The Bus Stop

Hosted by National School Transportation Association

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Episodes

368

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Your one stop shop for all things NSTA and school transportation industry. Check back for new content being added weekly. The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) provides “The Bus Stop” podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of NSTA policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by NSTA. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. NSTA encourages interested parties to circulate podcast episodes via appropriate venues, but the podcast can only be rebroadcast in its entirety, and editing The Bus Stop podcasts is expressly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed on The Bus Stop podcasts are for informational purposes only, and listeners can raise questions or concerns via email at info@yellowbuses.org.

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60 recent

September 9, 202655 min

Extra, Extra, School's Back in Session

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Amanda Huggett, Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet and NSTA media partner, as part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series. Amanda begins by sharing her journey into the journalism industry, and how she got involved in the student transportation industry. Curt and Amanda explore why journalism is a crucial to keeping the industry moving, and they also discuss trends, technologies, and key issues listeners should be watching as schools begin a new academic year. The duo also discuss the role of industry media and podcasts in keeping transportation professionals informed on leadership, policy, and emerging challenges facing the industry. Looking ahead, Curt and Amanda highlight the importance of recognizing excellence through the NSTA Outstanding Driver Service Award in partnership with School Bus Fleet. The episode wraps up as Amanda shares how listeners can stay connected to the latest industry news, resources, and NSTA advocacy efforts through School Bus Fleet's NSTA Advocacy in Action column. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

September 2, 202647 min

School Is Back, and So Is the Champion.

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Brian Rickmann, School Bus Driver for Beaverton School District in Oregon and the 2026 NSTA School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) Type D and Bill Loshbough Grand Champion. As part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series, Brian shares his journey into student transportation, discusses what motivates him to continually raise the bar for safety, and reflects on successfully defending his championship title. Curt and Brian explore the preparation, training, and mindset required to compete at the highest level, the value of state and local school bus rodeos, and the important role school bus drivers play in safely transporting students each day. Looking ahead to the 2027 competition in Austin, Brian offers advice for first-time competitors, discusses the challenges of returning as a champion, and encourages drivers to embrace opportunities for professional growth that ultimately benefit the students and communities they serve. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

August 26, 202639 min

Next Stop: Lower Risk

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Steven O’Shea, Vice President of Marketing & Customer Service at Lancer Insurance Company and a 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention MST Insurance Panelist. Steven shares his professional journey into the student transportation industry and discusses the critical role safety training plays in reducing claims, improving driver performance, and supporting the long-term success of school bus contractors. Curt and Steven also revisit the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, highlighting key insights from the MST insurance panel, “Turbulence in the Air: Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market,” and exploring the challenges and opportunities facing today’s insurance environment. The duo switch gears to chat football, including Steven’s outlook on the upcoming New York Giants season, before discussing his passion for golf and some of his favorite courses he has played. Finally, the episode wraps up with Steven sharing where listeners can learn more about Lancer Insurance Company and its commitment to supporting safe and successful student transportation operations. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

August 19, 202649 min

Seven Years at The Bus Stop: Where Stories, Service, and Yellow Buses Meet

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn celebrates a major milestone as the podcast marks its 7th anniversary, recognizing seven years of conversations, and industry insights. For the first time ever, Curt welcomes a trio of guests for this special anniversary edition: Chloe Williams, President of B.R. Williams, 2026 NSTA Contractor of the Year, and NSTA Membership Committee Chair; Tim Weaverling, Partner and Commercial Account Executive at Keystone RWR and NSTA Royalty Program Partner; and Tony Corpin, Publisher of STN Media Group and NSTA Media Partner. Together, they reflect on their experiences with The Bus Stop, discuss the value of storytelling and collaboration within the student transportation industry. The foursome share highlights from the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, and the importance of live industry events. The group highlights the significance of NSTA’s Contractor of the Year Award, with Chloe sharing her reaction to receiving the honor, Tim discussing the impact of introducing her on stage, and Tony reflecting on the award’s importance to the industry as a whole. The episode concludes with some lighthearted football talk, and each guest sharing where listeners can learn more about their organizations. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

August 12, 202634 min

The Business of the Bus: Driving Development

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Matthew Bushland, Director of Enterprise Strategy at North America Central School Bus (NACSB), 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention Business Development Committee (BDC) panelist, and NSTA BDC member. Matthew shares his journey into the student transportation industry, discusses his day-to-day role supporting strategic growth and partnerships, and explains what “bleeding yellow” means to him as a reflection of serving school districts, families, and communities. Curt and Matthew also recap the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, highlighting key takeaways from the BDC panel, “Doing More With Less: How Contractors Can Best Partner with Service Providers,” and explore why collaboration is critical to developing best practices and solving industry-wide challenges. The duo chat football, and cover Matthew’s time as a Notre Dame alumnus and walk-on football player, as well as Notre Dame's upcoming football schedule. Finally, the episode wraps up with Matthew sharing where listeners can learn more about NACSB and its commitment to advancing student transportation. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

