If your district is exploring the potential value of contracting student transportation, you may be wondering what will happen to the district’s current fleet and facilities under privatized service.
We can help you build a transportation solution tailored to your district’s needs. Contracts can be written to provide a great deal of flexibility and may even generate additional income for your district. For example, First Student can lease or purchase the district facilities. And parts and equipment inventories can be appraised and sold, allowing your district to retain the best equipment and eliminate the rest.
When it comes to school buses, there are three scenarios for you to consider:
- 100% First Student-Owned: You sell your buses to us for immediate capital replacement. We provide vehicle replacements. (If desired, your district can revert to its in-house program by inclusion of a “buy-back” clause in the contract.)
- 100% District-Owned: Your district leases the existing fleet to us. Your district continues to purchase replacement vehicles.
- Mixed Ownership: Your district leases the existing fleet to us. We provide replacement vehicles.
In each of the above scenarios, all vehicles serving your district will meet specifications laid out in the Request for Proposals (RFP). Replacements will be made according to an agreed-upon schedule and may be used or new, depending on your district’s fleet requirements.
At First Student, we have the capital on-hand to invest in your school bus fleet. Even leased buses will receive technology and safety upgrades standard on all First Student vehicles. No matter which option you choose, our stringent maintenance programs keep buses operating in a safe, reliable manner.
While each school district and community is unique, there are many similar challenges and lessons that can be shared across our customer base.