#United States #Cincinnati #First Alt #BuyQ #school transportation

First Alt's New Group Purchasing Contract with BuyQ

First Student, a renowned entity in the realm of school transportation, recently announced a significant achievement—the awarding of a group purchasing contract to its alternative transportation division, First Alt, by BuyQ. This partnership is specifically designed to benefit charter and private schools across the nation.

The contract was awarded after a meticulous and competitive national request for proposal (RFP) process that emphasized alternative student transportation solutions. This development is particularly significant as it alleviates the burden on private and charter schools, allowing them to bypass the lengthy RFP processes that often consume critical time and resources. With First Alt taking the reins, these schools can access a range of transportation services while focusing on their core educational missions.

First Alt currently serves educational institutions in 18 states, delivering diverse transportation solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of students, including those requiring special assistance. The company's recent innovations highlight a commitment to safety and technology, evidenced by its FirstView system, which provides parents and school districts with real-time tracking of student journeys. Additionally, First Alt has incorporated advanced camera systems for schools interested in enhancing safety measures on student transport.

The backbone of First Alt's service model lies in its partnerships with local transportation providers, which deploy a variety of small-capacity vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and wheelchair-accessible vans. All drivers contracted by First Alt undergo extensive background checks and specialized training to ensure a secure and reliable transport service for students.

Gregg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt, expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunity: “This award from BuyQ expands our reach, and we are excited to provide even greater options to thousands of more schools. Our comprehensive K-12 transportation solution alleviates the anxiety surrounding student transportation, allowing us to focus on delivering safe rides to school.” This sentiment echoes the growing demand for alternative transportation solutions as educational institutions adapt to meet the needs of their students more effectively.

The partnership between First Alt and BuyQ is also a significant step toward greater efficiency in school transportation logistics. Christine Rafanelli, CEO of BuyQ, commented on this collaboration's importance: “Getting children to school safely is an essential part of the learning experience. We are proud to partner with First Alt to ensure every student receives quality, accessible, and safe transportation.”

BuyQ is distinct as the only group purchasing organization focused exclusively on the unique needs of charter and private schools. Through a committee comprising school representatives, BuyQ conducts a rigorous vendor selection process to guarantee exceptional service at the best possible value for member schools. The organization makes it possible for schools to avail of exclusive pricing benefits and services without incurring any costs or long-term commitments.

Charter and private schools interested in accessing this new agreement can do so via BuyQ's official website. They are not bound to long contract lengths or minimum spending requirements, making this proposal particularly appealing.

In summary, the alliance between First Alt and BuyQ represents a pivotal moment in school transportation solutions. It ensures that students have access to safe and reliable transport, thus contributing positively to their overall educational experience. This partnership sets a profound precedent for the future of student transportation and reflects the dedication of both organizations to cater to the evolving requirements of schools across the nation.

About First Alt and BuyQ

First Alt is a key player under the umbrella of First Student, a leader in school transportation services across North America. With a commitment to safety and quality, First Student manages about 1 billion student trips while serving over 5.5 million students each day. First Alt enhances this offering by providing tailored small-scale transportation solutions. BuyQ, on the other hand, equips charter and private institutions with essential resources for economical procurement, thereby empowering them to optimize their budgets effectively. Together, these organizations are paving the way for a safer, more efficient school transportation landscape.