TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

What TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION does

Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) is a 501c3 non-profit professional association founded in 1972 and headquartered in Kemah, Texas, that serves the pupil transportation industry across the state. Its core function is to promote safe and efficient student transportation by delivering professional development, multi-tier certification, advocacy, and networking to Texas public school district transportation staff, state agency personnel, contracted service providers, and industry suppliers. The association is member-governed through an elected Executive Committee, with a small professional staff led by Executive Director Marisa Weisinger and President Dr. Kayne Smith (Director of Transportation for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD).

TAPT's core offering is the Professional Development and Certification (PDC) program, which has grown since 1991 to nearly 60 courses spanning foundational, operational, leadership, communications, and business skills, leading to nine certification pathways including Certified Texas Pupil Transportation Administrator (CTPTA), Certified Texas Pupil Transportation Official (CTPTO), Supervisor, Specialist, Driver Trainer, and Shop Technician credentials. This curriculum is delivered through in-person regional classes, a four-day intensive Driver Trainer Academy (34 hours, $700), live online Zoom sessions, and the annual June conference at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, which also hosts one of the largest pupil transportation trade shows in the nation. The portfolio is supplemented by safety competitions (Roadeo, Poster Contest, Speech Contest), an employee awards program, student and adult scholarship funds, a member-only eGroups discussion forum, and free TAPT eConnections webinars.

The revenue model rests on four streams: annual membership dues ($25-$80 depending on tier), per-course fees ($60-$135, or $700 for the Driver Trainer Academy), conference and trade show revenue (registration, exhibitor booths, banquet tickets at $60-$80, trade show admission at $100-$280), and event-specific ticket sales. Business Associate memberships and the 30+ vendor sponsor roster (including AngelTrax, Samsara, BusRight, Transfinder, Gatekeeper, Thomas Built Buses, and Zum) anchor a B2B sponsorship layer. All services are sold directly through the tapt.com website and at in-person events, with no reseller or distributor channel. The association has no parent company, subsidiaries, public listing, or external funding; it is independently member-funded and operates with 1-10 staff.

Name

TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

Legal name

Texas Association for Pupil Transportation

Website

https://tapt.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TAPT is a Texas 501c3 non-profit professional association founded in 1972 that delivers professional development, multi-tier certification, advocacy, and an annual trade show for pupil transportation staff at Texas public school districts, state agencies, contractors, and industry suppliers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services for Pupil Transportation

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Needs / Paratransit Student Transportation Services (EDAEADAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Special Needs Student Transportation (Door-to-Door & Route Services) (EDAKAOAA)

Keywords

• Pupil transportation association
• Professional development training
• School bus certification
• Transportation safety education
• Membership association services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kemah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from Active ($50/year), Associate ($25/year), and Business Associate ($80/year) members. Membership year runs July 1 through June 30. Honorary Lifetime memberships are complimentary for retiring members with 5+ consecutive years in good standing.
2. Professional Development Courses: PDC courses offered at full-day (6 hours, $120), half-day (3 hours, $60), full-day online ($135), half-day online ($75), and 4-Day Driver Trainer Academy ($700). Courses are open enrollment to members and non-members.
3. Conference and Trade Show Revenue: Annual conference generates revenue through attendee registration fees, exhibitor booth fees, sponsorship packages, and event ticket sales (Awards Banquet $80, President's Banquet $60).
4. Event Tickets and Trade Show Admission: Individual event tickets sold for banquet meals ($60-$80) and trade show admission ($100 for school district personnel, $280 for non-exhibiting vendors including Business Associate membership).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

TAPT is a non-profit professional association serving pupil transportation staff in Texas public school districts. It delivers a Professional Development and Certification (PDC) program with nearly 60 courses, an annual Conference and Trade Show, a 4-Day Driver Trainer Academy, membership tiers, safety competitions, employee awards, scholarships, and webinars to promote safe and efficient pupil transportation.

