MEDIA, Pa — American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP), one of the nation’s leading student transportation companies, today announced that President and CEO Tod Eskra has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Award winner in the Greater Philadelphia region, by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), one of the nation’s most prestigious programs recognizing high-growth business leaders transforming industries, creating jobs, driving innovation, and building companies that deliver long-term value.
Founded in 2021, ASTP and its operating companies (Krise Transportation Inc. and Assisted Student Transportation, LLC) have rapidly expanded and become one of the ten largest student transportation providers in the United States, serving school districts across Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Kansas through a technology driven approach focused on safety, reliability, operational excellence, and strong local partnerships.
“Today’s student transportation environment demands more than simply moving buses and students from point A to point B,” said Eskra. “It requires innovation, local engagement, and a relentless commitment to the safety of the families and communities that depend on us. One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown by strengthening local relationships and community trust, not by replacing people with technology, but rather by giving our front-line team members technology that lets them closely engage with our school district partners to deliver safety and service excellence. I am honored and humbled by this recognition but it’s really a reflection of our incredible front-line local leaders and team members who work tirelessly to ensure students have access to education by delivering them to school safely, on time and ready to learn.”
A veteran transportation executive, Eskra has championed a people-first leadership philosophy while helping guide ASTP’s expansion into new markets and partnerships. Since its founding, ASTP has differentiated itself through a modern operating model that combines deep operational expertise, advanced technology, performance analytics, and with a commitment to preserving the local relationships and community trust that have long been hallmarks of smaller successful student transportation providers. This approach helps school districts navigate increasingly complex transportation challenges while maintaining the personalized service and accountability that families and communities expect.
Under Eskra’s leadership, the company has maintained a focus on supporting and investing in ASTP’s local operating team members, strengthening customer relationships, and building upon the transportation legacies established within the communities it serves. By pairing local expertise with national resources and technology enabled solutions, ASTP continues to enhance the transportation experience for school districts, parents, and students.
About American Student Transportation Partners
American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP) is a technology-enabled provider of student transportation services for K-12 school districts. Founded in 2021, ASTP combines experienced local operators, innovative technology, and a safety-first culture to deliver reliable transportation solutions that support students, families, and communities. By building strong local partnerships and longstanding transportation legacies, ASTP helps school districts meet evolving transportation needs while advancing operational excellence, innovation, and service.
