telematics and routing analytics to reduce fuel use, im- prove route efficiency and enhance service reliability. “This helps us eliminate outdated stops, reduce dead- head miles, tighten belltime coordination, and remove duplicated service areas which directly lowering fuel use and operating costs,” said Davis.
Planned Versus Actual Routes The gap between a planned route and the route a driver
actually runs is one of the most underappreciated sources of cost in school transportation, noted Berndt. Indian Prairie’s Johnson said a route may look flawless
on a computer screen, but the divergence between the planned route and the actual path driven stems from real-world variables. “Construction zones, localized traffic, substitute drivers
relying on historical workarounds, or dynamic student factors like missed stops all create a variance gap,” he said. Johnson said his Onscreen GPS software allows his staff to review reports for when drivers deviate from the planned route path. Necessary adjustments can be made. St. Louis’ Davis said, “Zum’s platform shows us where buses deviate from planned routes due to construction, traffic, substitute drivers or outdated maps. When we see consistent patterns, we adjust routes, update turn-by-turn
directions, and Zum coaches the drivers. This reduces un- necessary mileage without compromising safety.” Hibbard in New York noted his district’s drivers are the
ones on the road everyday. “We can sit in an office and use the best software available. However, when the driver hits the road, the route will not be perfect,” he said. “It takes con- stant work between the router and the driver to ensure the route is efficient. We use GPS regularly to ensure the driver is following the planned route to the best of their ability.” West Virginia’s Casto noted it’s crucial to work with the
vendors when changes and adjustments are needed. His district utilizes Zonar Systems. “For the most part, routes are routes. You have students and children in locations that you have to travel,” Casto said. “But you can start to look at where you can combine the stops. Maybe you have another bus or an asset in an area that is a shorter distance to move those students over onto. “We’re in a rural area where you travel out further and
deeper,” he continued. “Not all routes are interconnected through other side roads, so sometimes that’s not pos- sible. But when you start to get into the more populated areas, then that’s where that plays in.”
Potholes in the Process Road conditions also play a major role in fuel burning
THE RIGHT PARTNER RIGHT FROM THE START
NEW & USED BUSES
MAINTENANCE FLEET
WARRANTY SUPPORT
TECHNICIANS
Visit Midwest Bus Sales
Part of the Beacon Mobility Family (913) 422-1000
Serving districts in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas since 1979
www.stnonline.com 21 TRAINED
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
