Lead driver Charlette Smith for Whitfield County Schools in Georgia sees the advantages tablets can have on driver efficiency.
pact,” he said. “When budget limitations exist, we focus on maximizing the tools we already have, ensuring they are fully utilized and properly configured to meet drivers’ needs before pursuing new investments. We also look for opportunities to phase-in technology over time, pilot programs with a small group of drivers, or select solutions that integrate with existing systems to avoid duplicative costs. “Just as important is clear
communication explaining budget realities while rein- forcing that driver feedback directly informs future plan- ning,” he continued. “When drivers see that their voices matter and that decisions are made thoughtfully, trust grows even when immediate solu- tions aren’t always possible.”
Technology Without Training = Disaster Shaw noted that without
“This is especially valuable for substitute drivers who may be unfamiliar with the stops and students.” He said technology like these represent a true win-win. “They support drivers by reducing uncertainty and
stress, while giving parents and school administrators added assurance that students are being transported safely,” he continued. “Ultimately, it reinforces a simple but critical goal in pupil transportation: Right bus, right stop, right time, safely.” However, he agreed with Mitchell and Allison that
navigating driver request against the budget starts with listening and transparency. Because drivers are closest to the work in transportation, Shaw said it’s important to understand why drivers are asking for a particular technology, as it helps the districts make decisions that retains drivers. “Whether it’s safety, reduced workload or clarity, it helps prioritize requests that deliver the greatest im-
24 School Transportation News • JUNE 2026
proper training, technology can easily become a source of frustration rather than a solution. “Training ensures drivers understand not only how to use the tool, but why it exists and how it benefits them,” he shared. “In trans- portation, drivers come with varied levels of comfort with technology, so training must be practical, ongoing and respectful of their experience.” He said that well-trained drivers increase adoption,
decreases resistance and improve data quality. “Equally important, strong training signals that the dis-
trict is invested in drivers’ success and not just in buying the next new system,” he said. “In many cases, effective training is the determining factor between a successful implementation and an expensive underutilized tool.” Allison said training drivers on how to use technology is just as if not more important than implementing the technology itself. “In many cases, poorly trained technology can
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