First Student announces plans to equip its student transport vehicles with Samsara’s AI-powered safety technology
First Student, which provides student transport and the HALO technology platform, has announced plans to equip its 46,000 vehicles with AI technology from platform Samsara.
The vehicles will be equipped with technology including video-based safety telematics, commercial navigation, door monitors, and student ridership insights. The two organizations aim to build “the most advanced safety and performance ecosystem in the student transportation industry”.
Samara’s technology will add new safety features to the HALO platform including AI-powered cameras, collision avoidance and hazard detection software for drivers, predictive safety analytics, and post-trip insights to help identify trends.
Families will also be given more accurate location updates through the First View app and updates of their child’s boarding and disembarking.
“This partnership between two industry leaders enables us to leverage advanced technology to deliver safer, smarter, and more connected student transportation,” says John Kenning, CEO and President at First Student.
“By integrating Samsara’s AI insights into HALO, we are living out our value of setting the highest standards and redefining what student transportation can be. With Samsara’s AI capabilities, predictive analytics, and real-time safety monitoring, we are taking HALO to the next level - anticipating risks, preventing incidents, enhancing driver satisfaction, and advancing our mission to provide every student with the best possible transportation experience so they arrive at school ready to achieve their full potential.”
“We are proud to partner with First Student, which operates at an unmatched scale, serving millions of students daily across North America,” adds Sanjit Biswas, CEO and Co-Founder at Samsara. “By integrating our AI-powered platform with First Student’s HALO, we are taking innovation to the next level to create a safer, more efficient experience. Together, we’re bringing students the best possible transportation experience, powered by data-driven insights.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
