First Transit announced that, to date, 55 of its locations have earned the Blue Seal of Excellence from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To receive ASE's Blue Seal of Excellence, 75% of the service technicians at a location must be certified by ASE. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered.

The 55 First Transit locations received ASE’s Blue Seal certification for their achievement in recruiting the best employees, supporting their training, and providing the best equipment to maintain the vehicles. The locations are among the more than 100 to have achieved Blue Seal status throughout FirstGroup America, the parent company of First Transit. FirstGroup America includes school bus operator First Student, First Vehicle Services, and Greyhound Lines Inc.

“Our maintenance teams recognize the impact of the work they do every day,” says Todd Hawkins, First Transit sr. VP, maintenance. “The Blue Seal certification demonstrates our teams’ knowledge and training that’s required to diagnose problems precisely and accurately. Our goal is to maintain the vehicles properly and to the highest safety standards.”

ASE, an independent nonprofit organization, was created in 1972 to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. The Blue Seal of Excellence is the highest certification level given by the organization.

First Transit, in partnership with First Vehicle Services, maintains and provides vehicle maintenance services for more than 50,000 pieces of equipment including police and fire vehicles, buses, trains, and even Zambonis, the ice rink resurfacing machines.

Maintenance training and more will be discussed at BusCon's Transit Maintenance Forum, taking place in Indianapolis Sept. 11 to 13. Click here for more information.