The Bus Stop

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Tim Ammon, Vice President & GM, Passenger Services, Zonar Systems, an NSTA Vendor Partner Member.  Tim highlights some recent initiatives Zonar has been participating in. The duo outlines the continued technological advancements being seen on the yellow bus. Tim delves into technician shortages and what can be done to ensure technicians feel supported to help recruitment and increase retention. Lastly, the duo discusses the remaining ESSER funds and what contractors can do to partner with districts. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Scott Mogensen, Head of Solutions Enablement, Foley Services, an NSTA Vendor Partner Member. Scott outlines his background and his journey into the industry. The duo discuss strategies to reduce an operator's risk profile through consistent monitoring practices. Curt and Scott delve into the upcoming change to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in November. Scott then shares some best practices companies can implement during the hiring and onboarding process. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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 This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Julius Ceaser, Director of Recruiting, Cook-Illinois Corporation. Julius outlines the current state of the recruitment landscape. The duo discusses the recruiting philosophy and several factors he's found to have positive results when hiring drivers. Julius emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the process and how that has evolved over the past several years. Curt highlights the local factors on the driver shortage and how these factors can have significant impacts. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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 This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Kyle McClellan, Practice Leader, NSM Insurance Brokers, a new NSTA Vendor Partner Member. Kyle highlights NSM insurance and outlines his background and his journey to Practice Leader at NSM Insurance Brokers. The duo discuss the unique NSM partnership with the 42 Group and the many benefits it has for school bus contractors. Curt and Kyle then delve into strategies for contractors to reduce their risk profiles, including the use of telematics and GPS on school buses. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Ronna Weber, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation (NASDPTS). Ronna highlights the return of the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) for the first time in ten years, which will take place from May 3-7, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. The duo outline the process of NCST and how one can become involved in NCST. Lastly, Ronna and Curt highlight the results of the annual NASDPTS Illegal Passing Survey. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Doug Campbell, Director of Sales with NSTA Vendor Partner, First Light Safety Products. Doug and Curt recap the school bus equipped with illegal passing technologies that First Light Safety showcased at the 2024 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Nashville, TN in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration. Doug highlights the illuminated technologies that First Light is utilizing the ensure school buses are more visible to drivers. Lastly, the duo discuss the importance of ensuring school buses have maximum visibility as illegal passings continue to become more common throughout the country. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Greg Jackson, Director of Business Development, School Bus Logistics, a new NSTA Vendor Partner Member. Greg outlined his background and his transition from Transportation Director to School Bus Logistics. Greg and Curt highlight strategies contractors can utilize when heading into the back-to-school period for their routing departments. Lastly, the duo discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the routing process. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Mark Miller, Substitute Bus Driver, Bellingham Public Schools. Mark outlines his background and discusses his journey to becoming a school bus driver in addition to his role as a pilot. He recaps his experience at the 2024 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, as Mark won the Type-D (Transit Style) Competition. The duo looks forward to 2025 and encourage everyone to get involved in their state and local competitions. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Kim Martin, Industry Engagement Consultant, Tyler Technologies, an NSTA Vendor Partner. Kim and Curt recap the recent On-Board Technology Panel at the 2024 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Nashville, TN. Kim provides some best practices as operators enter the back-to-school period and how new technology can be implemented on school buses. Kim and Curt outline how operators can ensure drivers are fully prepared for the implementation of new technology. Lastly, Kim and Curt delve into AI and how it has become a key aspect of operations in student transportation.  Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Keith Galloway, SVP Business Development & Mergers and Acquisitions, Student Transportation of America. Keith outlines his journey in student transportation starting from the family business to STA. Keith and Curt discuss the various projects that the Business Development Committee works on. Keith and Curt look into the future of student transportation and what obstacles the industry needs to overcome.  Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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