First Alt®: Reinventing Student Transportation
First Student stands as the leader in school transportation, continually enhancing driver standards in alternative transport to ensure every child enjoys the highest level of safety and care.
Recently, First Student marked the third anniversary of its innovative service offering, First Alt®. This milestone highlights its trajectory since launching in 2022, aiming to redefine expectations for alternative student transportation services.
With its expansion into 25 states, First Alt has become synonymous with trustworthy and dependable transportation options for students requiring unique mobility or behavioral support. This includes those needing McKinney-Vento services or out-of-district transport. First Alt's growing reputation illustrates its commitment to deliver equitable options tailored to the unique needs of every student.
First Alt champions high standards for alternative transportation drivers, paralleling the rigorous vetting processes applied to traditional yellow bus drivers. All drivers undergo thorough background checks, mandatory drug testing, and comprehensive training, particularly in managing student behavior—ensuring that every ride upholds essential safety and compassionate care.
CEO John Kenning emphasized, "Our dedication to safety goes beyond conventional transportation. With advanced technology and stringent training methods, First Alt is reshaping the perspective of districts towards alternative transportation, enhancing the overall experience for families. We are genuinely committed to improving transportation for every student."
Setting New Benchmarks in Transportation
This approach embodies First Student's overarching mission to enhance student transportation—making it safer, smarter, and more connected.
Gregg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt, acknowledged, "The students served through First Alt frequently represent those with significant needs, including disabilities and housing challenges. These students merit the same level of driver vetting and training experienced by their peers on yellow buses. We're establishing a benchmark for alternative transportation, ensuring every driver matches the same proactive standards."
First Alt amalgamates traditional yellow bus services with alternative transportation, offering districts a cohesive partnership that guarantees every student’s needs are met while maintaining exceptional safety and care on every journey.
The Role of HALO™ in Future Developments
First Student recently garnered recognition for its HALO™ Technology Platform, which has redefined the transportation landscape through data-driven solutions. This honor illustrates how advanced technology underpins the First Alt experience, promoting both efficiency and transparency in safety protocols.
First Student is committed to integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and outcome-enhancing tools throughout its operations. With HALO’s capabilities, First Alt ensures that safety is paramount. Currently, AI-supported cameras are in place across 75% of the First Alt fleet. These technologies play a crucial role in preventing incidents and fostering a compassionate transport environment.
The First View® app serves as an invaluable tool for parents and districts, offering real-time GPS tracking, intelligent routing, and consistent driver assignments—ensuring every student arrives safely and punctually.
About First Alt
First Alt functions under the umbrella of First Student, providing specialized transportation for students with distinct needs. With unrivaled training protocols and safety measures, First Alt is designed to guarantee equitable, high-quality transportation access for all students, no matter their circumstances.
About First Student
As a trailblazer in K-12 transportation, First Student executes an impressive 5.5 million student rides daily across North America. Annually, the company facilitates one billion rides, delivering not just transportation but reliability and peace to families and schools. The fleet consists of 46,000 vehicles, with initiatives in electrification and system automation ensuring a progressive and efficient approach to student transit. Recognized as one of Fast Company's most innovative companies, First Student constantly enhances the riding experience, creating a secure and uplifting atmosphere for students every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Alt®?
First Alt is an alternative transportation service by First Student, aimed at providing safe and reliable transport for students with specialized needs.
How does First Alt® ensure safety for students?
First Alt ensures safety through rigorous driver vetting, comprehensive training programs, and advanced technologies like HALO™ and AI cameras across its fleet.
In how many states does First Alt® operate?
As of now, First Alt has expanded its services to 25 states to cater to diverse student transportation needs.
What role does technology play in First Alt®?
Technology, particularly First Student’s HALO™ platform, enhances safety, routing, and visibility to promote efficient and incident-free transportation for students.
Who is eligible for First Alt® services?
First Alt provides services to students with unique mobility or behavioral needs, including those affected by homelessness or requiring specialized care.
