing as testament to this. The goal for the future remains clear: to provide exceptional service that ensures not just transportation but a supportive environment for students, helping them reach their full educational potential.

With a network that boasts over 46,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student proves it is dedicated not only to safe transportation but also to developing sustainable practices within the industry. Their multi-faceted approach includes specialized services for students with needs and innovations in route optimization.

As First Student aims to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, the HALO platform represents a significant leap forward in achieving this goal. Through the integration of modern technology, the company is redefining school transportation, one ride at a time and ensuring every journey is as pleasant as it is safe. For more details on the HALO platform and First Student's ongoing safety innovations, visit First Student's HALO page.