Reliant Student Transport has expanded its presence in Minnesota through the acquisition of HALO Transportation, a family-owned school transportation company that serves several school districts throughout the Twin Cities region.

The acquisition adds HALO’s fleet and employees to Reliant’s growing school transportation network while maintaining existing routes, staff and day-to-day operations.

Service Will Continue Without Changes

Reliant said the transition will not affect service for the school districts currently served by HALO Transportation. The company confirmed that HALO’s drivers, mechanics and support staff will remain with the business, and buses will continue operating under the HALO Transportation name.

Founded in 2010 by Mike Severson, HALO Transportation operates more than 70 vehicles and employs more than 80 people. The company provides transportation services for districts including Fridley, Anoka-Hennepin and Spring Lake Park.

Founder to Remain During Transition

Severson will continue working with the company during the transition before retiring after a 47-year career in the school transportation industry.

“HALO Transportation is a labor of love, and I’m so proud of what our team has built over the years and the capable hands that we are in going forward,” Severson said.

He added that finding a buyer committed to preserving the company’s culture, employees and service to local school districts was a priority as he planned for retirement.

Reliant Vice President of Corporate Development Garrett Regan said the acquisition provides an opportunity for long-time transportation operators to transition their businesses while preserving the relationships they have built within their communities.

Reliant Continues Regional Growth

The acquisition increases Reliant’s Type III fleet to more than 200 vehicles and expands the company’s network to more than 20 service centers throughout the Upper Midwest.

Reliant CEO Tom Nightingale said HALO’s reputation and community-focused approach made it a strong fit for the organization.

“HALO Transportation is a natural fit as part of Reliant Student Transport, and the high standards and local focus that have made this team so successful are not going anywhere,” Nightingale said.

Company Serves Thousands of Students Daily

Reliant, formerly known as Minnesota Coaches and Affiliates, was founded by the Regan family in 1959. Today, its affiliated companies operate a combined fleet of more than 1,000 school buses, motorcoaches and other commercial vehicles.

The company provides daily home-to-school transportation, special needs transportation, athletic trips and extracurricular services, transporting approximately 36,000 students each day across its operating network.

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Last Updated: August 28, 2026

Source: Bus and Motorcoach News

Image Source: Bus and Motorcoach News, Reliant Student Transport