School buses are getting a name change this fall in Spokane. The Spokane Public Schools Board decided to switch from Durham to a different school bus company, 'Zum.'
"We are super excited to be with Spokane," said Ritu Narayan, who's the CEO of Zum.
From a new set of electric buses to modern technology for students, parents, and drivers, student transportation company 'Zum' is excited to serve Spokane Public Schools this fall.
With new modern technology, the company wants to improve route visibility and communication for parents and students.
"Parents will have access to the app. They will have full information where their child is and the driver is and where the bus is, considering the child doesn't have to wait outside in snow waiting for the bus," Narayan said.
All buses will be carbon-neutral and electric buses. In case of an emergency like a power outage, the backup plans are built into the bus batteries.
The company provides busing for many state school districts including Seattle right now.
However, the company wasn't fully ready when it launched last fall.
"We are absolutely confident that we will be prepared, given that Spokane Schools district has done amazing job making a decision and getting the board approval in the beginning of March," said Narayan. "It gives us handful time for us to prepare to have a new fleet ready... drivers ready... technology ready... gets routes prepared."
Zum's CEO says all existing drivers are invited to apply for jobs this fall.
Though it's the first time switching to a new company, a Durham bus driver says he's excited about the change.
"First and foremost, what's the application process going to be. It was the first thing that crossed my mind," Christopher Bryan said.
The company says they will make sure drivers are eligible. They will go through the background checks and certification processes. The company says if they are already certified, it would be an easy transition.
Zum is currently considering to utilize the same Durham facility. However, to ensure readiness, it's also looking at other possible locations for its bus barn.
The SPS' contract with Zum will cost over $71 million for all five years, beginning in August 2023.
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Негізгі бет New school bus company 'Zum' prepares to provide services in Spokane
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