First Student Updates Parent App to Unify Bus and Alternative Transit

With over 1.1 million downloads recorded, the platform now aims to simplify logistics for households managing multiple students or varying transportation needs. The expansion includes support for 15 languages—ranging from Arabic and Vietnamese to Pashto and Haitian Creole—to increase accessibility for diverse school communities. Parents can now receive push notifications for vehicle arrivals, trip changes, and district-wide service alerts, as well as access a dedicated feedback portal to report on their experience.

For families utilizing First Alt services, which often cater to students with specialized needs, the app now allows for same-day ride management and trip scheduling up to 14 days in advance. John Kenning, President and CEO of First Student, noted that the enhancements align with the company’s push for greater transparency and safety. The rollout follows the company’s recent recognition as a 2026 CIO 100 Award winner for its technological integration in student logistics. The app is currently available for download via the App Store and Google Play.