First Student's Groundbreaking HALO Platform Named Fast Company's "Next Big Thing In Tech" for Creating Safer, Smarter, and More Connected School Transportation

CINCINNATI, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, the company setting the standard for innovation in school transportation, has been selected by Fast Company as the winner of its Next Big Thing in Tech Award. First Student's HALO^™ platform has set a new standard in K-12 school transportation by streamlining over 5.5 million student journeys per day into a single, integrated technology solution for students, drivers, parents, and school districts.

HALO represents a significant step forward for the industry, bringing together advanced AI, real-time data, and predictive analytics into one unified, intelligent ecosystem. The platform optimizes school transportation systems to enhance safety, efficiency, transparency, and communication across every part of the student's journey.

"Being named Fast Company's Next Big Thing in Tech validates our relentless focus on student safety and our commitment to setting the industry standard through innovation in both technology and operations," said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. "HALO is redefining what school transportation can be, bringing greater safety, transparency, and peace of mind to millions of families every day. It's a testament to the incredible work of our teams and our mission to deliver the best possible transportation experience so students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential."

Since its launch, HALO has been deployed across 20,000 schools, supporting the safe transportation of over 5.5 million student journeys daily. The First View^® real-time bus tracking app has achieved more than 1 million downloads and is the highest rated app in student transportation. It has maintained a 4.8-star rating on the App Store, reflecting widespread parent satisfaction and engagement.

HALO connects the people and systems that make student transportation work: students, parents, drivers, and districts into one intelligent ecosystem. RFID and GPS tracking ensure every child's journey is known and accounted for, while predictive diagnostics keep buses road ready. Parents and districts gain peace of mind through the First View^® app and dashboard, and drivers are supported by AI-powered cameras, safety alerts, and navigation tools that help make every ride calm, confident, and connected.

"HALO was designed to do more than just redefine school transportation; it's about keeping students safer, providing parents greater confidence, and giving school districts a smarter way to operate," said Sean McCormack, CIO of First Student. "We're proud to see this recognition of how technology can make a meaningful difference in families' lives every day."

HALO continues to evolve, leveraging AI and predictive analytics to anticipate vehicle maintenance needs, optimize navigation, and further enhance service reliability. Most recently, First Student expanded HALO's capabilities through a partnership with Samsara, integrating their advanced AI safety technology to make every ride even safer and more connected. Together, these advancements empower school districts with more data-driven decisions, reduced operational costs, and safer, more transparent transportation for students across North America.

For more on HALO^™ and First Student's AI-powered safety innovations through its strategic partnership with Samsara, visit www.firststudentinc.com/halo

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience with 5.5 million student rides 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 over ~46,000 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
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SOURCE First Student