Product overview

TAPT offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional development and certification services for the pupil transportation industry in Texas. The core offering is the Professional Development and Certification (PDC) Program with nearly 60 courses leading to various certification levels. This is supplemented by the 4-day Driver Trainer Academy, annual Conference and Trade Show, and recurring webinars. TAPT also conducts safety competitions (Roadeo for drivers, Poster Contest for students, Speech Contest for high schoolers) and an Employee Awards Program to recognize excellence in the field. Scholarship programs support both students entering post-secondary education and adult members pursuing professional certification. Membership is available in four tiers (Active, Associate, Business Associate, Honorary Lifetime) providing access to resources, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TAPT Professional Development and Certification (PDC) Program Professional certification program offering nearly 60 courses for pupil transportation professionals, leading to certifications such as Certified Texas Pupil Transportation Administrator (CTPTA), Certified Texas Pupil Transportation Official (CTPTO), Supervisor, and specialist-level credentials.
• Driver Trainer Academy A 34-hour intensive four-day training program covering theory and hands-on exercises to prepare new or enhance existing driver trainers, including presentation skills, pre-trip inspection, precision backing, emergency maneuvers, wheelchair securement, and special needs considerations.
• Annual Conference and Trade Show Annual educational event featuring national presenters, breakout sessions, a major trade show, professional development classes, and recognition banquets. Held at rotating Texas locations including The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Allen, Texas through 2029.
• TAPT Membership Four-tier membership program for pupil transportation professionals: Active ($50/year for school district transportation personnel), Associate ($25/year for non-transport district staff), Business Associate ($80/year for industry suppliers and vendors), and Honorary Lifetime (complimentary for retired long-term members). Membership year runs July 1 through June 30.
• TAPT eConnections Webinars Free professional development webinars for members featuring industry updates, Q&A sessions with state and national leaders, and recorded content available in the Members Only section.
• School Bus Safety Roadeo Competition Annual competition for school bus drivers and attendants testing driving skills, knowledge, pre-trip inspections, and emergency procedures in Regular and Special-Needs categories. Winners advance to national competitions through NSTA.
• Employee Awards Program Annual recognition program honoring outstanding transportation department staff members including Driver of the Year, Special Needs Driver/Attendant of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Operations Specialist/Supervisor of the Year, and Shop Technician of the Year.
• Scholarship Program Scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training, and for adult members seeking higher education or professional certification, including the Pat Raney Memorial Scholarship and LB and Brandon Billingsley Memorial Scholarship.
• Safety Speech Contest Annual competition for high school students to prepare and present original speeches on school bus safety topics, awarding 12 prizes ranging from $200-$1,000 with the overall winner presenting at the annual TAPT Conference.
• Safety Poster Contest Annual contest for K-8 students to create artwork based on school transportation safety themes, with divisions by grade level (KG-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and Special Needs); winners advance to national competition through NAPT.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 60 professional development courses and 9 certification pathways through the PDC program
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• AngelTraxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. AngelTrax provides video surveillance and safety technology for school buses.
• BergstromminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. Bergstrom provides climate control systems for school buses.
• BucksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• CHALKS School BusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• Collision止minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• DATCSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• First Student (FLSP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. First Student is a major school transportation contractor.
• HopSkipDriveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. HopSkipDrive provides specialized student transportation technology.
• KLC VideominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• HoltminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. Holt provides school buses and transportation equipment.
• McCurdy FamilyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 and sponsor of the Safety Speech Contest. Named after Pam McCurdy, a TAPT past honoree.
• Model 1minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• OT USA (OrthoForge)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• PinnacleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. Pinnacle provides software solutions for pupil transportation.
• Pro-VisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. Pro-Vision provides video surveillance and safety technology.
• Q'Straint/Sure-LokminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 and sponsors the Q'Straint Special Needs Above and Beyond Award for drivers/attendants who go above and beyond in transporting students with disabilities.
• RBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• SafeFleetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 and co-sponsor of the Seon/SafeFleet Student Scholarship in Memory of Caleb Williams.
• Southern TireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• TechniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• TX AltminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• Thomas Built Buses (Texas)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• TransAirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section.
• ZumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAPT 2025-2026 with logo displayed on homepage sponsor section. Zum provides technology-enabled student transportation.
• Holt LonghornminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Emerging Leaders Forum at 2026 July PDC event at Cy-Fair ISD.
• Q'Straint/Sure-LokminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Sure-Lok Above and Beyond Award for special needs transportation professionals who exhibit extraordinary dedication and devotion to transporting people with special needs.
• ESC Region 12minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the 2025-2026 Safety Speech Contest.
• McCurdy FamilyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the 2025-2026 Safety Speech Contest along with Angela Lamb-Waddell.
• Angela Lamb-WaddellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the 2025-2026 Safety Speech Contest along with McCurdy Family.
• National School Transportation Association (NSTA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAPT uses the NSTA International Safety Competition Handbook for the Regular Ed Roadeo competition. Winners advance to national road-e-o competitions through NSTA.
• National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational association partner. TAPT supports national School Bus Safety Week, speech contest winners present at NAPT conference, and poster contest winners advance to NAPT national competition. TAPT Executive Director serves on NASDPTS committees.
• National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational association partner. TAPT provides the annual NCST Document through NASDPTS. TAPT Executive Director serves as Vice-Chair for the NASDPTS State and National Association Committee.
• Texas Education Agency (TEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState education agency partner. TAPT provides SB 546 (seatbelts on buses) resources and coordinates with TEA on school transportation policy updates, House Bill 3 implementation, and student transportation funding.
• Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing CDL testing, school bus specifications, and driver certification requirements. DPS School Bus Division staff provide updates on FMCSA regulations, Drug Clearinghouse requirements, and CDL skills testing changes.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency regulating CDL requirements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. TAPT provides resources and training to help members comply with FMCSA regulations.
• Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAPT Executive Director served as past Principal Coordinator for TEEX Train the Trainer Class. TEEX offers School Bus Driver Train-the-Trainer courses.
• Transporting Students with Disabilities ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational conference partner. Special needs road-e-o winners advance to national competition through this conference.
• Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SESPTC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner conference for southeastern states in pupil transportation.
• National Congress on School Transportation (NCST)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational congress that produces standards and guidance for school transportation. TAPT provides the annual NCST Document through its website.
• Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState school boards association partner. TAPT offers TASBO courses for professional development.
• Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState association for school business officials. TAPT leadership (e.g., Fernando Zambrano) takes TASBO courses for professional development.
• Cypress-Fairbanks ISDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the July 2026 Emerging Leaders Forum at the Cy-Fair ISD Jarvis Transportation Center. Cy-Fair ISD is led by TAPT President Dr. Kayne Smith.
• Hutto ISDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the July 2026 Driver Trainer Academy at Hutto ISD Transportation facility at 4033 FM 1660, Hutto, Texas 78634.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National School Transportation Association (NSTA): NSTA is the national trade association for school bus contractors and the broader pupil transportation industry. It overlaps with TAPT on Roadeo competitions and industry advocacy but operates as a contractor-focused national body rather than a state association.

