First Student Launches Expanded First Serves™ Program Across California's School Districts

First Serves™ Program Offered Statewide

First Student, the leading company in school transportation innovation, has proudly announced the expansion of its award-winning First Serves™ program across all school districts in California. This move follows the successful implementation of the program in select districts and is designed to enhance the overall transportation experience for students and staff alike. The First Serves™ initiative aims to create a safer, more supportive atmosphere within school buses, particularly benefiting students requiring special attention.

According to data derived from participating districts, the First Serves™ program has led to an impressive average reduction of 27% in behavioral incidents during transportation. This significant decline highlights the program's effectiveness in fostering a more conducive environment for all students, particularly those with special needs.

Developed in collaboration with specialists from top research institutions and children's hospitals, First Serves™ provides school bus drivers and transportation teams with the essential training and tools needed to recognize and address student behavior appropriately. This training focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that the transportation staff can effectively support students with disabilities or those who require specialized assistance.

"Students bring a wide range of emotions, challenges, and triumphs into the school environment each day. Our distinctive program helps to unite seasoned transportation professionals with a dedicated advisory board comprising educational and behavioral experts. This ensures that students feel acknowledged and safe during every bus ride," stated Will McDermott, Head of Student Services at First Student.

As the school year approaches, California districts can rely on First Student to elevate not only the safety of school transportation but also the quality of care provided to each student. The expansion of First Serves™ reaffirms First Student's commitment to the well-being of students, especially those with diverse behavioral needs.

Eric Land, Director of Special Services at Hesperia Unified School District, expressed enthusiasm about implementing the First Serves™ program, noting, "Their team showcases a genuine commitment to fostering student safety and building strong partnerships with school districts. I am confident that this program will create a more inclusive and positive experience for all bus riders."

This expansion across the state is a major milestone for First Student, reflecting its ongoing mission to enhance student transportation standards. John Kenning, CEO of First Student, shared his pride in this rollout, stating, "We are eager to support California schools by bridging the gap between classroom lessons and school bus transportation. Our priority is to scale programs, like First Serves™, that provide long-lasting value to students, families, and school districts."

First Student continues to redefine school bus transport for approximately 5.5 million students across North America. As the most recognized leader in K-12 transportation services, the company is on track to facilitate one billion student rides in the upcoming school year, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for families. With a robust fleet of around 46,000 vehicles, including electric buses, and a highly trained workforce, First Student provides not just logistics but a nurturing environment for every young passenger.

Through this innovative approach, First Student is committed to transforming school transportation into a safe, supportive, and efficient experience for all students, highlighting its dedication to education and community engagement. As they drive forward into the 2025–2026 school year, the company remains focused on delivering exceptional service that meets the evolving needs of students and families throughout California.