plans holistically while also drilling down to the details to identify new ways we can address operational costs without compromising on safety and quality. Looking for effi- ciencies in both routing and vehicle types so that bus size matches rid- ership levels is one example, as well as building in protection for driver wages in the contract and having districts provide fuel can also help reduce pressures on cost. Conversations with customers re-


garding investment in driver wages are generally easier to have as there is a mutual understanding and re- spect for the important role drivers play in having safe and dependable service. However, with the addi- tional pressures of insurance and new vehicle costs, tariffs, inflation, and more that have arisen since


We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.


the initial wage pressure began, the pressure on both contractors and customers have increased again, this time even more significantly. We continue to work diligently, creatively and collaboratively with our customers to resourcefully maneuver through and address these challenges the best we can while maintaining the same level of service excellence.


STN: Meanwhile, alternative


student transportation models and options only expand, yet Summit to date has not entered this submarket. Why is this? Wertner: Alternative transporta-


tion is not a separate conversation from student transportation any- more; it’s increasingly part of the overall mobility solution districts


www.stnonline.com 25


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