The mountains, Mile High City, and school transportation is here! NSTA is brining the mic on the road to the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver, Colorado. This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest Robert Jacobus, CEO & Founder of School Bus Logistics and a sponsor of NSTA: The Bus Stop Live! from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, CO. Robert opens the episode by sharing his professional journey into the student transportation industry and discusses the mission of School Bus Logistics, including how the company helps contractors streamline route operations through innovative technology solutions. Curt and Robert explore emerging transportation technology trends, implementation strategies for contractors, and the growing importance of partnerships and certifications in the industry. The conversation also highlights the value of live industry events like the NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention, relationship building, and key takeaways from this year's meeting in Denver. The episode concludes with Robert sharing what he enjoys most about living in the Mile High City, his passion for running, and where listeners can go to learn more about School Bus Logistics and its commitment to supporting student transportation professionals. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

The mountains, Mile High City, and school transportation is here! NSTA is brining the mic on the road to the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver, Colorado. This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Marty Savino, National Accounts Manager at School-Radio, for a special live episode from the 2026 NSTA AMC in Denver. Marty begins by sharing his professional journey into the school transportation industry and discusses how School-Radio helps transportation providers improve safety, efficiency, and real-time communication. Curt and Marty explore the increasing importance of reliable communication technology, the challenges facing school transportation professionals, and the benefits School-Radio solutions provide to drivers, dispatchers, and school staff. The duo also reflects on the value of attending NSTA events, industry collaboration, and key takeaways from the 2026 AMC. The episode concludes with Marty sharing his excitement about becoming a grandfather, a few favorite dining destinations, and where listeners can learn more about School-Radio and its commitment to supporting the student transportation industry. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Tim Weaverling, Partner and Commercial Account Executive at RWR Insurance, NSTA Vendor Partner and Royalty Partner, 2026 AMC MST Insurance Panelist, and sponsor of the 2026 NSTA AMC Federal Partner Update. Tim shares his professional journey into the school transportation industry and discusses his role helping transportation operators navigate risk management and insurance challenges. Curt and Tim explore the long-standing partnership between RWR Insurance and NSTA, the value of industry collaboration, and why strong partnerships are critical to supporting student transportation professionals. The duo also preview the upcoming 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention (AMC) in Denver, including the MST insurance panel, "Turbulence in the Air: Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market," and examine the evolving insurance landscape impacting transportation providers today. Curt and Tim discuss the importance of the Federal Partner Update session and how insights from federal agencies help attendees stay informed, prepared, and ahead of emerging industry developments. The episode concludes with a look at Tim's favorite travel destinations and where listeners can learn more about RWR Insurance and its commitment to serving the transportation industry. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Andrew Boyce, Regional Account Executive at First Light Safety Products, member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee, and sponsor of the 2026 AMC NSTA Run Club. Andrew begins the episode by sharing his journey into the school transportation industry and providing insight into his role supporting student safety through enhanced visibility solutions. Curt and Andrew discuss the importance of visibility and safety awareness, why transportation professionals should stay engaged through NSTA meetings and events, and the value of building connections across the industry. The conversation also highlights the 52nd School Bus Driver International Safety Competition held in Austin, Texas, and the accomplishments of the driver-contestants that participated. The duo also take a closer look at the growing excitement surrounding the infamous NSTA Run Club and what attendees can expect in 2026. Finally, the episode wraps up with where listeners can learn more about First Light Safety Products and the work being done to advance student safety nationwide. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Maritza Valentin, National Account Manager at AMF Bruns and member of NSTA’s Manufacturers Suppliers and Technology (MST) Committee. Maritza starts the episode by sharing her journey into the school transportation industry and provides insight into her role supporting transportation professionals nationwide. Curt and Maritza highlight the importance of proper wheelchair securement and passenger safety and explore AMF Bruns’ new headquarters in Stow, Ohio. The duo also explore the future of accessibility and special needs transportation, with the advancements they hope to see in the years ahead. The conversation also touches on the value of industry engagement through NSTA events and committees, and why industry professionals should get involved. The episode wraps up with a look at how Maritza unwinds outside of work and where listeners can learn more about AMF Bruns. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Kevin Kilner, Chief Safety Officer at Beacon Mobility, NSTA Safety Competition Committee Chair, and NSTA School Bus Safety Subcommittee Co-Chair. The episode begins with Kevin sharing his journey into the school transportation industry and the experiences that shaped his safety-first leadership approach, while highlighting Beacon Mobility’s ongoing commitment to industry standards. Curt and Kevin also discuss key updates to the 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC), including growth, innovations, and what the future holds for the competition. The duo then explore broader issues facing the student transportation industry such as regulatory developments, federal legislation, and the importance of collaboration through the Safety Subcommittee. The episode wraps with a personal touch as Kevin shares how he unwinds outside of work and where listeners can learn more about Beacon Mobility. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Cassandra Behr, Director of Transportation for Hays CISD, 2026 NSTA School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) host, and member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee. The episode begins as Cassandra shares her journey into the school transportation industry and reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership approach, while discussing what a “successful day” looks like from a safety standpoint. Curt and Cassandra also explore lessons learned from managing challenges, and how to balance the needs of students, staff, and the community. The duo reflect on the importance of the partnership between Hays CISD and NSTA, along with the critical work of the Safety Competition Committee. The episode wraps with a look ahead to the future of student transportation and where listeners can learn more about NSTA’s annual safety competition and Hays CISD. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes John Rojas, CEO of Bumper to Bumper Easy CDL and member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee. John shares his professional background and journey into the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) training and ultimately working with school bus drivers, John highlights the “aha moment” that led to the formation of EasyCDL-Online, and discusses the gaps he identified in traditional driver training programs. Curt and John explore how his platform supports schools, employers, and training providers through a business-to-business model, as well as the growing role of digital testing, including how Easy CDL’s tablet-based system will be used for written knowledge exams at the 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) and why aligning with national standards is so important as more states adopt similar technology. The duo also preview what they are most looking forward to at this year’s competition, and how the competition has evolved.  Finally, the episode wraps with where listeners can learn more about Bumper to Bumper Easy CDL. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Joe Allen, Director of Sales at Safe Fleet and NSTA Safety Competition Committee Member. Joe begins by sharing his professional background and journey into the student transportation industry, followed by an overview of Safe Fleet and SEON and their role in advancing school bus safety. Curt and Joe discuss how technology, including stop-arm violation enforcement systems (SAVES), is helping protect students and hold violators accountable, as well as the growing importance of fully connected safety platforms. The duo highlight Joe’s involvement with the NSTA Safety Competition, and why the event remains a cornerstone of the industry. Joe and Curt also give listeners a sneak peak at what attendees can expect at the 2026 competition in Austin, Texas. Curt and Joe wrap the episode up by sharing a few Austin restaurant recommendations, and where listeners can learn more about Safe Fleet. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Joe Allen, Director of Sales at Safe Fleet and NSTA Safety Competition Committee Member. Joe begins by sharing his professional background and journey into the student transportation industry, followed by an overview of Safe Fleet and SEON and their role in advancing school bus safety. Curt and Joe discuss how technology, including stop-arm violation enforcement systems (SAVES), is helping protect students and hold violators accountable, as well as the growing importance of fully connected safety platforms. The duo highlight Joe’s involvement with the NSTA Safety Competition, and why the event remains a cornerstone of the industry. Joe and Curt also give listeners a sneak peak at what attendees can expect at the 2026 competition in Austin, Texas. Curt and Joe wrap the episode up by sharing a few Austin restaurant recommendations, and where listeners can learn more about Safe Fleet. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

Support the show