#USA #Cincinnati #First Student #TIME100 #HALO Technology

First Student Joins TIME100 Most Influential Companies List

In a significant honor, First Student, the leading provider of student transportation services in North America, has been recognized in the 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list. The company is celebrated for its innovative contributions to the transportation industry, particularly through its proprietary HALO™ platform. This recognition underscores First Student's commitment to revolutionizing how students are transported to and from school.

HALO™ Technology: A Game Changer for Student Transportation

The HALO™ platform is a cutting-edge technology developed in-house, specifically designed to tackle the complexities of K-12 transportation. Prior to HALO, many school transportation systems operated on fragmented infrastructure, lacking real-time data integration and visibility. However, HALO addresses these issues by seamlessly connecting dispatching intelligence, vehicle tracking, safety insights, preventive maintenance, and communication across First Student's extensive fleet of over 48,000 vehicles.

With HALO, First Student not only supports around 4.8 million student journeys every day for approximately 1,400 customers, but it also establishes a unified, real-time operational platform. This system aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency while ensuring students arrive at school ready to learn and achieve their full potential.

Measurable Safety Improvements

The impact of the HALO platform can be quantified through its safety metrics. During pilot programs conducted in six locations, HALO technology demonstrated remarkable early results:

• - A 81% reduction in inattentive driving events
• - A 63% decline in forward collision rates
• - A 54% decrease in rolling stops

These improvements not only emphasize the proactive nature of HALO's safety technology but also showcase its transformational impact on driver performance and overall safety in student transportation.

Workforce and Operational Efficiency Boosts

Beyond enhancing safety, HALO is proving to be a boon for workforce management and operational performance. Notable achievements include:

• - A 115% increase in driver interview completion rates
• - A 38% reduction in training duration for new drivers

This efficiency not only supports First Student's operational goals but also enhances the experience for drivers, making the organization more attractive for potential employees.

Commitment to Excellence

John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student, emphasized the importance of this recognition: "Being named to the TIME100 Companies list is a meaningful acknowledgment for First Student, reflecting the impact we have on millions of students and families every day. Our mission centers on providing the best transportation experience so that students are ready to reach their full potential."

First Student's HALO platform has seen enhancements through a strategic partnership with Samsara (NYSE IOT). This collaboration enables the incorporation of AI-powered cameras and advanced analytics, further driving improvements in safety, operational efficiency, and the overall student experience. Parents and caregivers benefit from real-time visibility into their children's rides via the First View app, instilling a sense of security and building trust in the transportation service.

A New Era in Student Transportation

Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer of First Student, stated, "HALO represents a fundamental shift from reactive to predictive operations in student transportation. We've transformed a historically siloed industry through AI-powered innovation. By unifying real-time data, we elevate safety, maintenance, and communication, producing better outcomes for students, parents, and school districts."

As First Student continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it sets a new global standard for student transportation. The company believes in not just moving students but also imparting confidence and ensuring safety, thus making every school day a positive experience.

About First Student

As a premier partner in education, First Student oversees nearly 860 million student rides each year across North America. With an extensive fleet, including electric buses, and a highly-trained workforce, the company is dedicated to redefining the school bus experience, ensuring safe, reliable, and supportive transport for students every day. First Student's innovative technologies ensure a brighter future for student transportation, demonstrating a commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, First Student's recognition in the TIME100 list marks a milestone as it continues to innovate and uplift the standards of student transport, aiming to provide the safest, most reliable services possible for children and their families.