Zūm is opening its new Philadelphia operations center this week with a job fair and family celebration designed to recruit school bus drivers ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
The event is scheduled for Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2502 Wheatsheaf Lane. It will feature onsite interviews, free food, children's activities and raffle prizes for current drivers and those seeking to enter the profession. The company is recruiting drivers with commercial driver's licenses and bus monitors.
The expansion marks the latest sign of Zūm's deepening presence in Philadelphia after announcing a broader investment in the city earlier this year. The tech-enabled mobility company partners with the School District of Philadelphia to manage student transportation.
"When we announced our investment in Philadelphia, we made a commitment to local drivers, their families, and the School District of Philadelphia that we were here for the long term," said Missy Lash, Zūm's general manager for the Philadelphia region. "Thursday's celebration is about delivering on that promise."
The operations center consolidates Zūm's local infrastructure with state-of-the-art training spaces and technology systems designed to streamline driver workflows and reduce paperwork. The facility emphasizes what the company calls a "driver-first approach" with digital communication tools and real-time data to help drivers manage routes and communicate with families.
School bus driver recruitment has become increasingly competitive nationwide as districts struggle with chronic workforce shortages. The School District of Philadelphia has grappled for years to maintain adequate driver staffing, leading to service disruptions affecting thousands of families and students.
The company currently operates in 18 states and works with more than 6,500 schools. In Philadelphia, Zūm manages transportation through its Connected Mobility Experience platform, which allows families to track buses and receive real-time updates.
"They are the first and last face many students see each school day," said Liz Sanchez, Zūm's executive vice president of student mobility, referring to drivers. "As we grow in Philadelphia, we are investing in our drivers because they are the foundation of a stronger student mobility system."
Thursday's event will include presentations from experienced Zūm drivers discussing the job, company culture and career advancement opportunities. Hiring managers will be onsite to process applications and conduct interviews. The company is encouraging families to attend, with activities including a bounce house, face painting and Kona Ice.
No advance registration is required. Information is available at www.ridezum.com.
