First Student, the largest provider of school bus service in North America, is implementing shuttle service aimed to reduce transportation costs for high school students who attend Lorain City School District west of Cleveland as well as school bus consortium in Nebraska’s panhandle.
Lorain City School District was forced to cut its transportation budget, which eliminated busing for all high school students. A district transportation spokeswoman said the new service means four fewer buses are needed in fleet, which will save $250,000. The new shuttle service will be available throughout the coming school year and will ferry students to and from designated bus stops.
First Student said the service costs $20 per student for the entire school year, and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The district spokewsoman was unable to determine exactly how many high school students would be affected by the elimination of school bus service and how many would use the new First Student shuttle service.
“Having access to school transportation is crucial for many families,” said Scott Turney, area general manager for First Student. “We are pleased to provide this service to ensure students get to school safely and on-time.”
Meanwhile, the Gering Public Schools and neighboring Scottsbluff Public Schools in western Nebraska chose First Student to provide joint school bus services for the next four years, starting in August.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve the Panhandle Consortium,” said Phil O’Donnell, First Student area general manager. “First Student is dedicated to forming true partnerships with our school districts while providing students with the safest and most reliable transportation.”
As part of the consortium, First Student is providing camera system to monitor on-board activities, GPS tracking systems, the Child Check-Mate electronic reminder system to remind drivers to scan the bus for children at the end of routes and crossing gates to increase child safety at bus stops. New drivers are also undergoing what First Student called an “extensive training program” that consists of classroom, behind-the-wheel and safety orientation training. First Student is also conducing in-service meetings throughout the school year to review and discuss safety topics above and beyond regular state- and school district-required training.
“Student safety is our number one priority,” said Rick Myles, Scottsbluff superintendent. “We are confident First Student will deliver the high-quality transportation services we expect, while continuously looking at ways to make the experience even better for our students who ride the bus.”
“Student safety is our number one priority,” said Rick Myles, Scottsbluff superintendent. “We are confident First Student will deliver the high-quality transportation services we expect, while continuously looking at ways to make the experience even better for our students who ride the bus.”
