First Student, Inc.
First Student, Inc. is a leading provider of student transportation services across North America, operating in 38 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company's mission is to deliver the safest, most reliable, and most efficient ride to school, ensuring students are prepared to achieve their full potential.
The company offers comprehensive transportation solutions including full-service management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance, and charter services. First Student leverages its proprietary HALO™ technology platform, which integrates AI-powered routing, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics to enhance safety and operational efficiency. This platform also includes the First View® app, providing real-time vehicle tracking for parents.
First Student is currently led by CEO and President John Kenning. The company has recently been recognized for its industry leadership and innovation, including being named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list and Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies. Its HALO™ technology platform received the Silver Edison Award for Intelligent Mobility Systems in 2026. However, the company has also faced recent operational adjustments, including layoffs in Seattle and Plymouth, Minnesota, in mid-2026 due to contract changes.
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