Reading School District Announces Five-Year Transportation Contract with Zūm

Zūm busSubmitted Image

READING, PA — The Reading School District (RSD) has unveiled plans for a significant upgrade in its student transportation services. The district is set to enter a five-year partnership with Zūm, a pioneer in modern student transportation. This collaboration involves operating 64 school bus routes and is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

RSD joins an impressive list of school districts, including Los Angeles Unified School District, San Francisco Unified School District, and Seattle Public Schools, all of which have chosen Zūm for its innovative approach to student transit.

Dr. Jennifer Murray, RSD Superintendent, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to partner with Zūm to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation for our students. Safety is our top priority, and Zūm brings innovative solutions that elevate our service standards within the school community.”

Zūm’s advanced buses offer state-of-the-art safety features and a service focused on family needs. The Zūm app provides parents with real-time tracking and status notifications while offering efficient route monitoring for administrators. Zūm also supplies RSD staff with real-time data and performance reports, enabling transparent, data-driven decisions regarding student transportation.

Beyond enhancing safety, the partnership promises substantial cost savings. The bus depot will be situated within Reading city limits, fostering efficient transportation for students, reducing costs, and minimizing the time buses spend on the road without student passengers.

“These state-of-the-art buses not only enhance safety measures, but also promise significant cost savings for the district,” said Christopher Barff, RSD Transportation Director. “We are excited to begin this journey with Zūm, fostering a more efficient transportation system for our students and families.”

The partnership doesn’t stop at immediate improvements. Zūm and RSD are collaborating on a plan to transition the entire school bus fleet to electric within the next five years.

Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO at Zūm, sees this partnership as a shared commitment to a healthier, sustainable community. “Reading School District prioritizes the health, safety and equity of its diverse student population, and Zūm shares these core values,” Narayan said. “We are delighted to partner with the district to provide enhanced transportation service and look forward to transitioning their school bus fleet to electric over the next five years.”

This partnership reflects a significant step towards a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future for student transportation in the Reading School District.

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