PODCAST · education
The Route presented by School Bus Fleet
by School Bus Fleet
The Route podcast from SCHOOL BUS FLEET covers news and explores issues related to pupil transportation, including new technology, safety features, driver staffing, and industry trends.
Episodes
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Beyond Discipline: A Different Approach to Student Behavior on the School Bus
What happens when school transportation takes a more hands-on approach to student behavior? Sam Freshner, dean of transportation at North Clackamas Schools, joins us live from SBFX 2026 to share how a pilot program is changing the way his district handles school bus discipline, supports drivers,...
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How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
What's the difference between a great school bus driver and a great driver trainer? According to Bret E. Brooks of Gray Ram Tactical, they're not always the same person. In this conversation with School Bus Fleet, Brooks shares the biggest mistakes he sees districts make when selecting trainers,...
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What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
School bus drivers perform a pre-trip inspection before every route. But what if there's another safety check that's just as important? It’s time to look inward! In this episode of The Route, School Bus Fleet Executive Editor Amanda Huggett sits down with emotional intelligence educator and…
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How the School Bus Helped Build America & New Industry Legislation
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, what can the history of student transportation tell us about the future? In this episode of The Route, School Bus Fleet Editor Amanda Huggett sits down with National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Executive Director Curt Macysyn for a...
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The Fascinating History of the American School Bus
Why are school buses yellow? When did students first start riding buses to school? How did the school bus become one of the most recognizable symbols in America? As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Brad Beauchamp from school bus manufacturer Blue Bird explores the surprising...
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What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership
From trucking to school busing, Craig Beaver is retiring after 43 years in transportation, but not before sharing some hard-earned lessons from one of Oregon’s largest school districts. In this episode of The Route, the soon-to-be-former Beaverton School District transportation director sits down...
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He Built School Bus Tech After His Driver Changed His Life
Let’s sit down with a true trailblazer! In this episode of The Route, BusRight co-founder and CEO Keith Corso shares how the BusRight platform is transforming student transportation with smarter routing, real-time GPS tracking, and seamless communication between drivers, parents, and…
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Why Culture Matters: Lessons from an Award-Winning Transportation Leader
Kathy Calkins didn’t plan on becoming a transportation director, but her journey from school bus driver to Administrator of the Year is a powerful example of what can happen when someone leads with heart. In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with our 2026 district transportation...
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Alternative Turns Yellow: EverDriven’s Move Into School Bus Routing
EverDriven is expanding beyond alternative transportation and into school bus routing. In this interview, Greg Jackson shares how the company’s new Consolidated Routing Services division is designed to support transportation teams facing driver shortages, tighter budgets, and increasingly complex...
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Stop Bidding Everything: A Smarter Way to Buy for School Transportation
If you’re a transportation director tired of bidding everything year after year or wondering whether your district is leaving opportunities on the table, we’ve got just the conversation for you. In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with Andy Campbell and Steph Eckes from...
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Stories from 53 Years Behind the Wheel of the School Bus
Just in time for Minnesota’s School Bus Driver Appreciation Day during Love the Bus month, meet one local driver with half a century of experience driving students. School Bus Fleet editor Amanda Huggett sits down in Princeton, Minnesota, with Connie Duff, a school bus driver who began her career...
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What Transportation Gets Wrong About Wheelchair Securement (And How to Fix It)
School bus safety doesn’t stop at the wheelchair lift or the steps. In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with Brianna Paauwe, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user bringing lived experience to an industry that impacts students every day....
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70 Years, 100 Episodes: The People, Progress & Purpose Behind Decades of School Busing
This special episode of The Route marks two major milestones: Episode 100 of the show and 70 years of School Bus Fleet serving the student transportation industry. To celebrate, host Amanda Huggett is joined by three former School Bus Fleet editors — Wes Platt, Nicole Schlosser, and Tom McMahon —...
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Inside IC Bus: Electrification, Technology & What Lies Ahead
2025 was a big year for IC Bus, with record production, next-gen tech upgrades, and big moves in electrification. In this new episode of The Route, IC Bus' VP of Sales Ryan Kauffman breaks down what really happened this year… and what’s about to hit the industry in 2026. Whether you spec buses,...
