School bus contractor executives discuss how their organizations are embracing the latest technology
Written by Ruth Ashmore |
ruth@stnonline.com A
I is no longer a futuristic technological concept in novels and movies. While society has yet to realize true machine learning and acting robots, AI-enhanced software is an increasing presence in the day-to-day operations of industries across the globe. “The integration of artificial intelligence into daily life has accelerated at an un-
precedented pace, transforming everything from internet search results to customer service interactions and workplace productivity tools in ways that seemed impossible just two years ago … The scope and speed of this transformation demand a data-driven understanding of where we stand today and where current trends are leading us,” states an article in Forbes. School Transportation News spoke with the leaders of the nation’s leading student transportation contractors to gather perspectives on the present applications and future im- plications of AI for optimizing and safeguarding operations via software enhancements and data analytics. While some are still wary of incorporating AI into their operations, the nation’s contractor leaders look to be on the cutting edge of innovation by leveraging it to meet the goals of their company’s service to students and their families. At the 2024 STN EXPO West conference, Keith Krueger, chief executive officer for
the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), noted that determining an AI strategy for the first time entered the list of top five technology priorities for school IT leaders. That ranking figures to only increase as AI is utilized more frequently. It is also important to note that the human element of school transportation should never become obsolete as transport- ing millions of students will continue to require hands-on oversight from the people in the field. As New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote, “I don’t think AI is ever go- ing to be able to replace us—ultimately, I think it will simply be a useful tool. In fact, I think instead of replacing us, AI will complement us.” In the face of evolving technological and AI advancements,
the pressing questions for contractor executives are, “What role do you think artificial intelligence will have in transportation software’s capabilities?” and “How can it be used for the benefit of student transportation professionals and the families they serve?”
44 School Transportation News • JULY 2025
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