 We Get Students To Their Destination Find out how First Student can help with your transportation needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do school districts contract their bus service?
Better and more frequent maintenance reduces repair costs. Newer fleets are less expensive to run. Computerized routing means more efficient use of time. With over 62,000 buses in operation, First Student offers huge economies of scale. For example, staff, overhead and drivers can often be shared among several districts. What happens to my current fleet when I contract with First Student? You have many choices, including retaining partial ownership or having First Student purchase an entirely new fleet for your district. Can outsourcing First Student help a small or rural school district with busing? Yes. Often small districts benefit the most from First Student’s service. We can provide these districts with many advantages, including comprehensive maintenance and computerized routing, as well as sophisticated driver development and safety programs. How much experience does First Student have in special education transportation? We have extensive experience in special education, developmentally challenged and pre-school student transportation. Our special-needs drivers receive unparalleled training in the needs of these students. If I contract with First Student, who makes the transportation decisions? You hire us: we report to you. You set the parameters and tell us what you need. First Student handles the day-in, day-out regimen of safe, efficient student transportation. We make no major decisions without district approval. What happens to our current school bus drivers when First Student steps in? Based on district recommendation, all qualified drivers are offered employment at competitive compensation levels. Drivers also receive safety training for which they are paid. We don’t consider drivers a “commodity”; they are professionals, and we treat them as such. With First Student – a private school bus company - will profit get in the way of safety? Never. Our dedication to student safety is absolute. From driver classroom training, to on-the-road training, to maintenance checks and procedures, to educating riders, First Student stresses safety, safety, safety. We installed child crossing gates on ALL our buses 6 years before they were required by D250 standards. First Student continually looks for innovative ways that lead to safety in our industry. Can I contract only a portion of my district’s service? Yes. Larger districts often contract a portion of their service, providing a yardstick by which to measure their own costs. How do I determine how much my school district really spends on transportation? It’s not as simple as examining your transportation budget. Most districts don’t account for depreciation of buses and facilities, shared payroll and clerical staffs, shared utility costs, capital expenses of facilities, computers and radios, and expenses from pool-based benefits like workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Additionally, the opportunity cost of owning capital equipment, like buses and real estate, is often overlooked. First Student has experienced consultants who will help you through the investigative process. Our cost analysis is free. Call us today! Why would I want to use First Student when my transportation system runs well? For several reasons including enhanced safety, lower costs, increased flexibility, and maximum control. Safety is First Student’s number one priority, nothing is more important than the safety of the children we transport. First Student lowers costs by doing more volume and closely managing costs. Districts can pick and choose from a variety of services, whether your district simply wants management expertise or full turnkey contracting. Contracting transportation actually increases your control. School Administrators can pick up the phone, tell us what they want, and let us work through the details; which leaves more time to devote to education. The bottom line is maintaining quality and value. |
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In Their Own Words
"First Student's real success lies in the positive relationships it fosters with staff, students and parents; its strong commitment to problem solving; outstanding customer service; and most of all, the genuine care the company shows at every level for the welfare of our students - our most important asset."
Ellen Theobald "We have been provided with accurate and timely information which has been vital to our success thus far. The fact that so many of our former employees were able to join First Student has had a very positive impact upon this whole process. I have found that First Student has been very responsive to our needs. Your customer relations have been excellent. I believe that we are off to a great start and I look forward to our evolving relationship."
Harold G. Devine, Ed. D Request More Information
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