on time,” said Shannon, whose staff uses GEOTab GPS linked to Tyler’s on-screen system. “We can run reports that give us data on what each bus is doing, such as speeding, hard breaking, or accident reenactment. Our software allows us to track and locate each bus at all times. We have the most advanced GPS technology.” Benoit Bourgault, general manager of student transportation services for Wa-
terloo Region, Ontario, explained that all buses in his region are equipped with GPS for tracking purposes. GPS also detects alcohol usage by drivers. Te devices are fully integrated to routing software and data is also used to reduce speeding. “GPS helps calibrate routing software, improves efficiency in finding connec- tion when tiering routes, and provides accurate details when parents or schools complain of late buses,” said Bourgault. “It has allowed us to save bus runs several times when drivers did not want to do additional runs but had time to make connections.” Shannon said he believes GPS should be linked to first responders to expedite emergency responses. “It should be mandatory that first responders have immediate access via their laptop computers or other devices if there is a severe emergency that requires their assistance,” he reasoned. “Tis access would greatly increase their re- sponse time and give them real-time information of what is going on with the bus.” Borg said he appreciates GPS technology for its value in helping ensure the safety of her district’s students and informing parents promptly of their child’s where- abouts. “I love GPS technology,” she said. “When I get calls from parents asking about their child’s bus, I often check the bus location on Zonar, which gives me the location and direction. Knowing the route, I can estimate the arrival time without bothering the driver. We also no longer need to depend on the driver’s memory to locate the student. Te chipped Zonar bus passes allow me to see where the student scanned on and off the bus—at which stop, on which bus. In the future, I would like to see the scanner turn red when they get off at a different stop.” According to Benedict, technology should be used to supplement the respon- sible actions of the driver. “Drivers are not conducting proper pre- or post-trip walk-arounds,” he complained. “Office or other administrative or mechanical personnel may be accepting those walk-arounds without proper checks. I firmly believe that it greatly increases the chance of a mechanical failure mid-route.” Benedict suggested the driver perform the walk-around before and after each trip as a means to detect any mechanical problems. Additionally, that practice, if used in concert with mobile communications, could have prevented the child left alone on the bus in Windsor, Ontario. News reports indicate the mother of that child reported she had no idea
where her daughter was or how to find her because the bus company was unreachable. Mobile communications such as GPS, two-way radios, and even tablet communications can help avoid such situations and benefit the district, its students, their parents, and school transportation authorities by adding value in numerous ways. “Anything that can help us track our students, be more efficient, and limit distractions to our drivers is a better way of doing business,” Borg concluded.
SMART Tag is the premier on-bus tablet solution for student ridership management with pre/post-trip inspection, fleet GPS and e-messaging. The user-friendly rugged tablet and RFID cards help ensure students ride the correct bus, get off at the right stop and are not left on the bus. Offering guardian check for Pre-K/SPED riders, SHARS reports, and integration with your existing routing and maintenance software. Fleet visibility and student info is accessed through our secure web portals for ISDs, campuses and parents.
“SMART tag truly is a magnificent leap in student transportation… the tablet does so much it's actually unbelievable.”
Josh Rice
Dir. of Transportation New Caney ISD, TX
Readers shared with us that other technologies such as remote camera monitoring, tablets and voice-over-internet protocol are available, but their use is not as prevalent yet. Adoption of mobile communication technology for transporting students will always compete with ever- restrained school board budgets and the value they provide.
smart-tag.net 512.686.2360
sales@smart-tag.net
www.stnonline.com 21
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