CINCINNATI — There is no safer way for students to get to and from school than on a yellow school bus. From supporting families, to reducing traffic, to helping the environment, First Student is proud to join the American School Bus Council (ASBC) in raising awareness about the many benefits school buses bring communities during Love the Bus Month this February.
Every school bus takes about 36 cars off the road, which means less traffic and cleaner air. As a pillar of its commitment to sustainability, First Student has more electric school buses in operation than any other school transportation provider and recently marked one million miles of service with EVs. Thousands of students are benefiting from riding the brand new, quiet and emissions-free buses. First Student will convert 30,000 diesel buses to electric by 2035 to improve the health and well-being of even more students and communities.
Cutting-edge technology has also made school buses safer than ever. First Student continues to lead the way in modernizing transportation service for school districts while providing peace of mind for families. Over the years, these new innovations have included GPS, driver tablets with turn-by-turn directions, digital cameras, crossing gates, an electronic reminder system designed to ensure no child is left unattended on a bus, and a bus-tracking app to alert parents to delays or issues.
“At First Student, safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said First Student CEO and President John Kenning. “Our drivers, monitors, dispatchers and technicians weave our promise to care for students into every practice, demonstrating our clear commitment to go the extra mile every day to ensure there is no safer or better transportation option for school districts and their families.”
School buses are operated by highly trained and professional drivers. They are required to undergo extensive training, licensing and testing before transporting children. First Student invests heavily in driver development to deliver unmatched care and the safest ride in the industry.
More than 26 million students ride school buses every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are approximately 70 times safer than passenger cars and 10 times safer than walking.
ASBC created Love the Bus Month in 2007. Held every February, it raises awareness and appreciation for the experience of riding the school bus.
About First Student
As a leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, First Student strives to provide the best start and finish to every school day. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services with a fleet of about 46,600 buses. For more information, visit firststudentinc.com.