First Alt Joins ASTA to Advance Standards in Alternative Student Transportation

CINCINNATI, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Alt, the alternative transportation division for First Student, has joined the Alternative Student Transportation Association (ASTA) as a founding member, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and specialized transportation alternatives for students to and from school.

ASTA is a newly formed coalition dedicated to educating stakeholders, validating best practices, and advocating for the adoption of consistent standards across the growing alternative student transportation sector. As a founding member, First Alt will collaborate with fellow industry leaders to shape policy principles, raise awareness, and promote high-quality standards that support student safety and operational excellence.

"At First Alt, we believe safe, consistent, and trusted transportation should be available to every student regardless of where they live or how they learn," said Gregg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt. "We are proud to be a founding member of ASTA to help ensure alternative student transportation is held to high standards and recognized as a key part of the education ecosystem."

The coalition's mission is centered around shared accountability, transparency, and establishing industry-wide minimum standards specific to ASTA providers. These minimum standards include:

• Driver Standards & Impaired Driving Prevention – Fingerprint-based background checks, driver education, ride monitoring, and impaired driving prevention measures that comply with applicable state and local regulations.
• Vehicle Standards - Annual inspections by certified mechanics, meeting vehicle identification guidelines and other alternative student transportation-specific safety requirements.
• Ongoing Safety Education - Extensive continuing driver education and accident prevention programs.
• Insurance & Liability Protection - Measures to ensure all vehicles have comprehensive coverage that is appropriate to vehicle type.

By joining ASTA, First Alt continues to demonstrate their leadership in creating transportation solutions that meet the evolving and diverse needs of students, families, and school districts across the country.

To learn more about the Alternative Student Transportation Association (ASTA), visit https://altstudenttransport.org/.

About First Alt
First Alt, the alternative transportation division of First Student, specializes in flexible, small-capacity transportation solutions that help school districts meet diverse student needs safely and efficiently. Utilizing a fleet of sedans, SUVs, minivans, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles operated by local transportation partners, First Alt expands options for districts while reducing costs and streamlining operations. Supported by First Student's rigorous driver background checks, specialized training, and advanced technology tools, First Alt ensures students receive the same high standards of safety and care on every trip. From transporting students with special needs to accommodating unique scheduling and routing challenges, First Alt delivers innovative solutions that keep education accessible for all.

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience for 5.5 million students across North America every single day. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company is on pace to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of 45,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Recently named one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student's impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

Contact
Brenna Rudisill
[email protected]

SOURCE First Student