#United States #Electric Buses #Cincinnati #School Safety #First Student

First Student Celebrates Love the Bus Month

February marks the annual celebration of Love the Bus Month, during which First Student, a leader in school transportation solutions, collaborates with the American School Bus Council (ASBC) to promote the benefits of school buses in our communities. This year, the focus is on safety, technology, and the positive impact that school buses have on students’ education and the environment.

Commitment to Safety and Innovation

First Student is dedicated to enhancing the safety of its school buses with the implementation of innovative technologies. They are set to launch new electric school buses (ESBs) in places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Tacoma, Washington. These eco-friendly buses promise to provide students with a quieter and cleaner ride and will join the ranks of hundreds of other electric buses already in service. With the largest fleet of electric school buses in North America, First Student is approaching a remarkable milestone of nearly 5 million miles traveled with these energy-efficient vehicles.

The introduction of advanced technology has not only made the transportation safer but also transformed the overall experience for students and parents. Among the notable features are GPS tracking, advanced communication tablets for drivers with turn-by-turn navigation, digital cameras for enhanced surveillance, crossing gates, and innovative systems aimed at ensuring no child is left unattended on a bus. Furthermore, a dedicated bus-tracking app keeps parents informed about their child’s travel status, allowing them to stay updated on delays or issues that may arise.

John Kenning, the CEO of First Student, underscores the company's mission: "Helping students reach their full potential by delivering an exceptional experience on our school buses is what drives us every day. We are proud to be transforming the journey to and from school through electric school buses and other innovative technology. These advancements help ensure our vehicles remain our trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure."

Enhancing Student Experiences

With over 5.5 million students relying on First Student services each day, the corporation emphasizes that riding on a school bus is statistically safer than traveling in a passenger car or walking. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are around 70 times safer than regular cars, greatly reducing the risks associated with student transportation.

Beyond just transportation, First Student is committed to student well-being through its unique behavioral training program known as FirstServes. This initiative equips bus drivers and attendants with specialized training, enabling them to address the individual needs of all students, including those with special needs. Reports indicate that school districts utilizing FirstServes have witnessed a 27 percent reduction in behavioral incidents, further improving the bus-riding experience.

Celebratory Events and Community Engagement

Throughout Love the Bus Month, First Student’s beloved mascot, Safety Dog, will be visiting various schools to promote bus safety and instill confidence in young riders. One upcoming event is set to occur at the Corona-Norco Unified School District in California, where Safety Dog will engage with students through interactive activities, including educating them about essential safety tips and having them sign a safety pledge.

Love the Bus Month was established in 2007 and aims to foster appreciation for the indispensable role that school buses play in students' daily lives. Through community outreach and education, First Student continues to champion the vital importance of safe and innovative educational transport solutions.

About First Student

As the foremost provider of school transportation in North America, First Student strives to maintain excellence in safety, reliability, and service quality. Managing a fleet of around 45,000 buses, the company is poised to complete an astounding 1 billion student trips in the 2024-2025 school year. Their services encompass comprehensive transportation management, special-needs options, and advanced maintenance strategies, ensuring that every child has a safe and pleasant ride to school.

For all the latest updates on events and initiatives throughout Love the Bus Month, stay connected with First Student’s mission of safety and care for every child riding the bus.