During National School Bus Safety Week, the company emphasizes how the HALO Connected Transportation Platform supports better safety results and assists drivers across North America.

First Student, North America's top student transportation provider, marks National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19-23) under the theme "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes". The firm honors its drivers and teams for keeping students safe daily while showcasing the HALO connected platform, thorough driver training, and student-focused safety programs that deliver safer, smarter, and more linked transportation for students.

With a fleet exceeding 48,000 vehicles, First Student moves millions of students daily, handling nearly twice the daily passenger trips of all U.S. airlines combined. To manage this large operation, the company combines technology, training, and operational data to boost safety and support those responsible for student travel. HALO, the company's own connected platform, links technology, data, and staff to help teams spot risks, make sound choices, and steadily raise performance.

HALO enables a proactive safety method by linking live vehicle data, safety metrics, and operational insights. These features allow teams to detect potential issues early, aid driver coaching, and find ways to enhance results. Paired with preventive maintenance, full driver training, and regular coaching, this method strengthens First Student's dedication to top student transportation standards.

"Safety is not merely a priority at First Student. It is our core value, central to all we do, and something our staff practices daily," said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. "Families entrust us with their children, and we honor that duty fully. Our focus on safety and high standards pushes us to invest in people, processes, and technology. National School Bus Safety Week lets us celebrate the drivers and teams who make this commitment real each day."

First Student sees clear safety gains from its connected technology and driver support investments. In a four-week trial at six sites, the company noted a 63 percent cut in forward collision risk and a 54 percent drop in rolling stops. These outcomes show how technology and data can help teams spot risks sooner, guide driver coaching, and keep improving student safety.

While technology offers key tools and insights, First Student knows its staff form the base of safe student transport. Through ongoing training, coaching, and student-centered programs, the company gives drivers and teams the skills and support to choose safety daily.

During National School Bus Safety Week, First Student will honor staff with strong safety records, spotlight training and technology roles in safer operations, and promote safe habits for students, families, and drivers.

The company also notes that motorists share the duty to keep students safe. Drivers must stop for school buses with active stop arms, stay alert in school zones, and avoid distractions. Families and students should watch their surroundings at stops and follow driver guidance when boarding, riding, and leaving the bus.

"Our goal is to offer the best transportation so students reach school ready to learn and succeed," said Kenning. "This begins with safety and the committed people who deliver it. By supplying teams with training, technology, and support, we raise the bar for student transport and honor the trust families place in us daily."

To learn more about First Student's safety efforts and how the company works to make every ride safer, visit the company's dedicated safety site.

About First Student
First Student, the leading student transportation provider in North America, safely moves millions of students across the U.S. and Canada each day. With over 48,000 vehicles and highly trained drivers, the company works with school districts to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transport solutions. Named a CIO 100 Award winner and listed on the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026, First Student offers services including special-needs transport, routing, fleet management, vehicle electrification, maintenance, and charters. Through its HALO Connected Transportation Platform, First Student integrates safety, operations, maintenance, workforce management, and customer communications into one system that improves safety, performance, and the student experience.

Media Contact
Brenna Rudisill
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SOURCE First Student, Inc.