[May 2024] Bus Buzz: Mourning the Legendary Frank DiGiacomo
Frank DiGiacomo, the retired longtime publisher of School Bus Fleet and Metro Magazine and a Hall-of-Fame member of the National Association of Pupil Transportation, died in New Jersey on May 9. He was 84.
Ken Hedgecock, who got to know DiGiacomo during the publisher’s tenure before he retired in January 2022, remembered him fondly.
“I am grieved to hear of Frank’s passing,” said Hedgecock, who used to work for Thomas Built Buses but is now with United Safety and Survivability Corporation. “Frank was a passionate advocate of pupil transportation. He was also a man of his word and he always did what he committed to do.”
Many who knew DiGiacomo described him as a “class act,” including Mike Simmons, president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. “He was a true leader in the school transportation industry, but he was also a great man and a friend. Our industry is far better for his efforts, and he will be truly missed.”
Read more about his passing on School Bus Fleet’s website.
Got questions? Reach out to School Bus Fleet Executive Editor Wes Platt at wes.platt@bobit.com.
Come along for the ride and never miss a stop along our route to success!
Top Features for School Transportation Pros
Gotten educated about the latest features from our website and the pages of our print magazine? Check out just a few:
New Safety Standards Proposed for Electric School Buses: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes FMVSS No. 305a, upgrading electric vehicle safety regulations, including heavy vehicles like school buses. Comments accepted until June 14.
Recommended by LinkedIn
[SBF Flashback] Contractors of the Year Since 2014: Explore a decade of outstanding leadership in student transportation as we revisit past School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year recipients and call to nominate the next.
[The Route] Electric Opportunities in School Transportation: Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, discusses the possible reclassification of marijuana, proposed changes to EV school bus safety standards, the EPA's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant program, and PERC's new hire. Plus, an interview with Vinny Riscica, senior project manager for clean transportation at NYSERDA ! This episode is sponsored by Thomas Built Buses , a leader in pupil transportation.
Recent School Bus Fleet News Headlines
Every day, we’re watching for the latest news coming around the corner. Let us help keep you informed. Are you all caught up on these stories?
Blue Bird Workers Secure First Union Contract: Blue Bird Corporation celebrates the ratification of its first union contract by over 1,500 workers, secured through collaboration with the United Steelworkers. The three-year agreement promises significant wage increases, job respect, and vital health and safety provisions.
Zum Launches All-Electric, V2G-Capable Fleet in California District: Zūm and Oakland Unified School District introduce the first 100% electric school bus fleet in the U.S., equipped with bidirectional chargers for grid support. This groundbreaking initiative aims to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance grid resilience, setting a precedent for sustainable student transportation nationwide.
Safety Competitions Back on Track Post-Pandemic: In June, Kansas holds its annual conference and driving competition, while NSTA goes to Texas for the latest School Bus Driver International Safety Competition.
TBB’s Bangston Assumes Leadership Over Freightliner Custom Chassis: Kevin Bangston, the president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, now also serves in that capacity over Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation . He succeeds Jeff Sather in that role.
From,