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Protecting Students with Smarter Tech Aboard the School Bus
Illegal school bus passing remains one of the most persistent and dangerous threats to student safety — but technology is helping to turn the tide. In this interview, School Bus Fleet sits down with Mike Hagan, president of Safe Fleet, to explore how innovative solutions are transforming the way…
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When Seconds Save Lives: Active Threat Response & The School Bus
School bus drivers aren’t just behind the wheel — they’re often the first line of defense when it comes to keeping students safe. In this episode of The Route, we talk with Jim Levine, CEO of S.T.A.R.T., about how training and preparedness can make all the difference in an active threat or...
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Beyond the Yellow Bus: Exploring Alternative Student Transportation
What happens when a traditional school bus isn’t the best fit for a student’s needs? In this episode of The Route, SBF editor Amanda Huggett sits down with EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling to discuss the growing role of alternative student transportation. From serving students with disabilities and...
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Safety Lessons from School Bus Accidents with the NTSB
The school bus may be the safest form of ground transportation, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. When the worst does happen, we’re able to learn from what went wrong and take new actions to prevent similar tragedies down the road. In this episode of The Route, we sit down with NTSB accident...
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Human Trafficking & The School Bus
Human trafficking may not be the most comfortable subject to talk about, but it’s an important topic to understand. And it can and does happen to students who ride the school bus. Meaning bus drivers who know their riders well may be one of the best people to spot changes and warning signs...
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Reactions to & Highlights from NCST
There’s one event every five years that sets the tone for school transportation across the country — the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST). From school bus specifications to special-needs matters, activity buses, and alternative transportation, decisions made here matter. In this...
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ESOPs & School Bus Contracting
Let’s talk trends in school bus contracting! In this episode of The Route, we reveal a few key takeaways from our recent Contractor Survey. Then, get to know SBF’s 2025 Contractor of the Year, Michael Brown, founder of Michael’s Transportation Service. Learn his fated but unconventional start in...
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Leadership Lessons with SBF’s Award Winners
Get to know some of the faces behind student transportation in this special episode of The Route. Today, executive editor Amanda Huggett tells the stories of our 12 Trailblazer Award winners. Then, we interview the 2025 Administrator of the Year, Kimberly Jones of Chicago Public Schools. Jones...
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What’s Going on in Washington? A Check-In with NSTA
Get caught up on the latest news in student transportation in the March 2025 edition of The Route. Today, executive editor Amanda Huggett shares top headlines and hot topics in pupil transportation. Then, we’re joined by the executive director of the National School Transportation Association...
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Planning & Considerations for School Bus Electrification
In the February 2025 edition of The Route, editor Amanda Huggett shares with you top headlines and hot topics in pupil transportation. Then, we’re joined by CALSTART’s Lead Project Manager on the Electric School Bus team, Alise Crippen on Cal Fleet Advisor. Together, we dig into the technology…
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2025 Predictions & Wishes
We’re kicking off the first Route video of 2025 with some very special guests! First, get the latest news and trends, including 2024 bus sales and transportation stats, federal funding grants, a telematics merger, and more, from Executive Editor Amanda Huggett. Then meet our Editorial Advisory...
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Student Fatalities from School Bus Loading Accidents & FMCSA Updates
For the last time in 2024, Amanda Huggett takes the mic to tell you about the pupil transportation industry news you need to know. We’re covering the state of Kansas’ recent report on children killed while getting on or off their bus, updates on rulemakings from the FMCSA that will affect CDL...
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Honoring a Beloved Industry Veteran & Supplier Updates
Get up to speed on the biggest headlines in K-12 student transportation. This month, SBF celebrates a life well lived for one of our own whom we recently lost. Listen in as Executive Editor Amanda Huggett covers how we’re remembering Ed Donn, what’s new from School Bus Logistics and EverDriven,...
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School Survey Results & New Industry Faces
This time on School Bus Fleet's The Route, Executive Editor Amanda Huggett takes the mic to tell you all about the latest news, headlines, and hot topics in the school transportation industry. We cover the latest crash-related statistics, new leadership at two of the biggest OEMs, two new…
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Safety and Technology Aboard Thomas Built Buses
In this special episode of The Route, Wes Platt, contributor for School Bus Fleet, talks with Kendra Eads, Thomas Built Buses’ vice president of engineering and technology. Together, they walk through how the OEM maintains its reputation for upholding safety during accidents, recent innovations…
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School Bus Seat Shake-Up & EV Boost
Wes Platt, for School Bus Fleet, goes over the recent news headlines in school transportation, including wrongful death lawsuits, the expansion of HopSkipDrive, results from the recent International Safety Competition, digs into EV school bus manufacturing grants, and talks about NHTSA's proposal...
