Fresno Unified bus drivers received good news after months of fearing job loss and campaigning for the students they serve.

The School Board approved a new five-year special education transportation contract with Zūm Services Inc. on April 30.

Zūm will offer employment to all current drivers in good standing, Fresno Unified Board Communication documents show. Additionally, drivers will get an 18% increase, according to Zūm spokesperson Sarah Skinner.

Zūm negotiated pay and benefits with Service Employees International Union Local 521, which represents the drivers.

“This new agreement means everything for us. It means job security, fair compensation, and respect for the work we do every single day,” said Jacole Paul, Local 521’s vice president.

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Drivers Faced Months of Uncertainty

For months, district bus drivers attended School Board meetings to request support and petition for job security.

Currently, the district contracts with First Student Inc., which employs around 250 drivers. The contract will expire in 2026.

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Drivers emphasized how a possible change in staffing could negatively impact students who have come to know and trust them.

“The impact goes far beyond us. For the children and parents, we serve, this agreement brings relief and trust,” Paul said, “It means children won’t be left waiting, wondering who their driver is from one week to the next.”

After every ride, parents will be able to rate their student’s experience on a Zūm app.

The app will notify leadership of any rating below four out of five stars, ensuring the customer support team can reach out and respond to concerns.

The app allows parents and administrators to see all operations. It is available in 10 languages and designed to guarantee student safety.

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Learn About Zūm

Zūm is a woman-led company based in Redwood City in the Bay Area that currently serves more than 130 districts and 4,000 schools.

A panel of Fresno Unified Transportation Department and Special Education Department staff vetted and recommended Zūm.

“Zūm distinguished themselves by their values and commitment to service,” said Paul Rosencrans, the district’s transportation director. “They provided a thoughtful and effective strategy for recruiting and retaining high-quality drivers.”

The new contract between the district and Zūm begins Aug. 01, 2026.

Zūm agreed to retain the previously guaranteed six-hour workday and provide benefits including a 401k retirement plan, and medical and dental insurance.

Also, the company will provide a new fleet of buses with air conditioning, better lumbar support, and acoustics that do not damage drivers’ hearing.

Drivers will receive top-of-the-line equipment, facilities, and continuous training with SPED Safe, Skinner said.

Zūm’s annual cost is $17,721,083, according to the board agenda.