For decades, the yellow school bus has served as a recognizable symbol of the American education system. However, this uniformity was not always the norm. In the early 20th century, student transportation was largely unregulated, leading to a 'kaleidoscope' of colors and vehicle types used to transport children to school.

In April 1939, Dr. Frank Cyr, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, organized a conference that would permanently change school transportation. Funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, the conference brought together transportation officials from across the United States to establish national safety standards. One of the primary goals was to create a uniform color that would be easily identifiable and highly visible to other drivers, even in poor weather conditions or low light.

After testing various shades, the committee selected a specific hue known as 'National School Bus Glossy Yellow.' This color was chosen because it is highly conspicuous, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours when buses are most frequently on the road. The adoption of this standard allowed for mass production of parts and easier maintenance, as well as a consistent visual cue for motorists to exercise caution. While the design of the buses has evolved to include modern safety features like stop-arms and reinforced frames, the signature yellow color remains a federally recognized standard that has persisted for over 80 years.