The Bus Stop

From Service to Strategy: Leading Fleets that Perform

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232]- 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232] - 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 [http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/]

Smart Budget Solutions: How Used School Buses Maximize Tight Resources

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232]- 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232] - 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 [http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/]

Downtime Decoded: What Operators Need to Know

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232]- 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232] - 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 [http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/]

The Golden Standard: 150 Years of Keeping America Moving

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232]- 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232] - 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 [http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/]

Rethinking the Ride: The Future of School Bus Safety

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232]- 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/277232] - 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 [http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/]