Navigating Change: How REI Supports Safer, Smarter School Transportation Artwork

The Bus Stop

Your one stop shop for all things NSTA and school transportation industry. Check back for new content being added weekly. The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) provides “The Bus Stop” podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of NSTA policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by NSTA. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. NSTA encourages interested parties to circulate podcast episodes via appropriate venues, but the podcast can only be rebroadcast in its entirety, and editing The Bus Stop podcasts is expressly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed on The Bus Stop podcasts are for informational purposes only, and listeners can raise questions or concerns via email at info@yellowbuses.org.

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The Bus Stop

Navigating Change: How REI Supports Safer, Smarter School Transportation

July 25, 2025

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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