Pupil Transportation Safety Institute

What Pupil Transportation Safety Institute does

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and headquartered in East Syracuse, New York. PTSI delivers school bus driver training, certification, and safety resources to New York State school districts, private bus contractors, and individual transportation professionals. Its core offerings include the School Bus Driving Instructor (SBDI) certification course, the 19-A Certified Examiner (CE) course and refresher, NYSED-approved Basic/Advanced/Monitor courses, and the federally mandated Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) online theory program for Class B CDL with P and S endorsements. Beyond training, PTSI administers the NYSED School Bus Driver Database and holds FMCSA Registered Training Provider (TPR) status, making it a regulatory-embedded operator in pupil transportation compliance.

PTSI's underlying technology is an online learning management system hosted at onlinelearning.ptsi.org and courses.ptsi.org, delivering theory training, automated quizzes, final certification exams, and real-time reporting to school and state administrators. Course completions flow into the FMCSA TPR database and NYSED's School Bus Driver Database. Complementary products include proprietary ELDT Range & Road trainer's manuals, workbooks, DVDs, safety posters, and annually updated NYS Laws & Regs handbooks sold through an e-commerce store.

Revenue is generated through four streams: in-person certification and refresher course fees (e.g., SBDI at $945, CE at $745, CE Refresher at $155, Accident Investigation at $575), volume-tiered online access keys (e.g., ELDT at $75-$150 per key, DASA at $10-$20 per key), sale of physical training materials and publications, and professional consulting services covering transportation program evaluation, compliance studies, fleet management, accident investigation, and emergency planning. Courses are delivered in-person at roughly 15 host locations across New York State (BOCES, school districts, hotels) and online via the LMS. The go-to-market is sales-led with a self-serve e-commerce layer, and the buyer base spans state education departments, school district transportation directors, private bus contractors, and individual drivers.

Name

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute

Legal name

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute

Website

https://ptsi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 that provides school bus driver training, certification, and safety resources to New York State school districts, bus contractors, and individual transportation professionals, administering the NYSED School Bus Driver Database and FMCSA ELDT training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pupil Transportation Safety Training

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), School and Employee Bus Transportation (48541)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Driver Staffing, Training & Compliance (CDL, Background Checks) (EDAEADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transportation Policy, Audits & Regulatory Compliance Services (EDAEADAL), Special Needs / Paratransit Student Transportation Services (EDAEADAH)

Keywords

• School bus driver training
• Pupil transportation safety
• CDL certification training
• Commercial driver education
• Transportation safety consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

East Syracuse

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Training Course Fees: In-person certification and refresher courses including SBDI Course ($945), CE Course ($745), CE Refresher ($155), 19-A Record Keeping ($185), Accident Investigation ($575), and special needs seminars ($185). Courses offered at various New York State locations.
2. Online Training Access Keys: Subscription-style access keys for online courses (ELDT, Recordkeeping, DASA, Dispatcher, Driver Wellness, Student Management, Mandated Reporter, Reasonable Suspicion). Keys are priced per-unit with volume discounts and grant access for defined periods (1 year for ELDT, through 12/31/26 for CE Refresher).
3. Training Materials and Resources: Sale of workbooks, manuals, DVDs, safety posters, student safety resources, coloring books, instructional materials, and annual publications (Laws & Regs, School Bus Safety guides) through the online store.
4. Consulting Services: Transportation program evaluation, compliance studies, safety reviews, fleet management evaluation, accident investigation analysis, and emergency planning assessments for school districts and bus contractors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI) is a nonprofit organization that delivers school bus driver training, certification, and safety resources to school transportation providers in New York State and nationally. Core offerings include in-person and online certification courses (SBDI, 19-A Certified Examiner, ELDT Online Theory), FMCSA-compliant Entry Level Driver Training, NYSED-mandated driver and monitor courses, and transportation program consultation and evaluative studies. The organization also operates an online store for training manuals, workbooks, DVDs, and safety publications, and manages the NYSED School Bus Driver Database.

