Anticipating Problems Predictive maintenance is another data application
with growing potential. Rather than relying only on fixed maintenance intervals or waiting for a breakdown, districts can use vehicle and fault data to identify issues earlier and take action before they become more serious. That helps reduce unplanned downtime, improve
shop efficiency and keep more vehicles available for service,” Maxey explained. “It also supports better plan- ning, because maintenance teams can prioritize work based on actual vehicle condition and usage rather than guesswork alone.” This real-time vehicle health monitoring can reveal
fault codes, engine data and wear indicators before those issues become failures,” McCann said. “For a school dis- trict, that translates directly into fewer route disruptions, lower repair costs and more confidence that your fleet is ready when students need it.” He added that the shift from reactive to proactive
maintenance is significant, and the data to make that shift is already there for most fleets.
Finding the Right Focus In developing partnerships, success starts with being clear about intended outcomes and then finding suppliers who are willing to be accountable to them, McCann noted. “The partnerships that work best are the ones where
the supplier helps simplify your operation rather than adding another platform that requires its own team to manage,” he said. “You should be able to take data and turn it into a decision quickly, whether that’s a mainte- nance call, a coaching conversation with a driver, or a report to district leadership.” If the data isn’t making those conversations easier and faster, he added, something needs to change. “Treat it as a true partnership,” Casto said. “Commu-
nicate your needs clearly and ensure the system aligns with your operation.” He also advised taking full advantage of the training
and support available from suppliers as well as partner- ing to test products and provide real-world feedback. Maxey noted that best results can be expected when transportation leaders treat suppliers as strategic part- ners, not just technology vendors.
34 School Transportation News • JUNE 2026
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