Key Takeaways
- The Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit will be held July 12‑13 as part of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, offering hands‑on labs, expert talks, and live demonstrations.
- Technology labs cover routing software, safety features, fleet optimization, ridership analytics, communications, and emerging solutions from vendors such as Transfinder, Geotab, Samsara, and Zonar.
- The Green Bus Summit focuses on sustainable transportation, with sessions from OEMs (Blue Bird, Thomas Built Buses, Micro Bird, IC Bus), fuel‑industry experts (Propane Education & Research Council), and school districts sharing real‑world low‑emission fuel experiences.
- An immersive Ride and Drive/Live Technology Demo on Sunday night lets attendees test electric, propane, and low‑emission diesel buses while networking with vendors and peers over food, games, and a live DJ.
- Additional conference features include the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, the Transportation Director Summit leadership event, educational sessions, and the STN EXPO West Trade Show.
Overview of the Bus Technology Summit
The Bus Technology Summit kicks off on Sunday, July 12 with a series of live product labs designed to address specific operational challenges in student transportation. Participating companies—Transfinder, First Light Safety Products, Alpha Route, Geotab, Samsara, BusRight, and Verra Mobility—will showcase solutions ranging from routing and scheduling software to safety enhancements and fleet‑management platforms. Attendees can select labs that align with their district’s needs, engage directly with vendors, and ask targeted questions to see how each technology works in practice. The labs continue on Monday, July 13 with additional participants such as SafeFleet, Tyler Technologies, School‑Radio, CalAmp, Cummins/Accelera, and HopSkipDrive, ensuring a broad view of the latest innovations across the industry.
CEO and Tech Talk Sessions
On Sunday morning, Zonar CEO Charles Kriete will deliver a “CEO Talk” that outlines the prevailing technology trends shaping student transportation, including data‑driven decision making, connectivity, and the rise of telematics. The following morning, ZUM’s COO and co‑founder Vivek Garg will present a “Tech Talk” focusing on practical implementation strategies for emerging tools, emphasizing how districts can integrate new technologies without disrupting existing operations. These executive perspectives aim to bridge the gap between high‑level vision and day‑to‑day application, giving attendees actionable insights they can bring back to their teams.
Focus of the Green Bus Summit
Running concurrently with the Bus Technology Summit, the Green Bus Summit concentrates on sustainable transportation leadership. Sessions will feature representatives from major school‑bus OEMs—Blue Bird, Thomas Built Buses, Micro Bird, and IC Bus—as well as experts from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). School districts that have already adopted low‑emission fuels will share operational considerations, cost analyses, and lessons learned. The summit’s agenda is designed to help attendees evaluate various green fuel options—electric, propane, compressed natural gas, and low‑emission diesel—and determine which best fits their fleet size, budget, and infrastructure capabilities.
Ride and Drive/Live Technology Demo
Sunday evening transforms the conference into an immersive outdoor experience with the Ride and Drive/Live Technology Demo. Attendees will have the opportunity to board and test drive electric, propane, and low‑emission diesel school buses provided by Blue Bird, IC Bus, Micro Bird, RIDE, and PERC. In addition to the vehicle demonstrations, stops at Zonar, Tyler Technologies, Transfinder, and ZUM will offer live product demos and networking opportunities. The event is complemented by food and beverages, interactive games, and a live DJ, fostering a relaxed environment where transportation professionals can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and discuss the innovations driving the industry forward.
Additional Conference Highlights
Beyond the two summits, STN EXPO West (July 9‑15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno) offers a robust program of professional development. Hands‑on training classes include the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, ensuring participants meet safety and compliance standards. Educational sessions cover a range of topics from budgeting and policy to emerging technologies. The Transportation Director Summit provides a leadership‑focused forum for networking and strategic planning. The trade show floor hosts dozens of vendors showcasing the latest products and services, while unique networking events encourage informal connections that often lead to collaborative projects and purchasing decisions.
Registration and Further Information
For a complete agenda, speaker bios, and registration details, visit stnexpo.com/west. Early registration is recommended to secure preferred lab selections and accommodations at the Peppermill Resort. Whether the goal is to explore cutting‑edge technology, discover sustainable fuel solutions, or connect with peers and industry leaders, STN EXPO West delivers a comprehensive experience tailored to the evolving needs of student transportation professionals.