The Bus Stop

National School Transportation Association

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.

  1. Beyond the Bus Door: The Accessible Route Ahead

    Jul 1

    Beyond the Bus Door: The Accessible Route Ahead

    This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Maritza Valentin, National Account Manager at AMF Bruns and member of NSTA’s Manufacturers Suppliers and Technology (MST) Committee. Maritza starts the episode by sharing her journey into the school transportation industry and provides insight into her role supporting transportation professionals nationwide. Curt and Maritza highlight the importance of proper wheelchair securement and passenger safety and explore AMF Bruns’ new headquarters in Stow, Ohio. The duo also explore the future of accessibility and special needs transportation, with the advancements they hope to see in the years ahead. The conversation also touches on the value of industry engagement through NSTA events and committees, and why industry professionals should get involved. The episode wraps up with a look at how Maritza unwinds outside of work and where listeners can learn more about AMF Bruns. 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

    35 min
  2. Game On for Safety: Inside the Competition and Beyond

    Jun 24

    Game On for Safety: Inside the Competition and Beyond

    This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Kevin Kilner, Chief Safety Officer at Beacon Mobility, NSTA Safety Competition Committee Chair, and NSTA School Bus Safety Subcommittee Co-Chair. The episode begins with Kevin sharing his journey into the school transportation industry and the experiences that shaped his safety-first leadership approach, while highlighting Beacon Mobility’s ongoing commitment to industry standards. Curt and Kevin also discuss key updates to the 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC), including growth, innovations, and what the future holds for the competition. The duo then explore broader issues facing the student transportation industry such as regulatory developments, federal legislation, and the importance of collaboration through the Safety Subcommittee. The episode wraps with a personal touch as Kevin shares how he unwinds outside of work and where listeners can 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

    47 min
  3. Built for Competition, Focused on Safety

    Jun 17

    Built for Competition, Focused on Safety

    This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Cassandra Behr, Director of Transportation for Hays CISD, 2026 NSTA School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) host, and member of the NSTA Safety Competition Committee. The episode begins as Cassandra shares her journey into the school transportation industry and reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership approach, while discussing what a “successful day” looks like from a safety standpoint. Curt and Cassandra also explore lessons learned from managing challenges, and how to balance the needs of students, staff, and the community. The duo reflect on the importance of the partnership between Hays CISD and NSTA, along with the critical work of the Safety Competition Committee. The episode wraps with a look ahead to the future of student transportation and where listeners can learn more about NSTA’s annual safety competition and Hays CISD. 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

    44 min
  4. Built for the Stop That Matters: Protecting Every Ride

    Jun 10

    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

    19 min
  5. Game On: Safety in the Driver’s Seat

    Jun 10

    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

    30 min
  6. The Next Generation Can Change Everything

    May 27

    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

    48 min
  7. From Service to Strategy: Leading Fleets that Perform

    May 20

    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

    40 min
  8. Smart Budget Solutions: How Used School Buses Maximize Tight Resources

    May 13

    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

    22 min
See All (360)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    National School Transportation Association
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    360
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bus Stop
  • Show Website
    The Bus Stop

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