Others

• Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO): TASBO is a Texas-based professional association for school business officials (finance, HR, operations). TAPT leadership cross-enrolls in TASBO courses for professional development, making it an adjacent peer sharing the Texas K-12 administrative audience.
• Texas Association of School Boards (TASB): TASB is a Texas-based association serving school board members and administrators. TAPT partners with TASB for professional development programs, and both serve the Texas public school ecosystem from complementary angles (governance vs. operations).
• Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA): TSPRA is another Texas-based K-12 professional association serving school communications professionals. It is an adjacent peer sharing the Texas public school member base and association operating model, but in a different functional discipline.

Regional players

• Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SESPTC): SESPTC is a regional association of southeastern state pupil transportation organizations. Listed by TAPT as a mutual partner, it represents a regional peer that aggregates state-level equivalents outside Texas.

Direct peers

• National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT): NAPT is the national-level counterpart to TAPT, providing professional development, certification (CDPT), and advocacy for pupil transportation. TAPT collaborates directly with NAPT for national competitions and the Executive Director serves on NAPT committees, making it the closest direct peer in mission and operating model.
• National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS): NASDPTS represents state-level pupil transportation directors nationally and produces the NCST standards document. It is a direct peer and strategic counterpart: the TAPT Executive Director serves as Vice-Chair of NASDPTS's State and National Association Committee.
• Transporting Students with Disabilities Conference: This national conference is the leading U.S. event for special-needs pupil transportation. TAPT's Special Needs Roadeo winners advance to its competition, and it represents a direct peer focused on the special-needs subset of TAPT's mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses2 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Texas.Association.for.Pupil.Transportation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/texas-association-for-pupil-transportation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 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 TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION