Q: How have your experiences given you a unique perspective on the school transportation industry?  

A: My professional experiences come largely from route-based, B2B logistics companies, but I feel that gives me a fresh perspective on student transportation. My logistics experience allows me to leverage expertise in efficiency, routing, fleet management, and operational cost control while remaining mission focused on KT’s long-term strategy of providing a service that prioritizes safety and reliability in a community setting. 

Q: In your opinion, what are some of the most important factors school districts should consider when it comes to outsourcing to a transportation provider?  

A: The decision process can be overwhelming, but having been in this industry for 30 years, there are definitely some key issues to nail down before awarding a contract. 

1. Safety and Compliance.  I can’t think of anything more important than making sure your transportation provider is going the extra mile to make sure they are operating safely. Districts should be checking operators’ driver hiring standards and required ongoing training. They should also ask about fleet maintenance and inspections – not just their protocols, but also their past track record. The provider should be able to prove that they understand and follow all local, state, and federal transportation laws and bus safety guidelines. 
2. Reputation and Relationship. Don’t underestimate the importance of a solid relationship between you and the provider. It’s important to check references from other school districts and investigate any history of service disruptions or complaints. Pay attention to how responsive they are throughout the proposal process and ask if they have a dedicated customer support team that responds quickly to concerns or route changes. 
3. Cost and Contract Transparency. Along those same lines, a good indication of a strong long-term partnership is whether the operator is being completely transparent. You will not be able to perform an accurate side-by-side cost analysis if their pricing structure is opaque or full of “hidden fees.” For your protection, make sure there are service guarantees and termination clauses written into the contract.  
4. Technology and Tracking Capabilities.  These days, it is essential that the provider you choose is keeping up with technology, for both budget and customer service reasons. Be on the lookout for GPS and real-time tracking technology, routing efficiency software, and safety technology like on-board cameras, and emergency alert systems. Do your research to make sure the tech they use is actually improving service outcomes and saving money.  
5. Contingency Planning.  Another important thing to ask about is their plan for when things go wrong. What is their backup plan for emergencies, driver shortages, or breakdowns? Do they have enough drivers and buses to avoid service interruptions?  

Q: What are the three biggest challenges facing student transportation right now?    

A: These are issues that we experience firsthand, with a fleet of over 2000 vehicles across the state of Pennsylvania. But I’m also hearing from several of my counterparts that they are facing these same common challenges.  

1. Driver Shortages.  I know it may seem like we are on repeat with this one, but ever since the Covid era, driver shortages have been our number one problem. Several factors (aging workforce, wage competition, CDL requirements) are causing these shortages, but they are having a significant impact on the industry and on our service delivery. Just this past year, the pressure is easing a bit, but we are still not out of the woods.  At Krise, we are continuing to seek creative solutions like alternative transportation, route optimization software, and hiring incentives to address the issue.  
2. Rising Costs & Budget Constraints.  Again, I know I’m stating the obvious here, but rising costs have been a persistent issue since Covid as well. Asset purchase prices, fuel costs, labor expenses, insurance, maintenance costs – you name it, and it has increased over the past 5 years, in some cases dramatically. At the same time, many school districts are facing tighter budgets, and are looking for places to trim. Some AI technology like route optimization and fleet maintenance software can make an immediate difference, but other technology like electric or alternative fuel buses will not make any real budget impacts for years down the road.  
3. Student Safety & Behavior Management.  A problem that we are hearing about more and more, not just from our drivers, but from bus drivers nationwide, is unsafe student behavior. From bullying to fights to disregard for safety instructions on buses, for whatever reason, behavior challenges have been on the rise the past few years. Drivers are struggling to focus on both safe driving and student behavior, leading to higher stress and more potential safety risks. Bus stop safety is an issue as well, with more motorists violating no-passing laws. Some solutions are helping – onboard and stop-arm cameras to keep students and motorists accountable for example – but in my opinion, more needs to be done to address the problem.  

Q: Do you see any opportunities for innovation and growth in the industry?   

A: Absolutely! I mentioned some of these opportunities already, but here are some areas student transportation can evolve: 

1. Service Technology. Bus tracking apps are almost imperative these days. Parents and students want to be able to get real-time updates on their bus location, arrival times, and delays. A newer technology I’m interested in is RFID cards or facial recognition systems that can track when students board and exit the bus. This helps give parents and schools the peace of mind to know exactly who is on each bus, and where/when they got dropped off. Cameras with AI analytics that can alert schools to behavior issues on a bus are also a tech trend I’m watching.  
2. Training Technology.  I’ve already mentioned some of the tactics operators should use for attracting more drivers (competitive pay, benefits, signing bonuses), but I’m also seeing a big opportunity for improvements in driver training. VR and simulation-based training can speed up the process of training drivers and equip them better for facing real-world challenges before they hit the road.   
3. Alternative Transportation. At Krise, we are expanding our white fleet to efficiently and effectively respond to growing numbers of McKinney Vento and special needs students. We understand that the big yellow bus might not always be the ideal method of transportation for every student, and we are adapting to meet the needs of our families and schools. The use of smaller white fleet vehicles is an opportunity for providers to meet the changing demands of the market. 

Q: From your perspective, what makes Krise different from other school transportation service companies?   

A: We have the scale of a large company, but we behave locally. We are true partners with our school districts and understand that programs need creativity and involvement at a local level. Not only that, but we are part of the communities we serve—conducting food and clothing drives, participating in local parades and fundraising efforts, and hosting blood drives and other events at our terminals. I would also say our company culture is top notch. I am continually amazed and proud to see the exceptional collaborative effort our employees give to providing a safe reliable service to the students we serve.   

Q: In your current role as President of Krise, what have you identified as priority areas of focus for 2025/26?    

1. Safety Enhancements: Continuing to prioritize student safety through rigorous driver training programs, regular fleet maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. 

2. Operational Efficiency: Implementing advanced technologies for route optimization and real-time tracking to improve service reliability and reduce costs. 

3. Sustainability Initiatives: Exploring the integration of eco-friendly practices, such as adopting electric or low-emission buses, to reduce the environmental impact of transportation services. 

4. Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local school districts and communities to better understand and meet their transportation needs. 

5. Employee Development: Fostering a positive work environment by providing ongoing training and career advancement opportunities for drivers and staff. 

These focus areas align with Krise Transportation’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation services across Pennsylvania. 

Q: Any final industry-related predictions for the next 12 months?  

A: Over the next 12 months, I predict the student transportation industry will continue to evolve in response to staffing challenges, rising costs, and technology advances. Here are my key predictions for 2025-2026: 

1. Driver shortages will continue to force creative solutions. 

2. AI and other automations will lower costs and improve operations. 

3. Parents will expect better real-time tracking and communication.  

4. More and better security and safety measures will be implemented. 

5. There is the potential for more federal and state policy changes (i.e. seatbelts on buses, and more regulation around alternative transportation). 

Contact Us

Krise Transportation is a leading Pennsylvania student transportation operator with decades of experience providing safe, dependable student transportation programs. Thirty Pennsylvania school districts trust Krise to transport their children safely and efficiently, providing access to education for all students.

Want to work with a student transportation team that specializes in safe, efficient, cost-effective programs? Reach out to us to learn more about how Krise Transportation can help. Contact us at [email protected].