First Student Reports Strong Safety and Tech Performance for the New School Year

The start of a new school year is a busy time for families, students, and educators. Amidst the excitement of new beginnings, a fundamental concern for many remains the safe and reliable transportation of students to and from school. This year, First Student, a major provider of student transportation services across North America, has shared positive news regarding its safety protocols, technological advancements, and operational readiness as millions of students prepare to return to school.

According to First Student, the organization is entering the new academic year with strong performance metrics from the previous year, highlighting measurable improvements designed to enhance the student transportation experience. This focus on continuous improvement aims to ensure that every student arrives at school ready to learn and achieve.

Enhancing Safety Through Technology and Training

Safety is paramount in student transportation, and First Student reports making substantial investments in this area. According to the company, these investments span driver training, vehicle technology, and operational practices across its extensive network of over 48,000 vehicles operating from more than 530 locations.

A cornerstone of these efforts is First Student's proprietary HALO™ technology platform. This integrated system, according to the organization, combines advanced safety features, fleet maintenance tools, driver support, and communication channels into a comprehensive transportation ecosystem. By facilitating data sharing and interaction between various systems, HALO™ aims to provide school districts and parents with greater visibility into operations, improve overall performance, and foster a safer, more connected experience for students and families.

The company also noted its collaboration with Samsara, leveraging AI-powered safety deployments. First Student states that this partnership led to a 49% reduction in rolling stops and a 45% decrease in inattentive driving during the 2025-26 school year. These figures, as reported by First Student, indicate a significant positive impact on driver behavior and overall road safety. The organization also shared that David Perez, Vice President of Safety at First Student, was recognized as Technology Leader of the Year in Samsara's 2026 Connected Operations Awards, an honor he attributes to the collective efforts of the entire First Student team.

For parents and teachers, understanding these safety measures can provide peace of mind. Knowing that transportation providers are actively investing in technology and training to mitigate risks can help create a more secure environment for students. Students, too, can feel more confident knowing that their journey to school is supported by advanced safety systems.

Operational Excellence and Student Readiness

Beyond safety, First Student emphasizes operational efficiency as key to ensuring students have a positive start to their day. According to John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student, the company's mission is to provide the safest, most reliable, and most efficient ride to school, so every student arrives ready to learn and achieve their full potential. This mission, he states, guides every decision and is reflected in their commitment to caring for students and setting high standards.

The operational performance reported by First Student suggests a focus on consistent service delivery. Reliable transportation helps ensure students arrive on time, reducing stress for families and allowing students to settle into their school day without unnecessary disruption. This consistency is crucial for creating a stable learning environment.

While First Student focuses on getting students to school safely and on time, tools like COSMIQ can support their learning journey once they arrive. COSMIQ is a free, voice-driven AI tutor that offers K-12 students personalized academic help, available free forever. Additionally, students preparing for standardized tests can find valuable resources through the COSMIQ exam prep directory, which covers a wide range of assessments including SAT, ACT, and AP exams, among many others.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

First Student's announcement underscores a commitment to continuous improvement, not just in technology, but also in fostering a culture that prioritizes student care. The organization states that every investment, from developing its people to advancing its HALO™ platform, reflects these commitments.

For school districts, partnering with a transportation provider that demonstrates strong safety records and embraces technological innovation can be a significant advantage. It can lead to more efficient route planning, better communication with parents, and ultimately, a more positive experience for the entire school community.

The reported results by First Student aim to demonstrate what is possible when a focus on safety is combined with a culture of continuous improvement, striving to deliver the best transportation experience for students every day.

Conclusion

The beginning of a new school year is a time of hope and opportunity. For students, parents, and educators, knowing that student transportation providers like First Student are actively working to enhance safety, leverage technology, and maintain high operational standards can contribute significantly to a smoother and more confident start. These efforts aim to ensure that students not only get to school safely but also arrive prepared and ready to engage with their learning.