August 5, 202631 min

Where Rubber Meets the Route

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest, John Ziegler, Vice President of Business Development at Summit School Services, 2026 NSTA COSSBA Presenter, and NSTA Business Development Committee (BDC) member. John starts the episode by sharing his journey into the student transportation industry, discusses the critical role business development plays in supporting students, drivers, schools, and communities, and highlights the recent deployment of 26 new electric school buses serving Duval County Public Schools in Florida. Curt and John also explore the importance of NSTA's BDC in advancing the association's mission, reflect on John's presentation at the 2026 COSSBA Annual Conference, and discuss why engaging school board leaders in conversations about student transportation outsourcing is more important than ever. The duo look at how John unwinds outside of work, and how college football has changed throughout the years. The episode wraps up as John shares where listeners can learn more about Summit School Services. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

July 29, 202623 min

NSTA: The Bus Stop Live! With Robert Jacobus, School Bus Logistics

The mountains, Mile High City, and school transportation is here! NSTA is brining the mic on the road to the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver, Colorado. This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest Robert Jacobus, CEO & Founder of School Bus Logistics and a sponsor of NSTA: The Bus Stop Live! from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, CO. Robert opens the episode by sharing his professional journey into the student transportation industry and discusses the mission of School Bus Logistics, including how the company helps contractors streamline route operations through innovative technology solutions. Curt and Robert explore emerging transportation technology trends, implementation strategies for contractors, and the growing importance of partnerships and certifications in the industry. The conversation also highlights the value of live industry events like the NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention, relationship building, and key takeaways from this year's meeting in Denver. The episode concludes with Robert sharing what he enjoys most about living in the Mile High City, his passion for running, and where listeners can go to learn more about School Bus Logistics and its commitment to supporting student transportation professionals. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

July 24, 202614 min

NSTA: The Bus Stop Live! School-Radio

The mountains, Mile High City, and school transportation is here! NSTA is brining the mic on the road to the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver, Colorado. This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Marty Savino, National Accounts Manager at School-Radio, for a special live episode from the 2026 NSTA AMC in Denver. Marty begins by sharing his professional journey into the school transportation industry and discusses how School-Radio helps transportation providers improve safety, efficiency, and real-time communication. Curt and Marty explore the increasing importance of reliable communication technology, the challenges facing school transportation professionals, and the benefits School-Radio solutions provide to drivers, dispatchers, and school staff. The duo also reflects on the value of attending NSTA events, industry collaboration, and key takeaways from the 2026 AMC. The episode concludes with Marty sharing his excitement about becoming a grandfather, a few favorite dining destinations, and where listeners can learn more about School-Radio and its commitment to supporting the student transportation industry. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

July 15, 202623 min

Risk, Readiness, and the Road Ahead

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Tim Weaverling, Partner and Commercial Account Executive at RWR Insurance, NSTA Vendor Partner and Royalty Partner, 2026 AMC MST Insurance Panelist, and sponsor of the 2026 NSTA AMC Federal Partner Update. Tim shares his professional journey into the school transportation industry and discusses his role helping transportation operators navigate risk management and insurance challenges. Curt and Tim explore the long-standing partnership between RWR Insurance and NSTA, the value of industry collaboration, and why strong partnerships are critical to supporting student transportation professionals. The duo also preview the upcoming 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention (AMC) in Denver, including the MST insurance panel, " Turbulence in the Air: Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market ," and examine the evolving insurance landscape impacting transportation providers today. Curt and Tim discuss the importance of the Federal Partner Update session and how insights from federal agencies help attendees stay informed, prepared, and ahead of emerging industry developments. The episode concludes with a look at Tim's favorite travel destinations and where listeners can learn more about RWR Insurance and its commitment to serving the transportation industry. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show

July 8, 202647 min

Lights, Action, Safety

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Andrew Boyce, Regional Account Executive at First Light Safety Products, member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee, and sponsor of the 2026 AMC NSTA Run Club. Andrew begins the episode by sharing his journey into the school transportation industry and providing insight into his role supporting student safety through enhanced visibility solutions. Curt and Andrew discuss the importance of visibility and safety awareness, why transportation professionals should stay engaged through NSTA meetings and events, and the value of building connections across the industry. The conversation also highlights the 52nd School Bus Driver International Safety Competition held in Austin, Texas, and the accomplishments of the driver-contestants that participated. The duo also take a closer look at the growing excitement surrounding the infamous NSTA Run Club and what attendees can expect in 2026. Finally, the episode wraps up with where listeners can learn more about First Light Safety Products and the work being done to advance student safety nationwide. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals! Support the show