turn directions, key student information and alerts in one place instead of piecing it together from memory and sticky notes. Ridership tracking and telematics, when used for coaching and recognition, give supervisors a fairer, more accurate picture of driver performance than a handful of complaints. In a world of driver shortages, tight budgets and aging buses, the way technology is rolled out can either support retention or undermine it. Drivers notice whether tools are there to support them in keeping students safe while managing complex routes.
What’s Coming Next and Where to Start? Adaptive technology is moving fast and getting more
affordable. School districts are starting to see smarter video analytics that flag repeated problems at the same stop, deeper integration of student plans and transpor- tation platforms, and cleaner, more connected fleets that change what is possible on long or complex routes. These changes bring new questions about safety, privacy, staff expectations, and they demand clear leadership rather than one-off purchases. The good news is that transpor- tation leaders do not need to adopt everything at once.
A practical starting point is to pilot one adaptive tool, especially one that directly supports communication, on a small set of routes and gather feedback. Pair that with hands-on training, not just a memo, so staff can try the technology in a low-stakes condition before using it in rush-hour traffic. Most importantly, work with special education and school teams so communication tools and behav- ior plans on the bus match what is happening in the classroom. The question is no longer whether adaptive technology will shape student transportation, but how transportation teams will direct that change so rides are safer, staff feel supported and every student arrives at school with their dignity and communication intact. ●
Glenna Wright-Gallo served as the assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education from 2023 to 2025, overseeing the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. She currently is the vice president of the office of strategic research and policy for Everway, an education and workplace technology provider for people with disabilities.
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