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Shifting into Summertime
Wes Platt, for School Bus Fleet, reviews recent news in school transportation, including the latest consolidation of the Type A school bus manufacturing market with Forest River Bus's acquisition of Trans Tech Buses. This episode is sponsored by Thomas Built Buses, a leader in pupil…
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The Road Ahead for Thomas Built Buses
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, talks with Kevin Bangston, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, about the bus manufacturer's plans and opportunities. This episode is sponsored by Thomas Built Buses, a leader in pupil transportation.
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Electric Opportunities in School Transportation
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, discusses the possible reclassification of marijuana, proposed changes to EV school bus safety standards, the EPA's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant program, and PERC's new hire. Plus, an interview with Vinny Riscica, senior project manager for clean...
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Transformative Leadership In Arizona
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, discusses New York City's congestion pricing exemption for school buses, National School Transportation Association's 2024 Bus-In, and the persistent question of Daylight Saving Time. Plus, an interview with Liz Thies, School Bus Fleet's...
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A Rolling Remembrance for School Bus Driver Aleita Gladson
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, discusses a memorial bus ride in remembrance of a Tennessee school bus driver. Plus, an interview with Alfred Karam of Shenendehowah Central Schools in New York! This episode is sponsored by Thomas Built Buses, a leader in pupil transportation....
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Clean Successes and EV Incentives
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps top news from the website, including the second annual report to Congress about the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. 🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at www.schoolbusfleet.com
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Maintenance Challenges by the Numbers
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, gives an overview of the magazine's latest annual Maintenance Survey. 🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at www.schoolbusfleet.com
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EV Education
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the findings of pilot studies in three public school districts seeking to electrify their fleets, with help from the World Resources Institute and the Center for Transportation and the...
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Making Waves
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the death of an Alabama educator in a bus accident and the appointment of a Highland Electric Fleets exec to a grid modernization council in Massachusetts. SBFX Information:...
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Cleaning Up
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the environmentally friendly buses coming to Missouri and Guam. 2023 Administrator of the Year Nomination Form:...
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Needs by the Numbers
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the latest SBF special-needs transportation survey. 2023 Maintenance Survey: https://www.research.net/r/23sbfmainte 2023 Administrator of the Year Nomination Form:...
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Zero-Emission Mission
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the federal government's plan to go zero-emission in new vehicle sales by 2040. Bikes for Kids Foundation: https://www.bikesforkidsfoundation.org/ 2023 Administrator of the Year Nomination...
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EV Ambitions
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including how the state of Illinois is setting goals for electric vehicles. New Jersey fraud charges:...
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Battling Backlogs
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including a school bus manufacturer's efforts to work past a backlog of purchase orders. NSTA 2023 Midwinter Meeting:...
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Class-Action Victory
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including a class-action victory for advocates of students with diabetes in New York City Schools. Also, check out an interview with David Christopher, executive director of the New York Association...
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Sitting Down?
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including two frightening accidents in Indiana and Kentucky, as well as the NYSBCA annual awards. 🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at www.schoolbusfleet.com 🎧 Prefer to listen? Be...
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On-Board, In Person
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including our coverage of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services conference. Buses - Not Cars - More Common in Pupil Transportation Deaths:...
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Waiver Unwavered
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the FMCSA's decision to extend the "under-the-hood" CDL test waiver until 2024. Also, check out the interview with EverDriven's Mitch Bowling! PERC "Be Like Jack" Contest Winners:...
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Electric Selections
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the EPA's funding of 389 school districts with the first round of Clean School Bus cash. Clean School Bus Funding:...
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Type A Scarcity
Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, recaps recent headlines from schoolbusfleet.com - including the NSTA's request for USDOT to intervene in the Type A school bus chassis shortage. 🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at www.schoolbusfleet.com Follow and connect with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Route podcast from SCHOOL BUS FLEET covers news and explores issues related to pupil transportation, including new technology, safety features, driver staffing, and industry trends.
HOSTED BY
School Bus Fleet
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How many episodes does The Route presented by School Bus Fleet have?
The Route presented by School Bus Fleet currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Route presented by School Bus Fleet about?
The Route podcast from SCHOOL BUS FLEET covers news and explores issues related to pupil transportation, including new technology, safety features, driver staffing, and industry trends.
How often does The Route presented by School Bus Fleet release new episodes?
The Route presented by School Bus Fleet has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to The Route presented by School Bus Fleet on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Route presented by School Bus Fleet?
The Route presented by School Bus Fleet is created and hosted by School Bus Fleet.
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