student identification system so that a parent has to enter in their children’s correct student identification numbers in order to successfully register. If you do not have a student identification system and want to use a Gate Key (or “School Code,” as some providers call it), make sure this information is not posted on any websites for the public or in any news articles. Tis should be information sent directly to parents, inside a school-operated parent portal or even provided at parent-teacher conferences and orienta- tions. Make sure you are the gatekeeper of this information and have a communications plan with your staff on how to properly distribute this sensitive information. Not sure if the Gate Key is keeping out unwanted users? Ask
your app provider for periodic user lists so you can monitor user names and information that have access to your system. Fundamentally, many apps perform the same basic service.
But it’s important to research and determine if the app provider is experienced with your day-to-day school bus oper- ations, provide the features that you want and, most impor- tantly, provide you with the security that needs to accompany this type of service. l
Patrick Gallagher is the director of sales for SafeStop, Inc. He has worked in the transportation industry since 2009 after working in both technology and recruiting. He can be reached at pgallagher@
safestopapp.com.
BRIEFS
Uber, Lyft and the like have changed the face of taxi ser- vice, and the model is now competing with school buses. A similar, public-private pilot program in Kansas City, Missouri, could alter how children get to and from school, along with the movement of commuters in general. To fill system gaps in its urban areas, the Kansas City Area
Transportation Authority said it plans to introduce a service called “microtransit” that would transport people to their intended destinations on demand. Routes would be developed through transit data, social media activity and requests for service made via a smartphone app. “At the end of the day, it’s about options for people who want to get somewhere,” said Robbie Makinen, transit board chairman. Meanwhile, a mother in Milwaukee started a car service that caters to busy parents who not only need to get their kids to school but anywhere else they need to go. All driver who apply to Kiddie Mobile LLC are screened and must pass background checks, reported local NBC affiliate TMJ 4. Owner Keyona Vines said she came up with the idea after “a bad school bus experience” for her daughter. Kiddie Mobile charges a pickup fee plus mileage for each trip.
www.stnonline.com 33
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