Student transportation contractors First Student, Inc. and Mile Square Transportation announced a partnership to consolidate services in the Hudson Valley, Westchester, and Bronx areas of New York under the name, First Mile Square LLC.
The new company officially begins operations starting September 1.
Mile Square Transportation is a school bus service company serving lower Westchester County, in New York.
“It has been sometimes overwhelming running the business alone. Partnering with First Student—a powerful, award-winning industry leader in safety, reliability and service—is a chance of a lifetime. I believe First Student will provide the expertise, support, training, and access to technological advances needed to ensure Mile Square Transportation’s future success,” said Harry Rodriguez, president of Mile Square Transportation, who will continue a leadership role in the new venture.
Rodriguez started the company in 1990 with a single bus. The operation has grown to 460 buses housed throughout Westchester County.
“It is a privilege to serve Hudson Valley, Westchester and the Bronx, and to lend our support to the trusted relationships that have been built here. Our focus throughout this transition has been on the vitality of the local community. The first Student Vision of ‘keeping people moving and communities prospering’ is what we are committed to continuing as First Mile Square,” added Dennis R. Maple, president of First Student.
“We will take on an even greater role in the service of our community and will keep focused on continually improving safety and reliability,” said Rodriguez about what changes the partnership would bring to First Mile Square.
“After all, we are carrying our children who are precious cargo. They are our first concern — and will always be the first priority at First Mile Square,” he added.
