First Student Reports 63% Reduction in Forward Collision Risk Through Connected Safety Technology

During National School Bus Safety Week, the company highlights how HALO™ Connected Transportation Platform is helping improve safety outcomes and support drivers across North America.

CINCINNATI, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, North America's largest student transportation services provider, is recognizing National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19–23) under this year's theme, "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes". The company is celebrating the drivers and transportation teams who help keep students safe every day while highlighting how its HALO™ connected transportation platform, comprehensive driver training, and student-centered safety programs are helping deliver a safer, smarter, and more connected transportation experience for the students in its care.

Across its fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles, First Student safely transports millions of students every day, completing nearly twice as many daily passenger trips as all U.S. airlines combined. To support an operation of this scale, the company brings together technology, training, and operational insights to strengthen safety and equip the people responsible for getting students to and from school. At the center of this approach is HALO, First Student's proprietary connected transportation platform, which connects technology, data, and people to help teams identify risks, make informed decisions, and continuously improve performance.

HALO supports a more proactive approach to safety by connecting real-time vehicle information, safety data, and operational insights. These capabilities help transportation teams identify potential hazards, support driver coaching, and recognize opportunities to improve performance. Combined with preventive maintenance, comprehensive driver training, and ongoing coaching, this approach reinforces First Student's commitment to setting the highest standards for student transportation.

"Safety isn't just a priority at First Student. It's our core value, at the heart of everything we do, and something our people live every day," said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. "Families trust us with their children, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our commitment to Focus on Safety and Set the Highest Standards drives us to continually invest in the three areas that make the greatest difference: our people, our processes, and our technology. National School Bus Safety Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedicated drivers and transportation teams who bring that commitment to life every day."

First Student is seeing measurable safety improvements through its investments in connected technology and driver support. During a four-week pilot across six locations, the company recorded a 63% reduction in forward collision risk and a 54% reduction in rolling stops. These results demonstrate how technology and operational insights can help transportation teams identify risks earlier, support driver coaching, and continually improve the safety of the transportation experience for students.

While technology provides important tools and insights, First Student recognizes that its employees are the foundation of safe student transportation. Through ongoing training, coaching, and student-centered safety programs, the company equips drivers and transportation teams with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to make safe decisions every day.

During National School Bus Safety Week, First Student will recognize employees who demonstrate exceptional safety performance, highlight the role of training and technology in supporting safer operations, and reinforce safe practices for students, families, and motorists.

The company also reminds motorists that keeping students safe is a shared responsibility. Drivers should stop for school buses with activated stop arms, remain alert in school zones, and avoid distractions. Families and students are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings at bus stops and follow their driver's instructions when boarding, riding, and exiting the bus.

"Our mission is to provide the best transportation experience so students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential," said Kenning. "That starts with safety and the dedicated people who make it possible. By giving our teams the training, technology, and support they need, we're continuing to raise the standard for student transportation and deliver on the trust families place in us every day."

To learn more about First Student's commitment to safety and discover how we're working to make every ride safer for the students in our care, visit SafeRidesMatter.com.

About First Student
First Student, the leading student transportation provider in North America, safely transports millions of students across the U.S. and Canada each day. With a fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles and a workforce of highly trained drivers, the company partners with school districts, divisions and boards to deliver safe, reliable and efficient transportation solutions that families can depend on. Recognized as a CIO 100 Award winner and named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list, First Student provides a range of transportation services, including special-needs transportation, routing and fleet management, vehicle electrification, maintenance services and charter transportation. Through its proprietary HALO™ Connected Transportation Platform, First Student is helping shape the future of student transportation by integrating safety, operations, maintenance, workforce management and customer communications into one connected ecosystem that enhances safety, improves operational performance and creates a better transportation experience for students and families.

Media Contact
Brenna Rudisill
[email protected]

SOURCE First Student, Inc.