Zum Expands US Footprint to 5,000 Schools with AI and Electric Buses

Zum, the student transportation company founded by Ritu Narayan, has reached a valuation of $1.7 billion, making it a unicorn in the ed-tech and mobility space. The startup now provides services to thousands of schools across major U.S. districts, offering real-time tracking and optimized routing for student rides.

Narayan, an Indian-American entrepreneur and mother, launched Zum with a focus on leveraging technology to address the challenges of traditional school bus systems. The platform gives parents and schools live updates on bus locations and arrival times, while its routing algorithms aim to reduce travel time and operational costs for districts.

Beyond its current operations, Zum is investing in the transition to electric school buses. The company has been working with districts to introduce electric vehicles into their fleets, a move that aligns with broader efforts to cut emissions and modernize student transportation.

Zum's growth reflects a broader trend of tech-driven solutions entering the school transportation sector, which has long relied on legacy systems. With its billion-dollar valuation, the company is positioning itself as a key player in reshaping how millions of American students get to school each day.