At NAPT ACTS 25 this month, the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) will induct Alex Robinson, M.Ed., CDPT, as the sole 2025 honoree into its prestigious Hall of Fame. Robinson’s career spans more than three decades in education and transportation, including leadership roles in Florida, California, and as executive director of New York City’s Office of Pupil Transportation. A past president of NAPT and co-founder of Women in Transportation (wit., LLC), Robinson has shaped professional development, global collaboration, and leadership growth across the industry. School BUSRide spoke with Robinson to reflect on her career, NAPT contributions, and what this honor means at this point in her journey.
Many readers know you well, but for those who don’t, can you share an overview of your journey in education and school transportation?
At the time, Orange County Public Schools in Orlando was hiring for a crisis intervention specialist to manage student behavior on buses. They wanted someone to “be in charge of the behavior on the buses” and train bus drivers and attendants on behavioral strategies. I thought, “How hard can that be?” Of course, I quickly discovered I had a lot to learn about school transportation.
That role grew into a management position, and eventually I became responsible for drivers and attendants. From there, I joined the Florida Department of Education under Charlie Hood—one of the best bosses I ever had—coordinating special needs transportation across all 67 districts (plus the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind).
Later, I moved west. I served as transportation director for the City of San Diego, oversaw the operation and a fleet that included school buses, white fleet and equipment, and police vehicles. I then briefly led transportation and business operations in Montebello, east of Los Angeles. When my father became ill, I returned east and was recruited under Mayor Bloomberg as the first female executive director of New York City’s Office of Pupil Transportation, the largest school district in the country with the largest ground fleet in North America. I spent eight years there (longer than anyone else in that role) through hurricanes, strikes, bankruptcies, and more.
Since leaving New York in 2020, I’ve been consulting internationally, working in places like Dubai, China, Saudi Arabia, and India. I also co-founded Women in Transportation (wit.) to mentor and support women in all transportation roles. It’s been 35 years in education and transportation, and I’m still going.
Looking back, what NAPT accomplishments stand out most to you?
One of the first was the creation of the Leading Every Day (LED) program. We wanted something beyond the Professional Development Series, almost like a graduate-level leadership experience. LED participants worked in cohorts to tackle real-world problems. For example, during one NAPT conference in Portland, we partnered with the Beaverton School District on a bell-time study. By the end of the conference, the group presented a solution. The program built a mentor-mentee network that lasted for years, and I’m proud to have helped launch it.
Another highlight was the Global Initiative. Because I was consulting internationally, I saw the need to share U.S. practices with colleagues overseas. Our school buses are the safest ground transportation in the world, and it was important to show how NAPT supports that. Through the initiative, we connected with transportation professionals from the Emirates, India, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. It reminded us that no matter where we live, children deserve safe rides to school.
I’m also proud of assisting in the strengthening of NAPT’s professional development courses. People don’t want to just take a class online; they want tools they can apply immediately in their districts. We worked to make those classes more practical and relevant.
Finally, co-founding Women in Transportation has been especially meaningful. For me, leadership is about creating other leaders. wit. provides that opportunity, and I’ve loved seeing women across the industry support and lift each other up.
What does it mean to you to be inducted into the NAPT Hall of Fame?
Honestly, it’s huge. To be mentioned alongside mentors like Linda Bluth, Don Carnahan, Ed Donn and Bill Paul is humbling. These are the people who helped shape my career. I never imagined being in their company.I’ve learned to be proud of my work and self-confident in what I’ve contributed, but this is the highest honor in our field. Even people outside the industry understand the weight of the phrase “Hall of Fame.”
It also tells me that maybe people learned something from me along the way. This industry relies heavily on volunteers. We don’t get paid for most of the hours we put in. To be recognized for that commitment is incredible.
Looking forward, what do you see as the biggest challenges for NAPT and the industry?
People talk about the driver shortage since the pandemic, but I think that’s a misconception. We’ve never had a surplus of drivers. The real issue is helping people see the value in school transportation careers, whether as drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, or directors. It’s noble work, and NAPT can help spread that message.
Succession planning is another big challenge. Many of us have decades of experience, and we need to ensure the next generation has access to our institutional knowledge. Unfortunately, some people hold onto information because they think it makes them indispensable. I’ve always believed the opposite: the mark of good leadership is creating other leaders who can carry on the work.
I’m also encouraged to see NAPT becoming more active in public policy. Advocacy matters, whether it’s funding, fleet replacement, or safety standards. The association must be part of those conversations in Washington and beyond.
Finally, we need to strengthen community partnerships. Transportation intersects with so many areas, including education, sustainability, public health. Whether it’s introducing electric buses into high school sustainability programs or partnering with community agencies, NAPT can help members make those connections.
What advice would you give newer NAPT members who want to get more involved?
Step outside your comfort zone. Don’t just sit with friends at conferences. Sit with people you don’t know. Ask questions. Be open to the idea that your operation’s way may not be the only or best way.
Invest in your own learning. Sometimes that means attending a class or conference even if your district won’t pay for it. Continuous growth is what sustains careers and keeps our industry strong.
Surround yourself with people who think differently than you. Diversity of thought is as important as any other kind of diversity. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from people who saw the world completely differently than I did.
And finally, remember why we do this. None of us entered school transportation for the money. We do it because it’s the right thing for kids. That perspective will carry you through the challenges.