The Bus Stop

Hosted by National School Transportation Association

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Episodes

357

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 10, 202630 min

Game On: Safety in the Driver’s Seat

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes John Rojas, CEO of Bumper to Bumper Easy CDL and member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee. John shares his professional background and journey into the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) training and ultimately working with school bus drivers, John highlights the “aha moment” that led to the formation of EasyCDL-Online, and discusses the gaps he identified in traditional driver training programs. Curt and John explore how his platform supports schools, employers, and training providers through a business-to-business model, as well as the growing role of digital testing, including how Easy CDL’s tablet-based system will be used for written knowledge exams at the 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) and why aligning with national standards is so important as more states adopt similar technology. The duo also preview what they are most looking forward to at this year’s competition, and how the competition has evolved. Finally, the episode wraps with where listeners can learn more about Bumper to Bumper Easy CDL. 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

June 10, 202619 min

Built for the Stop That Matters: Protecting Every Ride

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Joe Allen, Director of Sales at Safe Fleet and NSTA Safety Competition Committee Member. Joe begins by sharing his professional background and journey into the student transportation industry, followed by an overview of Safe Fleet and SEON and their role in advancing school bus safety. Curt and Joe discuss how technology, including stop-arm violation enforcement systems (SAVES), is helping protect students and hold violators accountable, as well as the growing importance of fully connected safety platforms. The duo highlight Joe’s involvement with the NSTA Safety Competition, and why the event remains a cornerstone of the industry. Joe and Curt also give listeners a sneak peak at what attendees can expect at the 2026 competition in Austin, Texas. Curt and Joe wrap the episode up by sharing a few Austin restaurant recommendations, and where listeners can learn more about Safe Fleet. 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

May 27, 202648 min

The Next Generation Can Change Everything

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back returning guest Shane Cauble, Sales Director of National Accounts at IC Bus, 2026 SBDISC Scholarship Sponsor, and upcoming 2026 AMC OEM Panelist. Shane begins by sharing his professional background and path into the student transportation industry, setting the stage for a conversation on how the sales side keeps pace with rapid technological changes. Curt and Shane explore the evolving balance between innovation, cost, and operational realities, especially as electric vehicles and fleet modernization continue to shape the industry. The duo highlight IC Bus’s longstanding partnership with NSTA, including its royalty program and commitment to supporting drivers through 2026 SBDISC scholarships. Shane gives listeners a preview of what’s ahead for IC Bus during the OEM Panel at the upcoming 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver. The episode wraps with some college football talk, and where listeners can go to learn more about IC Bus. 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

May 20, 202640 min

From Service to Strategy: Leading Fleets that Perform

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes returning guest Shannon Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Fleet & Midwest Bus Sales at Beacon Mobility and Co-Chair of NSTA’s Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Technology (MST) Committee. Shannon opens the episode by sharing her professional journey and how her extensive background in service operations led her into the student transportation industry. Curt and Shannon discuss how she approaches streamlining large-scale fleet operations, along with the buying trends currently shaping the market and what operators should be paying attention to moving forward. The duo also highlight the critical role of the MST Committee in supporting NSTA members and fostering industry innovation, while previewing the upcoming AMC tech panel, “Turbulence in the Air – Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market,” and explaining why this topic is especially relevant today. The conversation wraps with a more personal touch as Shannon shares her favorite travel destinations and where listeners can go to learn more about Beacon Mobility. 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

May 13, 202622 min

Smart Budget Solutions: How Used School Buses Maximize Tight Resources

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Brian Schamma, Vice President of School Bus Sales at Master’s Transportation. Brian begins the episode by sharing his professional background and how he became involved in the student transportation industry. Curt and Brian discuss Master’s Transportation’s role in helping contractors and districts navigate the decision-making process between purchasing new and pre-owned buses, including how late-model used buses can provide cost-effective solutions while maintaining strong safety and service standards. The duo also explore how rental fleet vehicles and long-term leasing options can create greater operational flexibility for contractors facing evolving district needs and budget constraints. Brian shares insight into the key criteria operators should consider when evaluating new or used buses, as well as how he sees bus purchasing strategies evolving in the years ahead. Curt and Brian continue the conversation by discussing the importance of industry involvement through NSTA and staying engaged with peers across the student transportation community. The episode wraps up on a lighter note as Brian shares how he likes to unwind after a busy week and where listeners can learn more about Master’s 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

