BUTLER TWP — This school year marks the beginning of Butler Area School District’s contract with bus company A.J. Myers and Sons, in lieu of its former provider, Valley Lines.

A.J. Meyers and Sons invited school board members to tour its facility, superintendent Brian White said during a committee meeting at Butler Intermediate High School on Monday, Aug 11.

The tour’s time and date are in the process of being scheduled.

The decision to work with A.J. Meyers and Sons was voted on during a meeting on Oct. 3, 2024, the Eagle reported.

The district began using Valley Lines in 2020 under a five-year contract. The company still is employed by Seneca Valley School District

A.J. Meyers and Sons also is employed by Mars Area School District and was named in a lawsuit related to a fatal bus crash in the district in March. The crash sent seven students to the hospital and resulted in the death of driver William “Bill” Miller, the Eagle reported.

In a statement released last fall, Butler Area School District said its new partner offers competitive wages and updated transportation technology.

This will have little effect on students and day-to-day school operations, White said after the meeting.

“It’s going to be the same drivers,” he said.

He also said bus routes would stay the same.

White then stated switching bus contracts every few years is routine to ensure the best prices, wages and technology are provided for Butler’s schools.