First Student: A History of Innovation and Service in Tacoma

First Student, a leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, has a rich history marked by industry innovation and a commitment to safe, reliable, and exceptional service. The company's presence in Tacoma, Washington, exemplifies its dedication to providing tailored transportation solutions for school districts and communities. This article explores First Student's history, its operations in Tacoma, and its contributions to sustainability and innovation in student transportation.

A Legacy of Excellence

First Student's history is full of successes surrounding industry innovation and streamlined operations. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for school districts, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students. A partnership with First Student is a relationship centered around a shared commitment to caring for the children and bringing life to classrooms. With a wide reach and deep know-how in different regulations and contracts, they’re ready to bring solutions to your district.

The company has earned numerous accolades, including recognition on TIME’s annual Best Inventions list, Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech Award, and the AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. These awards highlight First Student’s role as an industry leader in applying innovation to student transportation. Inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list further underscores the company's rapid growth and continued investment in innovation and student safety.

First Student in Tacoma: Providing Reliable Transportation Solutions

First Student provides comprehensive transportation services in Tacoma, Washington, including school bus operations and charter services. The company's Tacoma-area drivers are professionally trained, background-checked, and licensed to meet or exceed Washington DOT and federal safety standards. First Student is a regulated charter and excursion bus company providing charter transportation services in Chattaroy, Colville, Rochester, Seattle, Tacoma, Tenino, and Vashon Island, Washington.

School Bus Services

First Student partners with Tacoma Public Schools to provide daily school bus transportation to approximately 5,000 students. In a significant step towards sustainability, First Student has deployed 14 IC Bus electric school buses in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools in Washington state. This initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to clean and safe transportation solutions.

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Three buses were funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology, with the other 11 funded through the second round of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. "Tacoma Public Schools is committed to making environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both our students and the community," said Josh Garcia, superintendent. "Partnering with First Student allows us to enhance our transportation services while reducing our carbon footprint, creating a more sustainable, safe, and efficient future for our students and the environment. This initiative aligns with our strategic goals by improving health and safety through cleaner air, enhancing operational efficiency with modernized transportation, and strengthening partnerships that support student success. Investing in sustainable solutions ensures a safe learning environment that promotes academic achievement and well-being for all students."

"Our ongoing partnership with Tacoma Public Schools reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, healthier future for the communities we serve," said Kevin Matthews, head of electrification at First Student. "As the industry leader with the most electric buses deployed in North America, we are proud to drive over 5 million students daily and have already logged nearly 6 million electric miles. At First Student, one of our core values is to care for students. Electric buses help us meet that goal by providing a smoother, quieter ride that helps students start their day focused and ready to learn."

Charter Services

First Student Charter offers safe, reliable, and affordable group transportation services for various events and needs in the Tacoma area. They provide customized group transportation for a wide range of trips and events, including school field trips, youth sports, corporate outings, weddings, festivals, university events, construction shuttles, camp programs, and large-scale events.

The company offers a variety of vehicle types to match different group sizes and needs, including full-size school buses, minibuses, and passenger/sprinter vans. Amenities vary by vehicle but may include air conditioning, seat belts, storage for luggage or equipment, GPS tracking for camps, and ADA-accessible options. Food and beverages are generally allowed on the buses, provided that trash is disposed of properly.

First Student Charter simplifies the process of renting school buses, making it easy to move groups of any size safely, comfortably, and affordably. They provide recurring shuttle service for employers, construction sites, universities, hotels, and more across the Greater Tacoma region. They also provide wedding and private event transportation throughout Tacoma and nearby communities.

Innovation and Technology

First Student leverages technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and communication. HALO, their proprietary technology platform, surrounds students with care through technological tools that oversee every part of the transportation journey.

HALO Platform

HALO is First Student's proprietary technology platform designed to improve student transportation. It utilizes technological tools to oversee every aspect of the transportation journey, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Electric Vehicle Technology

First Student is at the forefront of electric vehicle technology in student transportation. The deployment of electric school buses in Tacoma, in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, exemplifies this commitment. First Student earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list for its continued growth and success in transforming school transportation through technology, safety, and service excellence.

Commitment to Sustainability

First Student is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. The company's investment in electric school buses and alternative fuels demonstrates its commitment to a cleaner future.

Electric School Buses in Tacoma

The deployment of 14 electric school buses in Tacoma is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This initiative aligns with Tacoma Public Schools' commitment to making environmentally responsible decisions.

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First Charge

This award recognizes First Charge, our innovative, containerized EV charging solution that accelerates fleet electrification. We are proud to be the first student transportation company to receive this prestigious award, joining industry leaders like Anheuser-Busch and Frito-Lay.

Labor Relations

First Student drivers represented by Teamsters Local 313 have a strong history of advocating for their rights and benefits. In a recent example, drivers ratified a collective bargaining agreement that included substantial new benefits, such as wage increases, more paid time off, guaranteed base pay for charter trips, and 401(k) matching. “These drivers stood their ground at the negotiating table and it paid off for them in a big way,” said Local 313 Secretary-Treasurer Bob McDonald. The new agreement took ten months to negotiate.

“I’ve been doing this for a number of years, and I feel really good about this contract,” Schott said. “Nothing was given to us, we earned everything that we got in these negotiations. We stood our ground and everyone worked so well together. Teamsters Local 313 is one of the oldest Teamster locals in the country, owning an original charter date of October 1, 1903.

Safety and Training

Safety is a top priority for First Student. The company invests in comprehensive training programs for its drivers and utilizes technology to enhance safety on the road. Tacoma-area drivers are professionally trained, background-checked, and licensed to meet or exceed Washington DOT and federal safety standards.

Community Engagement

First Student is actively involved in the communities it serves. The company partners with local organizations and participates in events that support students and families. A celebratory event was held on March 26 with officials from the district, Clean Air Agency, Tacoma Public Utilities Board, students, and representatives from Pierce County Planning and Public Works, Pierce Transit, Tacoma Education Dream Fund, and the Washington State Department of Ecology and Air Quality Program.

Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Accountability

Like any large organization, First Student has faced challenges and scrutiny. For example, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) previously issued a penalty against First Student for violations. However, the company has taken steps to address these issues and ensure accountability.

The UTC previously issued a $23,700 penalty against First Student, suspending $10,000 of the penalty if the company met certain conditions and avoided committing additional violations for two years.

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