School Bus Fleet Magazine

08/07/2026

Back-to-school season is in full swing! This week, we're covering EverDriven's new RideAware app and "Arrive Ready" campaign, HopSkipDrive's new Spanish-language caregiver app, the latest updates from the National Congress on School Transportation, and national recognition for two Texas school districts improving traffic safety.

What's the biggest story for your operation? Let us know in the comments. 👇

Read the full stories at SchoolBusFleet.com.

08/07/2026

Strong advocacy starts with strong relationships.

In his latest column, National School Transportation Association President Patrick Dean reflects on the 2026 Annual Meeting & Convention, where student transportation professionals came together to discuss AI, insurance, OEM trends, federal policy, and advocacy efforts like the Brake for Kids Act.

See what attendees took away from this year's gathering in Denver: https://loom.ly/oKjc0rY

08/07/2026

“To know where you're going, you also have to know where you've been.” — NSTA's Curt Macysyn

As America marks its 250th anniversary, Curt joined us to reflect on student transportation's place in our nation's story and what the next chapter could look like.

From the evolution of the yellow school bus to driver shortages, federal legislation, AI, and the future of community-centered transportation, this wide-ranging conversation explores both the industry's roots and where it's headed next.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://loom.ly/tRdhlDI

Curt Macysyn joins The Route to discuss student transportation's role in American history, federal regulation, driver recruitment, illegal passing, AI, and the industry’s future. Sponsored by IC Bus.

08/06/2026

More options for student ridership tracking are here!

BusRight's new Safety Pass integrates NFC-based student scanning into its transportation platform, giving districts real-time boarding and drop-off records to streamline operations and improve communication with families—especially during emergencies.

Learn more here: https://loom.ly/DRfv6EI

Safety Pass is an NFC-based student ridership tracking solution that provides real-time boarding and drop-off data to improve school bus safety and family communication.

08/06/2026

EverDriven's newly launched and rebranded RideAware app is designed to make that possible by giving caregivers and authorized school staff real-time ride visibility, trip notifications, driver and vehicle information, and the ability to request ride changes through a single platform.

The app also supports English and Spanish, giving more families access to transportation updates in their preferred language.

What feature has made the biggest difference for your transportation operation or the families you serve?

More in the comments!

08/06/2026

What does an award-winning traffic safety program look like?

Prosper ISD and Rockwall ISD know! The two Texas districts were just recognized by the National Safety Council for initiatives that reduced incidents and strengthened safety culture, from hands-on driver training and ride-alongs to coaching, employee engagement, and innovative technology.

See what strategies made the difference: https://loom.ly/JCGbcy4

Learn how Prosper ISD and Rockwall ISD earned National Safety Council honors through hands-on training, safety culture, and strategies that reduced transportation incidents.

08/05/2026

For many children, especially kindergarteners, riding the school bus for the first time is exciting... and a little intimidating.

That's why more transportation departments are going beyond route planning and safety checks to help new riders feel comfortable before the first day of school. In this article, DeKalb County School District's Bernando Brown and Fort Bend ISD 's Anthony Sims offer planning tips and acclimation tricks such as bus orientation events, practice ride-alongs, and driver introductions.

As back-to-school season begins, remember that a positive first experience doesn't happen by accident. What has been the most effective way your transportation department helps first-time riders feel ready for the bus?

Link in comments!

08/05/2026

Technical skills keep a transportation department running. Emotional intelligence helps it thrive.

From navigating difficult conversations to leading through change, managing stress, and building trust, emotional intelligence is becoming an essential leadership skill in student transportation.

In our newest feature, leadership coach Kellie Doyle Bailey shares practical strategies transportation directors can use to strengthen their teams, improve communication, and create a healthier workplace culture—without adding more to their already full plates.

CHECK IT OUT: https://loom.ly/wBvyX6M

Learn the five key elements that bus drivers and transportation directors can use to stay calm in any situation.

08/05/2026

Ready for the new school year? Don’t skip the basics!

Brianna Pauwee shares 3 quick tips on training, equipment checks, and building relationships to keep students safe on every ride.

08/04/2026

📚🍎 August is National Back to School Month 🍎📚

As schools gear up for a new year, we’re celebrating the people who help make it all possible with a 🎉 Blue Bird MERCH GIVEAWAY 🎉

At Blue Bird, our Blue Bird Horizon community helps us make our products the best they can be through real feedback, insights, and shared experience from the people who know this industry best.

Now we want to celebrate the people who help make YOUR school year possible!

✨ To enter: ✨
📝 Sign up for Blue Bird Horizon: https://hubs.ly/Q04r8fxb0
🌐 Follow our page
📣 In the comments, give a shoutout to someone who helps make the school year possible — a driver, technician, transportation director, teammate, or anyone making a difference behind the scenes.

Here’s to the people who help students start the school year strong every day. Good luck!