About Us
Birnie, a Student Transportation of America company, is now one of the largest providers of contracted school bus transportation in the nation.
Relationships with our employees, our school districts, and our business partners matter to us.
Our goal at Birnie Bus is not to generate the most numbers, but rather to ensure efficiency and quality. With 12 locations throughout New York State, the Corporate Headquarters still flourishes in Rome, NY. Birnie Bus Service, Inc. also provides services for tour groups, corporate travel, public transportation, and handicapped services throughout New York.
A family touch
Birnie, a Student Transportation of America company, has been providing safe, high-quality, reliable student transportation since 1942 – it’s what we do, and it’s a valued and trusted partnership you can rely on.
1947–1953
The Wheels Start Rolling
Birnie Bus Service is a family-owned and operated transportation company. The evolution of the company began in 1947 when Martin K. Birnie started to work with his brother-in-law, Martin J. Nunn, who owned a local funeral business. Mr. Nunn also had a small transportation company consisting of three school buses, two charter coaches, and a station wagon. From 1947 to 1953, Mr. Birnie worked with the buses.
1953–1960
Mr. Birnie
Mr. Birnie purchased the bus company and operated it as ``Martin K. Birnie.`` In 1960, Birnie Bus Service Inc. was incorporated and continued to grow.
1964–1973
Becoming Established
In 1964, Mr. Birnie and George Marsh became partners. They purchased Utica-Rome Bus Company and continued to expand their charter and tour operations. In 1973, Mr. Birnie sold his share of the company to Mr. Marsh. In 1973, Birnie Bus Service, Inc., made a dramatic change in size and focus becoming the major carrier for the Rome City School District, taking 80 percent of all routes and a five-year contract.
1979–1982
Charter Tour Expansion
In the fall of 1979, Timothy Birnie became a full-time employee leaving behind a teaching career. Once again, the team at Birnie Bus began to actively pursue the charter bus market. In 1982, I.C.C. rights to transport groups and tours to all points in the United States were granted to Birnie Bus Service. The charter field still continues to show strong growth.
1988
Serving Individuals With Disabilities
Birnie Bus Service entered yet another growth market in August 1988. The company started a transportation program for the Rome Developmental Center to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This program provides stable income 12 months out of the year and comprises 32 percent of the company's annual revenue. More than 80 buses are dedicated to this growing market in several counties where services are provided by Birnie Bus Service, Inc.
2008
Trailways System Venture
In 2008, Birnie Bus Service was pleased to announce its newest venture as an affiliate of the Trailways System.
2017
Birnie/Krapf
Birnie becomes a Division of Krapf School Bus, another family-owned and operated school bus company since 1942. By having Birnie/Krapf as your transportation partner, you are free to focus on your mission of educational excellence. Birnie/Krapf School Bus has been providing safe, high-quality, reliable student transportation since 1942 – it’s what we do, and it’s a valued and trusted partnership you can rely on.
2024
Birnie/Student Transportation of America
Birnie becomes a Division of Student Transportation of America.
Safe Fleet Connected School Bus Smart Technology
Today’s social environment presents challenges that demand connectivity for continuous communication, safety, and convenience for students, parents, and all school officials.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Distance Learning
Connectedness
Video Downloading and Live Streaming
Live GPS
Navigation and Route Tracking
We focus on transportation so you can focus on education.
When you Partner with Birnie, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when it comes to educational excellence.