First Student’s HALO Platform Cuts Forward Collision Risk 63% in Four-Week Pilot
The connected safety platform also reduced rolling stops by 54% across six locations during National School Bus Safety Week.
Source: First Services ↗
First Student recorded a 63% reduction in forward collision risk and a 54% reduction in rolling stops during a four-week pilot of its HALO Connected Transportation Platform across six locations, the company said during National School Bus Safety Week, which runs Oct. 19 through 23.
HALO is First Student’s proprietary platform that pulls together real-time vehicle data, safety information and operational insights to help transportation teams identify hazards, support driver coaching and track performance trends. The company operates a fleet of more than 48,000 vehicles across the United States and Canada, safely transporting millions of students every day and completing nearly twice as many daily passenger trips as all U.S. airlines combined.
The pilot results are the first figures First Student has published for HALO’s effect on collision risk and stop-compliance behavior. The source does not identify the six pilot locations, the vehicle types instrumented, or the baseline measurement period used to calculate the reductions.
“Safety isn’t just a priority at First Student. It’s our core value, at the heart of everything we do, and something our people live every day,” John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student, said in a written statement. “Our commitment to Focus on Safety and Set the Highest Standards drives us to continually invest in the three areas that make the greatest difference: our people, our processes, and our technology.”
Alongside the connected platform, First Student cites preventive maintenance, driver training and ongoing coaching as elements of its safety approach. During National School Bus Safety Week, the company plans to recognize employees for safety performance and reinforce safe practices for students, families and motorists.
First Student has been named a CIO 100 Award winner and to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list. No contract vehicle, pricing or procurement pathway for HALO is disclosed in the announcement.
“Our mission is to provide the best transportation experience so students arrive ready to learn and achieve their full potential,” Kenning said. “By giving our teams the training, technology, and support they need, we’re continuing to raise the standard for student transportation and deliver on the trust families place in us every day.”
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