First Student and Providence Public Schools: A Partnership for Innovation and Sustainability
First Student, a leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, has established a strong partnership with Providence Public Schools (PPSD) in Rhode Island. This collaboration focuses on improving student transportation through innovative technology and a commitment to sustainability, particularly with the introduction of electric school buses.
Enhancing Communication and Tracking with FirstView
In a continued partnership, Providence Public Schools is launching FirstView, a bus tracking and parent communications app for smartphones or desktops. This free, easy-to-use mobile app is available on both iOS and Android devices, allowing parents to monitor their child's bus in real time.
To use FirstView:
- Download the app, ensuring your device meets the minimum operating system requirements.
- Set up your FirstView 1.0 mobile app profile.
- Add distance notifications to receive alerts via the app or push notifications when the bus is close to your student’s stop. This feature can be set up by clicking on "Set Distance Notifications" in the app.
First Student: A Leader in Student Transportation
First Student delivers tailored service to large and small educational institutions throughout the United States and Canada. With a fleet of more than 15,000 school buses, the company offers cost-effective solutions, including:
- Full turnkey contracting
- Special needs transportation
- Bus leasing and maintenance
- Management contracting
- Sports and field trip services
- Coach services
First Student is an operating unit of First Group, a worldwide public transportation company traded on the London Stock Exchange, and maintains offices in Providence, R.I.
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Electric School Buses in Providence
First Student and Providence Public Schools have joined forces with federal, state, and city leaders to deploy the first electric school buses in the City of Providence. This initiative replaces four diesel buses in the District's fleet and will serve hundreds of students and families in the Providence School District (PPSD).
The announcement of the electric school buses was made at an event in Providence with prominent figures such as:
- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse
- U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo
- Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
- Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green
- Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, emphasized the role of the American Rescue Plan in supporting Rhode Islanders and investing in the state's future. Representative Gabe Amo highlighted that the funding would enable students to reliably get to school on electric school buses, contributing to the fight against climate change and improving air quality.
Funding for the buses includes $1.2 million from the American Rescue Plan's Electric School Bus Rebates program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program helps school districts replace existing diesel school buses with zero-emission buses.
RIDE Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green noted that eco-friendly transportation options would help promote a more sustainable Rhode Island. Mayor Brett P. Smiley stated that providing students with clean, emission-free transportation prioritizes their health and wellbeing, marking a significant step forward in building a greener, more sustainable community. Providence Councilor Sue AnderBois added that the initiative would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
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First Student Head of Electrification Kevin L. Matthews emphasized that electric school buses provide quieter, cleaner, healthier, and safer rides for students, ensuring they start their day ready to learn. PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez stated that the district is proud to be part of the transition to electric school buses, prioritizing a healthy, safe, and optimal learning environment for students.
First Student's Commitment to Electrification
First Student is the largest operator of electric school buses in North America and has committed to transitioning 30,000 of its diesel buses to electric by 2035. This commitment aims to improve the health and well-being of students and communities.
About First Student
First Student strives to provide the best start and finish to every school day. With a team of highly trained drivers and a strong safety record, the company delivers reliable, quality services, including:
- Full-service transportation and management
- Special-needs transportation
- Route optimization and scheduling
- Maintenance and charter services
First Student manages a fleet of approximately 40,000 buses.
About Providence Public Schools
The Providence Public School District (PPSD) is the largest public school district in Rhode Island, serving 22,000 students in 37 schools. With over 3,200 employees, PPSD is committed to ensuring a quality and equitable education for every student from all backgrounds.
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HALO: Enhancing Student Transportation
First Student utilizes HALO, a proprietary technology platform, to improve student transportation. HALO provides technological tools that oversee every part of the transportation journey, ensuring student safety and efficiency.
Career Opportunities with First Student
First Student offers career opportunities with paid driver training, competitive wages and benefits, and the chance to make a difference in students’ lives.
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