How K–12 school districts are streamlining transportation by unifying yellow bus and alternative transportation
Presented by First Alt
Coordinating student transportation is one of the most complex responsibilities districts face. In many cases, transportation leaders oversee multiple transportation partners which results in managing multiple systems for the daily yellow bus routes and specialized services for students with disabilities or those experiencing housing instability. Each transportation partner comes with its own technology, processes, and communication channels.
This fragmented approach makes coordination difficult, increases the risk of gaps in service, and places additional strain on district staff. As a result, districts are now moving toward a comprehensive solution that brings both general and alternative transportation together under one trusted partner.
A unified student transportation model includes both traditional yellow buses and small-capacity vehicles. This approach delivers consistent service, centralized oversight, and a better experience for students, families, and district staff. First Student’s yellow bus service and their alternative transportation service, First Alt provide districts with this unified transportation model.
One technology platform
Utilizing First Student’s bus and alternative transportation solution together, allows the district and families to use a single parent app and district portal to access real-time vehicle tracking, updates, and reporting tools. Whether a student rides a yellow bus or is on an alternative vehicle, all tracking and all communication is covered in one tool.
One set of safety standards
Every driver, whether behind the wheel of a yellow bus or an alternative vehicle, meets the same rigorous background check, training, and certification standards of First Student’s bus drivers. This ensures consistency and peace of mind for districts, parents and caregivers.
One level of service for every student
Students with IEPs, those in foster care, or those who have complex transportation needs receive the same level of attention, safety, and care as their peers. “The collaboration between First Alt and our local First Student Bus team has not only streamlined our services but also delivered significant cost savings, ultimately benefiting our students and families,” said Darnell Deans, Chief of Operations at William Penn School District.
One solution that leads students back to the bus
While alternative transportation plays a critical role for many students, the goal is often to transition them back to the yellow bus as circumstances stabilize. In St. Joseph, First Alt initially supported displaced students who could not safely use traditional transportation. Over time, more than 20 students returned to school buses as their situations stabilized, a direct result of the coordinated support between First Student and First Alt. “First Alt’s success in returning students back onto school buses underscores our commitment to innovation and safety,” said Gregg Prettyman, VP of First Alt.
By bringing together yellow bus and alternative services under one umbrella, districts gain more control, more visibility, and more consistency. This model helps ensure that every student, regardless of how they get to school, is supported by a coordinated system built for reliability, safety, and success.