First Alt Awarded Group Purchasing Contract from BuyQ

Competitively-bid award expands alternative transportation options to thousands of private and charter schools

CINCINNATI, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, a trusted leader in school transportation for millions of families, announced today that its alternative transportation division, First Alt^® has been awarded a group purchasing contract from BuyQ, the only group purchasing organization devoted specifically to charter and private schools. The new contract, awarded through a rigorous national RFP in the alternative student and client transportation solutions category, eliminates the need for private and charter schools to conduct their own RFPs, saving valuable time and resources.

Currently serving school districts in 18 states, First Alt provides a range of transportation solutions, including services for students with special needs, hard-to-serve trips and alternative transportation options. First Alt recently marked its second anniversary by announcing a suite of cutting-edge safety and technology advancements for students, including FirstView, which provides parents and districts real-time visibility of their student trips. First Alt also has an advanced camera system in place for schools that wish to utilize cameras on their student trips.

First Alt partners with vetted local transportation companies, utilizing a fleet of small-capacity vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, minivans, and wheelchair-accessible vans. All contracted drivers undergo rigorous background checks and specialized training in behavior and equipment management, ensuring safe, reliable service for students.

"The ability to provide private and charter schools with a comprehensive K-12 transportation solution is a game changer because it takes the stress and worry out of how students, regardless of their transportation needs, get to and from school. This award from BuyQ expands our reach, and we are excited to provide even greater options to thousands of more schools," said First Alt Vice President Gregg Prettyman. "As schools experience increasing demand for alternative student transportation solutions, we are proud to be a partner to BuyQ to provide students with unmatched care and the safest ride to school, ensuring they start the day ready to learn."

"Getting children to school safely is an essential part of the learning experience, and BuyQ is proud to partner with First Alt to ensure every student receives quality, accessible and safe transportation" said Christine Rafanelli, co-founder and CEO of BuyQ. "First Alt is an industry leader, and we are thrilled to bring their expertise to our schools."

Group purchasing contracts provide cost-effective and efficient procurement solutions for schools. BuyQ is the only group purchasing organization devoted solely on charter and private schools. In coordination with a committee of school representatives, BuyQ selects its awarded vendors through a competitive RFP process, ensuring exceptional value for participating schools. 

How to Purchase Through the Contract
Charter and private schools can access exclusive pricing and benefits by visiting buyq.org/. There is no cost for schools to use the contract, and no long-term commitments or spending minimums are required. For more information about the procurement process and contract award, visit the First Alt landing page or the BuyQ First Alt landing page.

About First Student and First Alt
As North America's leading school transportation solutions provider, First Student strives to provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school to 5.5 million students daily. With a team of highly trained drivers, the company will complete 1 billion student trips during the 2024-25 school year. First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance, and charter services. Its fleet includes about 45,000 buses.

First Alt utilizes a fleet of small capacity vehicles from existing local transportation companies that are expertly operated and maintained, giving school districts flexibility in their transportation program, reducing costs, and freeing up resources for higher-capacity trips. First Alt takes advantage of First Student's rigorous driver background checks, training and technology tools.

About BuyQ
BuyQ helps charter and private schools do more with their money. Through a portfolio of a national, competitive group purchasing contracts and other benefit programs, charter and private schools realize immediate savings and enhanced service from top national vendors, plus a purchasing advocate to guide them through the process — all at no cost to the school. Learn more at BuyQ.org.

Contact: Jen Biddinger, 513.362.4600

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SOURCE First Student