CASTO was founded in 1968 to promote safe pupil transportation for all California children. We are dedicated to the safety of all children through education and training in every avenue of transportation.

CASTO is recognized by State and Federal agencies and other professional organizations as the leader of school transportation safety in California.

A Professional Approach to Pupil Transportation

Activities throughout the state are coordinated by local chapters that meet once a month to discuss the latest programs and ideas in school pupil transportation. Local chapters sponsor safety workshops during the year. CASTO attracts over 10,000 members and guests to these annual activities.

Bus Safety Roadeos

Regional School Bus Safety Roadeos occur in many different locations and are coordinated by chapter representatives. State Roadeos are administered by the State Association and sponsored by the leaders in the school transportation industry. Two Sectional State Roadeos and a State Championship Roadeo are held each year.

School Bus Events

California School Bus Safety Awareness Month is sponsored by CASTO and is observed during the month of October. CASTO holds a School Bus Safety Poster Contest each year to promote School Bus Safety Awareness Month. The winning poster is reprinted and distributed throughout California . National School Bus Safety week, usually in the month of October, is supported by CASTO. California School Bus Drivers Day is observed on the fourth Tuesday of April. Be sure to check out our Upcoming Events.

CASTOways

CASTOways is the official newsletter of the organization. It is published ten times each year. All members receive CASTOways as a benefit of membership. CASTOways has received national recognition and awards for best school transportation association newsletter.

Board of Directors

Standards and issues for the industry are discussed at the State Board of Directors meetings. These meetings are held bi-monthly or more often if needed. The CASTO State Board of Directors is composed of the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, Professional/Associate Representative and the President of each chapter statewide. Members from the California Department of Education, California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Motor Vehicles also advise the State Board of Directors. Agency members and Sustaining Members also add their professional expertise to the meetings and help the State Board of Directors shape the future of school pupil transportation in California and the nation.

Legislative Update

CASTO is very active in legislation in California. We employ a legislative advocate in Sacramento that works with lawmakers to insure that California's school bus safety record is uncompromised. The school bus industry has survived some difficult times because of legislative activity. Now we are leading that activity toward a prosperous future.