This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back returning guest Spencer Schiefelbein, Director of Channel Development at REI, a gracious sponsor and strong supporter of NSTA. Spencer starts by giving listeners an overview of REI, its mission, and its evolving role in the student transportation industry. He then shares his personal background, highlighting his journey into the field and the passion that drives his work in ensuring school bus safety. As a key member of NSTA, Spencer reflects on how industry associations like NSTA help companies like REI stay connected, informed, and impactful within the transportation ecosystem. The discussion naturally shifts to technology, where REI always takes the lead. Spencer shares the latest innovations in bus stop safety, spotlighting how cutting-edge tools are reshaping the future of student transportation. With AI making headlines across industries, Spencer dives into how it’s influencing safety tech and transforming day-to-day operations in transportation—enhancing decision-making, efficiency, and real-time responsiveness. The episode wraps up with a timely and complex issue—tariffs. Curt and Spencer provide a grounded look at how current and potential tariffs could affect the school bus sector, from supply chains to pricing, and what stakeholders should be keeping an eye on moving forward.

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