Transportation Safety STARTs With the Drivers
The S.T.A.R.T.™ Institute (School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training) delivers nationally recognized threat-recognition and active-threat response training across four transportation environments: Pre-K, K-12, Campus, and Transit. Our hands-on, scenario-based programs equip drivers, aides, operators, and support personnel with the tools, confidence, and skills to protect every passenger.
Four Divisions. One Mission.
From early childhood transportation to public transit systems, S.T.A.R.T.™ delivers specialized training across every tier of the transportation ecosystem.
The Safety Gap No One Was Filling.
In 2015, Jim Levine, a School Resource Officer in Northeast Ohio, asked a simple but urgent question: “Are our school district’s bus drivers trained and prepared to respond to an active threat?”
The answer was no. The S.T.A.R.T.™ program was created to close that gap, developed by law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, retired United States Secret Service personnel, and active and former military personnel.
— Jon Detwiler, Superintendent, Fremont City Schools
Beyond Training.Building Safer Communities.
The S.T.A.R.T.™ Institute is more than a training provider we are active national advocates for transportation safety, driving awareness campaigns, wellness initiatives, and cultural reform across America.
Our advocacy addresses the root issues: parent compliance, driver wellness, unauthorized boarding, and the broader safety gaps that leave transportation professionals unprotected.
National No Trespassing on School Bus Campaign
Raising national awareness and legal enforcement around unauthorized school bus boarding to protect every driver and every child.
National Parent Compliance Video Initiative
Educating parents on safe bus stop behavior, proper interaction protocols, and compliance improving the safety of every route.
Driver Wellness Resources
Supporting driver mental health, stress management, and fatigue awareness because a healthy driver is a safe driver.
Transportation Safety Initiatives
Broader national campaigns, legislative outreach, and public awareness efforts reaching communities and organizations nationwide.
Real Voices. Real Impact.
Thousands of transportation professionals have experienced S.T.A.R.T.™ training. Here is what they had to say about the program.
School Bus Driver
Director of Transportation
Superintendent
S.T.A.R.T.™ Making Headlines.
It All STARTs With the Driver.
- Serving districts, campuses, and transit agencies nationwide · STARTInstitute.org