CINCINNATI — Monday, May 5 was School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Ohio. Cincinnati-based First Student, Inc., the North American leader in student transportation, recognized its Ohio school bus drivers for the commitment and caring they bring to the important task of safely transporting Ohio children to and from school each day. First Student has more than 1,000 Ohio school bus drivers who drive 800 buses at 16 locations throughout the state.
“Safety is a core value at First Student,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student. “Thanks to the dedication of our drivers, the children entrusted to us on our buses, in the State of Ohio as well as our other locations throughout North America, enjoy a safe ride to and from school each day. It’s a responsibility these drivers take very seriously.”
Drivers must meet extensive requirements before they are cleared to drive a First Student bus. Each driver must pass an extensive background check and substance screen, a complete DOT physical exam, as well as complete more than 50 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training. In addition, monthly safety and training meetings throughout the year reinforce operational and safety policies and procedures.
“Every day, nearly 70,000 First Student employees who operate, maintain and manage our locations in the U.S. and Canada make the safety and security of the children who ride our buses their first consideration in all they do,” Catapano added. “All of us at First Student are solidly committed to providing the highest level of service and the safest transportation for the four million students we transport daily.