May 6, 202627 min

Downtime Decoded: What Operators Need to Know

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Rudd Lowry, CEO of Downtime Subrogation and a 2026 NSTA SBDISC Scholarship Sponsor. Rudd starts the episode by sharing his professional background, and how he became involved in the student transportation industry. Curt and Rudd dive into Downtime Subrogation’s role in helping operators recover overlooked costs that extend beyond vehicle repairs. The duo discuss common missed recovery opportunities, as well as key regulatory, insurance, and economic trends shaping downtime recovery today. Rudd also shares what’s ahead for the company and reflects on the decision to sponsor the 2026 NSTA SBDISC driver scholarships, emphasizing why investing in drivers and supporting the workforce is so important to the industry. Curt and Rudd continue the conversation by highlighting the value of attending live NSTA events and staying connected with peers. The episode ends on a fun note, as Rudd shares his favorite New York spot with Curt, and where listeners can learn more about Downtime Subrogation. 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

April 29, 202627 min

The Golden Standard: 150 Years of Keeping America Moving

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a returning guest Richard Wolfington Jr. and a new guest Eganne Wolfington McGowan of Wolfington Body Company. Richard and Eganne open the episode by sharing about Wolfington Body Company's long-standing impact on the student transportation industry. Richard shares his experience and perspective from years in the field, while Eganne reflects on her journey since joining the company in 2004 and how her role has grown over time. Richard and Eganne discuss Wolfington Body Company’s comprehensive approach to fleet support across sales, service, and parts. They also highlight what it means to be recognized as IC Dealer of the Year in both 2017 and 2024, and how that recognition reflects their team’s commitment to excellence. The trio reflects on how the school transportation industry continues to evolve, while emphasizing the core values that remain constant. Richard and Eganne discuss their continued engagement with NSTA through live events like the Midwinter Meeting, their strong presence in the community, and how they connect with customers both in person and online. Finally, Richard and Eganne share where listeners can go to learn more about Wolfington Body Company. 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

April 22, 202628 min

Rethinking the Ride: The Future of School Bus Safety

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Tanner Kotch, Director of Strategic Accounts at Motive. Tanner opens the episode by sharing his background, where he is based, and how he became involved in the student transportation industry. Curt and Tanner discuss Motive’s role in the industry and how its technology is helping school transportation providers enhance safety and efficiency. The duo explore the growing impact of AI, including how Motive's tools like AI Dashcam Plus are supporting driver coaching, improving performance, and enabling real-time risk detection to help prevent collisions. Tanner also shares what he’s hearing directly from customers using Motive’s solutions and the real-world impact they’re seeing on their operations. Curt and Tanner reflect on Motive’s recent participation at NSTA’s Midwinter Meeting in Fort Lauderdale and the value of engaging with industry peers through NSTA. Tanner offers guidance for organizations just beginning to explore Motive’s tools and highlights how listeners can learn more. To close out the episode, Tanner shares a bit about how he unwinds outside of work, and where listeners an learn more about Motive. 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

April 15, 202652 min

On the Road and At the Table: Leadership in Student Transportation

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back returning guest Corey Muirhead, Executive Vice President of Logan Bus Company Inc & Affiliates and NSTA Board of Directors member. Corey opens the episode by sharing his background, how he became involved in the student transportation industry, and an overview of Logan Bus Company’s 40+ year history serving communities. Curt and Corey discuss how Logan Bus Company upholds its core values of safety, quality, and dependability in daily operations, along with how the company is approaching innovation as AI plays a growing role in the industry. The duo also reflect on Logan Bus Company’s milestone as the first to deploy a Type-C electric school bus in New York City, what has evolved since, and what’s next in their electrification journey. Corey shares how his team supports students and families beyond the bus ride through community initiatives, and offers insight into his role as an NSTA Board of Directors member and the importance of national engagement in advancing student transportation. To wrap up the episode, Corey shares where listeners can learn more about Logan Bus Company. 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

April 8, 202624 min

Teaming Up for Safety & Efficiency: Inside Samsara’s Role in Student Transportation

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest, Robert Stobaugh, Chief Operating Officer – Go to Market at Samsara and 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting Keynote Speaker. Robert opens the episode by sharing his background and how he became involved in the student transportation industry, along with an overview of Samsara and its role in supporting school transportation operations. Curt and Robert reflect on the 2026 Midwinter Meeting keynote, where Robert discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming operations decision-making from reactive to proactive, and what industry trends Samsara is watching closely. The duo highlight how Samsara’s solutions are being used on the ground in student transportation to improve safety and efficiency, while reducing operational challenges. Robert shares how Samsara's involvement with NSTA has shaped his perspective on the student transportation industry following the Midwinter Meeting. To wrap up the episode, Robert shares where listeners can learn more about Samsara. 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