First Student Celebrates Love the Bus Month with Safety & Tech Events
First Student is proud to participate in Love the Bus Month this February, joining the American School Bus Council (ASBC) in highlighting the vital role school buses play in communities. From supporting children’s education to benefiting the environment, school buses contribute significantly to the well-being of students and families across North America. As a leading school transportation provider, First Student is at the forefront of innovation, ensuring students receive the safest, most efficient rides to and from school.
One of the most exciting advancements First Student is implementing is the deployment of new electric school buses (ESBs) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Tacoma, Washington. These cutting-edge vehicles provide a cleaner, quieter ride, benefiting both students and their drivers. First Student currently operates more electric school buses than any other provider and is approaching an impressive milestone of five million miles driven with ESBs. The transition to electric buses aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of student transportation.
In addition to environmental benefits, First Student continues to enhance school bus safety through state-of-the-art technology. Modern school buses now feature GPS tracking, driver tablets with turn-by-turn navigation, digital cameras for enhanced security, crossing gates for added safety, and an electronic reminder system designed to prevent students from being left unattended. A bus-tracking app is also available to keep parents informed about potential delays or other important updates, ensuring a seamless transportation experience.
First Student CEO and President John Kenning emphasizes the company’s dedication to student success, stating, “Helping students reach their full potential by delivering an exceptional experience on our school buses is what drives us every day. We are proud to be transforming the journey to and from school through electric school buses and other innovative technology. These advancements help ensure our vehicles remain trusted spaces where students feel comfortable and secure, providing school districts and their families with even more reasons to love the bus.”
Safety remains the top priority in student transportation, and school buses have long been recognized as the safest mode of travel for students. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that school buses are approximately 70 times safer than passenger cars and 10 times safer than walking. With more than 5.5 million students relying on First Student’s transportation services daily, ensuring a secure and reliable experience is paramount.
First Student is also making strides in student safety through its groundbreaking behavioral training program, FirstServes. This program equips bus drivers and attendants with specialized training to support the unique needs of all students, including those with intellectual, physical, or emotional disabilities. The results have been significant, with school districts utilizing FirstServes reporting a 27% reduction in behavioral incidents on buses. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, First Student ensures that every child has a positive and stress-free transportation experience.
During Love the Month, First Student’s beloved mascot, Safety Dog, will make a special visit to the Corona-Norco Unified School District in California. This engaging event will raise awareness about school safety and encourage young students to feel confident while riding the Through interactive activities, including signing a safety pledge, students will learn essential safety tips in a fun and memorable way. Events like these reinforce the importance of school bus safety and encourage a culture of awareness among young passengers.
Love the Bus Month, established by ASBC in 2007, serves as an opportunity to express appreciation for the school bus experience. Held annually in February, this initiative highlights the invaluable contributions of school transportation professionals, from drivers to attendants and support staff, who ensure students arrive at school safely every day. It also underscores the critical role of school buses in providing equal access to education, particularly for students who might otherwise face challenges in getting to school.
Beyond safety and innovation, First Student is committed to environmental sustainability. The transition to electric school is a major step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality for future generations. Unlike traditional diesel-powered electric school produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to create cleaner communities. As more school districts embrace this technology, First Student remains at the forefront, leading the charge in the evolution of sustainable student transportation.
Another key aspect of First Student’s operations is its focus on driver training and professional development. drivers play an essential role in ensuring students’ safety, and First Student invests heavily in their training and continuous education. Drivers undergo rigorous training programs that include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and safety drills. This thorough preparation ensures that every driver is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle various road conditions and student interactions effectively.
Additionally, First Student recognizes the importance of fostering positive relationships between drivers and students. A friendly and approachable driver can make a significant difference in a student’s daily routine, providing a sense of comfort and security. By prioritizing driver engagement and student well-being, First Student enhances the overall bus-riding experience, making it a pleasant and dependable part of the school day.
Looking ahead, First Student is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in school transportation. The company is actively exploring advancements in electric vehicle infrastructure, enhanced safety features, and data-driven solutions to optimize bus routes and reduce travel times. As technology evolves, First Student remains committed to staying at the cutting edge, ensuring that students receive the best possible transportation services.
In conclusion, Love theMonth is a celebration of the positive impact school have on students, families, and communities. First Student’s leadership in safety, innovation, and sustainability exemplifies its commitment to providing exceptional transportation solutions. Whether through the deployment of electric school buses, the implementation of advanced safety technologies, or the dedication to driver training, First Student continues to set the standard for safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible student transportation. As the company looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to provide students with a journey that is not only safe and efficient but also filled with care and support every step of the way.