March 2025: School Bus Headlines & Hot Topics

It feels like spring and we are energized ?SBF editors recently returned from the CASTO conference in California, and our sister magazine brand editors are out at #WorkTruckWeek as we speak, making sure we stay on top of what's new and what YOU need to know.

SBF Announcements

Nominations are now open for our inaugural 2025 School Bus Driver Hero Award! This prestigious program recognizes school bus drivers who go above and beyond their regular duties to help others and keep our nation’s children safe. Whether they demonstrate courage and integrity during a crisis or their everyday actions inspire trust and hope, they make a lasting difference for the schools they serve and the students they transport. This award program is brought to you by School Bus Fleet and AngelTrax, an advocate for child safety.

Got plans Sept. 22-24 this year? We want to see you in Scottsdale, Arizona, for another amazing edition of School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX).?It all goes down at the incredible Scottsdale Resort & Spa, where you’ll be treated to a custom-built experience in a beautiful location. The best part? Transportation directors and school bus operators can attend FOR FREE! Apply here.

March Issue Highlights

Our March 2025 edition just dropped, and it's all about school bus maintenance. Don't miss these articles!

• Parts, Pay, and Propane: What’s Changing in School Bus Maintenance: This school year, parts availability remains a top challenge, propane makes gains, buses get younger, software usage grows, tech pay increases, and the driver shortage lessens. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.

• New Maintenance Products for the Shop and the Bus: A new lift, maintenance and tracking software, metal lubricant, warranty tracking, and tire and oil solutions, are just some of the latest products geared toward to the school bus shop.
• Electric Buses in the Shop: How to be Prepared for EV Maintenance: While electric buses may look the same as traditional buses, there are several considerations when it's time to look under the hood. From safety to getting under the bus, here are some differences to be aware of when setting up for EV maintenance.?
• 5 Questions: T.J. Reed on Thomas Built Buses Strategy, Innovation, and Future: New leadership, continued commitment. Thomas Built Buses’ new CEO talks with SBF about industry trends, product architecture, and what’s next for the yellow bus.?
• Editor's Note: Minnesota’s Way of Helping School Bus Drivers Feel the Love
• NSTA Advocacy in Action: Capitol Hill Bus-In Planned Amid Trump’s “Change Election"

Other Can't-Miss Articles

Prioritizing Safety in School Transportation: How Technology is Revolutionizing Fleet Management

Student safety in school transportation is vital, and fleet management plays a significant role in addressing this. Delve into challenges such as maintaining vehicle safety, adhering to compliance standards, ensuring efficient operations, as well as how digital tools help streamline all of this.

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Navigating the Road Ahead for Electric School Buses

With federal funds in flux, school bus fleets turn to state incentives and creative financing for electric bus adoption.

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Celebrating Black Voices in Student Transportation: Tristan Scott

Tristan Scott, a school transportation leader and motivational speaker from Texas, talks goals, her experience as a working mother, and finding resolve.

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Celebrating Black Voices in Student Transportation: Alexander Kevelier

Alexander Kevelier, Blue Bird’s marketing manager, discusses his path to success, raising a Black son and daughter in the world today, and the value of being open.

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Celebrating Black Voices in Student Transportation: Rose Lee

Rose Lee, a publicist-turned-transportation director in California, shares her experience as a Black woman and how we can all work together to create inclusive spaces for all.

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Videos

Planning & Considerations for School Bus Electrification

Thinking about dipping your toes into the water with clean vehicles? Alise Crippen from CALSTART shares tips and resources for fleet electrification here, plus reactions to the uncertainty around federal programs. And of course, news and updates to keep you informed.

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News of Note, Lately

• Transport Canada’s New Mandate for Cameras on School Buses
• Metal Strike, Crisis Averted: One Bus Driver’s Calm Response Under Pressure
• First Student Launches HALO Platform
• Ill. District Bus Service Stops After Catalytic Converter Theft
• Endera Secures $49 Million to Accelerate Growth

See You Next Time

You can find more school bus headlines and hot topics on our website anytime. Be sure to follow our YouTube channel and connect with us on social media.

Thanks for reading!