Product overview

Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI) is a nonprofit organization providing school bus driver training, certification, and safety resources. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio centered around training courses and certifications, including the flagship SBDI Course (5-day School Bus Driving Instructor certification), 19-A Certified Examiner Course and Refreshers, various online courses (DASA, Driver Wellness, Student Management, Mandated Reporter, Reasonable Suspicion, Recordkeeping), and the ELDT Online Theory Program for Class B CDL. PTSI also provides in-person courses like the School Bus Dispatcher Course and Accident Investigation Course. The organization serves as an FMCSA Registered Training Provider (TPR) and manages the NYSED School Bus Driver Database. Beyond training, PTSI offers Consultation & Evaluative Studies and an online store with training materials, workbooks, DVDs, and safety resources. The portfolio is structured as a training services platform with individual certification courses and supplementary products and resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SBDI Course (School Bus Driving Instructor) A 5-day in-person certification course for individuals seeking to become NYSED-certified School Bus Driver Instructors, taught by certified Master Instructors. Price: $945.
• PDS for SBDIs (Professional Development Seminar) A mandatory one-day annual refresher course for certified SBDIs covering different topics each year to retain certification.
• CE Course (Certified Examiner 19-A) A 4-day NYS DMV-approved pre-requisite training course preparing candidates for the DMV-administered 19-A Certified Examiner Test, enabling supervisor duties in passenger transportation. Price: $745.
• CE Refresher (19-A) In-Person A 1-day NYS DMV-approved in-person refresher required at least once every three years for Certified Examiners to maintain certification. Price: $155.
• 2026 Online CE Refresher (19-A) Online self-paced version of the CE Refresher that can be taken at the participant's own pace, valid through 12/31/26. Requires passing score of 80%. Price: $109.
• 19-A Record Keeping Course A 1-day in-person seminar (5 hours) teaching efficient methods of documenting Article 19-A records for anyone responsible for bus driver 19-A files. Price: $185.
• School Bus Dispatcher Course (In-Person) In-person course teaching dispatchers skills to complete tasks efficiently, improve communication, enhance customer service, and manage time and stress.
• Online School Bus Dispatcher Course Online self-paced version of the School Bus Dispatcher Course offering the same benefits as in-person with the convenience of remote learning. Price: $135.
• School Bus Accident Investigation & Scene Management Course A 3-day comprehensive course with classroom instruction and hands-on field work to improve accident scene management and develop bus accident response policies. Price: $575.
• ELDT Online Theory Program for Class B CDL Online theory training for new school bus drivers seeking CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, FMCSA-compliant with regulatory monitoring, automatic quiz administration, and real-time reporting. Priced $150/key (1-25) with volume discounts.
• ELDT Range & Road Complete Trainer's Manual A comprehensive printed guide for performing Range and Road portions of the ELDT mandate, including both Parts 2 and 3 of the FMCSA ELDT program. Price: $349.95.
• ELDT Spiral-bound RANGE Trainer's Manual School bus-specific guide for setting up obstacle course for closed range training, with trainer coaching suggestions and driver proficiency criteria on weatherproof paper. Price: $179.95.
• ELDT Spiral-bound ROAD Trainer's Manual Guide for applying range skills to the road environment with trainer narratives for required knowledge testing, on weatherproof paper. Price: $149.95.
• NYSED Basic Driver Course (30-hour) NYSED-mandated 30-hour basic driver training course for school bus drivers, offered and instructed by independent SBDIs across New York State.
• NYSED Basic Monitor/Attendant Course (10-hour) NYSED-mandated 10-hour training course for school bus monitors and attendants, offered by independent SBDIs across New York State.
• NYSED Advanced Driver Course (10-hour) NYSED-mandated 10-hour advanced driver training course for school bus drivers, offered by independent SBDIs across New York State.
• Online Recordkeeping Course Online training providing in-depth review of 19-A documentation requirements for accurate file compliance and management. Priced $135/key (1-9) with volume discounts.
• Online DASA Training Online Dignity for All Students Act training required annually for NYS school district personnel to create environments free of discrimination and bullying. Priced $20/key (1-9) with volume discounts.
• Online Driver Wellness Course Online program empowering school bus drivers to maintain physical and mental health while performing their duties effectively. Price: $135.
• Online Student Management Course Online program focusing on strategies, expectations, and practices for managing student behavior on school buses, supporting the 'Classroom on Wheels' concept.
• Online Mandated Reporter & Yearly Refresher NYS Education Department mandated 2-hour training for school bus drivers and attendants on reporting suspected child abuse, human trafficking or maltreatment. Price: $49.95 (minimum 5 keys for company purchase).
• Online Reasonable Suspicion Course Training for transportation managers and supervisors to recognize behavioral, physical, and performance indicators suggesting drug or alcohol use. Price: $85 single course, $120 for both Drug & Alcohol courses.
• Transporting Students with Special Needs Seminar One-day seminar covering the 13 categories of IDEA, Section 504, least restricted environment, behavior intervention plans, and documentation for transporting students with special needs. Price: $185 (includes lunch).
• Consultation & Evaluative Studies Transportation program evaluation, compliance evaluation, site safety review, fleet management evaluation, bus route safety evaluations, accident investigation analysis, and emergency planning assessments for school districts and bus contractors.
• School Bus Safety Training Products & Resources Store Online store offering training products, DVDs, school bus safety materials, driver training workbooks, safety posters, student safety resources, coloring books, instructional materials, NYS Laws & Regs handbooks, and Physical Performance Test equipment.

