#United States #Cincinnati #First Student #Go Yellow #green award

First Student Earns 2025 NSTA Go Yellow, Go Green Award

On July 23, 2025, First Student was gratified to receive the prestigious Go Yellow, Go Green Award from the National School Transportation Association (NSTA). This accolade recognizes the company's outstanding initiatives in promoting electric school buses and zero-emission transportation for students. As a leader in school transportation innovation, First Student underscores its commitment to cleaner and safer solutions.

First Student is proud to operate the largest electric school bus fleet in North America, totaling over 550 electric buses. The fleet has successfully logged more than 7 million miles without emissions, benefiting over 100 school districts across the United States and Canada. This remarkable achievement is part of the company's strategy to support transitioning to greener transportation methods and making a noticeable impact on the environment.

Through collaborations with various federal, state, and local programs, First Student has also secured funding for more than 2,000 additional electric buses, which will further bolster its sustainability efforts. Kevin Matthews, the Head of Electrification at First Student, emphasized that their mission extends beyond merely reducing emissions. "Improving the health and well-being of the students we serve and the communities they call home is our priority," he stated. The award serves as a testament to their dedicated pursuit of cleaner, quieter, and safer school transportation.

Mick Iskric, the superintendent of the Steelton-Highspire School District, praised First Student for going above and beyond conventional expectations in student transportation. He highlighted how the firm helped facilitate a seamless transition to electric buses that addressed the district's specific needs, answering questions, and evolving into a true partner in the educational community. The results are evident; students are now benefiting from quieter, cleaner rides, and the surrounding community witnesses tangible environmental gains.

First Student's vision of sustainability transcends their bus fleet. Their ambitious Destination Zero initiative intends to transition 30,000 diesel-powered buses to electric by the year 2035. This transformation is projected to result in the elimination of over 1.6 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, representing a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and student health.

As the preeminent leader in K-12 transportation, First Student provides services to 5.5 million students daily. They are on track to complete an astonishing 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year. The operational framework not only focuses on delivering students safely but also fosters a sense of reliability and peace of mind among families and school districts alike. With a workforce of well-trained drivers and an impressive fleet of 45,000 vehicles, which includes electric buses, First Student constantly strives to redefine the school bus experience.

The company recently garnered acclaim as one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, reflecting their robust focus on cutting-edge solutions, including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, electric vehicle support, and charter services. Their innovative approach ensures that every ride is more than just transportation; it is about creating supportive environments where students can thrive.

Every initiative undertaken by First Student not only addresses immediate logistical needs but fosters a brighter future for sustainable student transportation, paving the way for a cleaner tomorrow. In summary, First Student is positioning itself at the forefront of advancing electric vehicle usage and aims to lead the way in the transformation of school transportation, focusing on education, health, and sustainability with every ride they provide.