#United States #Cincinnati #Halo #First Student #Best Invention

First Student's HALO™ Receives TIME Best Invention Honor

In a remarkable achievement for school transportation innovation, First Student announced that its proprietary technology platform, HALO™, has been recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. This accolade underscores HALO's transformative impact on the experience of students, families, and drivers in school transportation.

HALO, which stands for "High-tech Adaptive Learning Operations," employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive analytics to streamline school transportation processes. It was specifically designed to overcome legacy systems that have plagued school districts with fragmented transportation networks, manual processes, and disparate vendors. HALO unifies all aspects of K-12 transportation into a single, cohesive platform.

According to Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer at First Student, the inception of HALO aimed to redefine school transportation through technology. He stated, "From the start, our goal with HALO was to rethink what school transportation could look like if technology truly worked in service of students and families. This recognition from TIME validates that vision. HALO is more than just a platform; it's a way to make rides safer and operations smarter for school districts across North America."

Distinct from conventional models, HALO is the first fully-integrated system tailored explicitly for K-12 transportation. Leveraging the extensive expertise of First Student in student transportation, HALO eliminates operational silos, enhances performance, and empowers districts to execute faster, more informed decisions.

Since its launch, HALO has demonstrated measurable enhancements in safety, reliability, and efficiency. Among the impressive statistics, First Student has reported a 28% reduction in accident frequency, a 27% decrease in behavioral incidents among students, and a 90% first-time pass rate for drivers taking the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test.

Furthermore, HALO’s capabilities offer end-to-end visibility into the transportation system, providing valuable insights for administrators, improved navigation and safety tools for drivers, and real-time tracking and notifications for parents. These features help to foster a supportive and engaging environment for students while they commute.

John Kenning, the CEO and President of First Student, emphasized how HALO aligns with the company’s objective of creating an exceptional school transportation experience. He remarked, "This recognition is also a testament to the vision and leadership of Sean McCormack, whose team built HALO from the ground up. With HALO, we've seen fewer accidents, calmer rides, and a positive atmosphere for students. Being included in the 2025 TIME Best Inventions list is a clear demonstration of our commitment to setting the highest standard in school transportation."

The HALO platform was developed entirely in-house, and its rollout is currently underway across First Student’s operations, encompassing approximately 46,000 vehicles. Furthermore, the technology will be installed on all new buses as part of an encompassing strategy to impact the over 20,000 schools it serves and the 2.75 million students who depend on its services daily, alongside nearly 50,000 drivers.

As First Student accelerates under the umbrella of HALO, the scalable nature of this design positions the company for further growth in the U.S. and Canadian school bus markets, revolutionizing the entire landscape of student transportation for years to come.

About First Student

First Student has redefined the school bus experience, delivering five and a half million student rides across North America each day. With an ambitious goal of completing 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 academic year, First Student is not just a transportation provider; it is a pillar of reliability and confidence for families and districts alike. Leveraging a fleet that includes around 46,000 vehicles, featuring electric buses, and a highly skilled workforce, First Student remains committed to education as a mission-driven partner. Recently honored as one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, the company continues to deliver cutting-edge services, including tailored solutions for special needs transportation, artificial intelligence route optimization, and vehicle maintenance. Each ride aims to foster safety and support, illustrating First Student's vision of making each journey a positive start and finish to every student's day.