Aug. 8, 2025
By Nick Behan
With over three decades in the transportation industry, Tim Wertner has witnessed the sector evolve through technology, environmental policy, and a deepening commitment to community service. As CEO of Student transportation at Durham School Services, Tim offers a front-line perspective on what it takes to balance commercial success with environmental stewardship, and why the school bus industry is uniquely positioned to lead the clean energy transition.
Looking back, what’s been the most transformative change in the sector and how has it shaped operations today?
The shift from diesel-powered vehicles to cleaner alternative fuels such as propane, hydrogen, and electric has been without a doubt the most transformative development I’ve experienced. It’s a change that affects every aspect of our operations, from vehicle procurement and maintenance strategies to driver training, safety protocols, and long-term strategic planning. It reflects a broader evolution in the industry where environmental sustainability has gone from a nice-to-have to a must-have.
At FedEx Express, I saw the early stages of this shift, and at Durham School Services, we’ve accelerated it, committing to cleaner technologies while maintaining performance and reliability. The industry now views emission reduction as a core performance metric, and this alignment between operations and environmental impact is reshaping what it means to lead in transportation. It's been inspiring to be part of this shift and to see how innovation and purpose can align for long-term progress.
What’s the biggest sustainability challenge in your area of the sector, and how is your organisation responding to it?
The infrastructure required to support large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is the most pressing issue we face. While the vision for a zero-emission future is clear and widely supported, the reality is that many regions still lack the electrical capacity, charging infrastructure, and policy alignment to make full electrification feasible.
At Durham School Services, we’ve taken a multi-pronged approach, investing in electric and propane-powered vehicles, adapting facilities to support charging, and engaging closely with state and local governments to synchronise efforts. We’re also incorporating energy-efficient design into our long-term facilities planning. It’s a phased transition, one that demands flexibility, proactive investment, and collaboration across sectors.
Fortunately, the school bus industry is particularly well suited to electric vehicles, thanks to predictable routing and built-in idle times that align perfectly with charging needs. We're making real progress, but there's still a long way to go before the infrastructure fully catches up with our ambitions.
How do you balance commercial performance with the sustainability imperative, and where are the trade-offs or opportunities?
We approach sustainability as a strategic advantage rather than a trade-off. Our investments in alternative fuels and cleaner fleets are not only about doing the right thing, they make sound business sense. By reducing fuel costs, lowering maintenance needs, and improving vehicle efficiency, we’re strengthening the financial resilience of our operations.
That said, the transition comes with significant up-front costs. Fleet replacement, facility upgrades, and training programs require disciplined capital planning and careful rollout strategies. We've mitigated this through strong partnerships, use of available grants and incentives, and by targeting early deployments in areas with supportive policies. This staged approach has allowed us to demonstrate success, build momentum, and maintain service quality throughout.
I also believe our commitment to sustainability strengthens relationships with school districts and communities, who are increasingly looking for transportation partners that align with their environmental values. Ultimately, commercial strength and environmental leadership are two sides of the same coin, and our long history proves that doing both well is not only possible, it’s essential.
Where is AI already making an impact, and what excites or concerns you about its future?
AI is already proving its potential to revolutionise transportation, and we’re only scratching the surface. At Durham School Services, we’re actively exploring AI applications in route optimisation, predictive maintenance, fleet performance monitoring, and safety. Smarter routing algorithms allow us to reduce mileage, cut fuel use, and improve on-time performance. Predictive analytics help us anticipate maintenance needs before they become operational issues, minimising downtime and increasing reliability. In safety, AI can support real-time monitoring and flag potential risks, protecting both passengers and drivers.
But as with any powerful tool, AI must be implemented thoughtfully. Our approach is one of cautious innovation, we thoroughly test and validate AI technologies before rolling them out. Safety, reliability, and ethical use are non-negotiables. We also stress that AI is not a replacement for human judgment; it's an enhancement. Our drivers and team members bring critical expertise and context that machines can't replicate. AI supports smarter decisions, but people remain at the heart of everything we do. Used responsibly, AI can help us raise the bar in performance, safety, and customer service, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Looking ahead to 2030, what shift will most define the future of transportation, and why?
The electrification of fleets will be the defining shift of this decade. It will touch every part of our business, from how we design and operate our facilities, to how we recruit and train drivers, to how we interact with the energy grid. The school bus industry is particularly well-positioned for this shift because of our route structure and predictable schedules. By 2030, I believe the majority of our yards will be electrified, and diesel will be largely phased out.
But electrification is just the beginning. I expect to see increased momentum in the exploration of autonomous technologies, particularly in monitoring, route support, and possibly limited operational scenarios. While fully autonomous school buses are still a way off, the conversation has begun and early pilots are emerging. Ultimately, the future of transportation will be smarter, cleaner, and more connected, and we are proud to be helping to lead that evolution while keeping safety, service, and community at the centre of everything we do.