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT)minorOthersProfessional membership organization for the pupil transportation industry. Listed as a member organization on PTSI's website.
• National Association for Directors of Pupil Transportation Safety (NASDPTS)minorOthersProfessional membership organization. Listed as a member organization on PTSI's website.
• Association of School Business Officials of New York (ASBO NY)minorOthersProfessional organization for school business officials in New York. Listed as a member organization on PTSI's website.
• New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA)minorOthersOrganization representing school boards in New York State. Listed as a member organization on PTSI's website.
• New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT)minorOthersProfessional organization for pupil transportation in New York. Listed as a member organization on PTSI's website. Co-sponsors the Technician of the Year award.
• New York State Education Department (NYSED)coreTechnology or IntegrationPTSI manages the School Bus Driver Database for NYSED and provides training courses approved by NYSED including Basic, Advanced, and Monitor courses. This is a formal administrative relationship for driver certification tracking and course approval.
• New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV)coreTechnology or IntegrationPTSI provides DMV-approved pre-requisite training courses for 19-A Certified Examiner certification. Course completions are reported to the DMV Bus Driver Unit. CE Refreshers are NYS DMV-approved as required by law and regulation.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)coreTechnology or IntegrationPTSI is an FMCSA Registered Training Provider (TPR) for Entry Level Driver Training. The organization's ELDT online theory program meets FMCSA MAP-21 requirements and training data is recorded in the TPR database.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Vector Solutions: Vector Solutions provides online training, compliance, and performance management for safety-sensitive industries including school transportation — overlapping with PTSI's mandated reporter, reasonable suspicion, and driver management training verticals.

Direct peers

• ClickSafety: ClickSafety offers online OSHA, DOT, and transportation safety training via subscription access keys — the same access-key/unit-pricing model PTSI uses for ELDT, recordkeeping, DASA, and reasonable suspicion courses.
• J.J. Keller & Associates: J.J. Keller provides FMCSA regulatory compliance training and managed services, including ELDT programs, for fleets and drivers — directly overlapping with PTSI's FMCSA TPR-registered ELDT theory offering and broader transportation compliance training portfolio.
• Smith System: Smith System is a long-standing driver safety training company offering behind-the-wheel coaching and e-learning for commercial and pupil transportation drivers — directly comparable to PTSI's range/road instructor manuals and accident investigation curriculum.
• SafetyServe (a ClickSafety brand): SafetyServe delivers online FMCSA-compliant training including ELDT and DOT-regulated courses to fleets and schools — competing head-to-head with PTSI's online access-key ELDT and compliance training products.
• Coaching Systems: Coaching Systems provides behind-the-wheel driver evaluation and instructor training for commercial and pupil transportation — comparable to PTSI's SBDI and Range & Road trainer development programs.

Broad incumbents

• National Safety Council: The National Safety Council offers defensive driving and motor vehicle safety training across commercial and passenger fleets, giving districts an alternative channel for road-safety content that overlaps with PTSI's accident investigation and driver wellness courses.

Others

• NASDPTS (National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services): NASDPTS is the national professional association for state pupil transportation directors; it sets standards and recommends training content for the same buyers PTSI serves, making it an ecosystem and standards-setting counterparty rather than a direct training competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ptsiorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC0NiMQh9n7CN7Ap0FdAmBqA?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/ptsi.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/ptsi-pupil-transportation-safety-institute-823272180
• Instagraminstagram.com/ptsi_training

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pupil Transportation Safety Institute