“I would not want an AI app to re-route my bus drivers and alter routes,” she said. “I’d rather have my drivers make those type of decisions based on their knowledge of the roads and the areas we travel in.” One current challenge with AI is a general lack of understanding by
many potential users, not to mention basic agreement on just what consti- tutes as artificial intelligence. “People commonly think this is something brand new, but we’ve had
Alternative transportation that meets your students
where they are. Solving driver shortages, serving McKinney-Vento students, and fulfilling requirements for students with special needs is easier than ever. From vehicle procurement to driver management, we’ll handle service operations from A to Z.
artificial intelligence for quite a while,” Civitella noted, pointing to the re- cent flood of publicity about generative AI as taking focus away from other practical applications. He said it’s important to understand the core nature of AI. “Artificial intelligence, the way I see it, is best applied in analyzing data to
Safe, reliable drivers when you need them most
Flexible, accessible fleets
be predictive and give you real-world results,” Civitella said. Despite all the buzz AI is now generating, some in the transportation space are determined to avoid moving too quickly. “AI is not a panacea, and AI-generated results must be reviewed before being put into use,” noted Ted Thien, vice president and general manager at Tyler Technologies. “For example, AI algorithms generating new bus routes must absolutely be reviewed and analyzed by a human with care before being placed into the hands of a bus driver.” At present, Tyler is investing in both developing and acquiring AI technologies that align with its approach to innovation. But just how the company will incorporate artificial intelligence remains to be defined. Cautious optimism is the prevailing approach at Shenendehowa Central Schools in Clifton Park, New York, where Director of Transportation Alfred Karam is looking beyond perceived challenges to consider potential benefits. “Artificial intelligence conjures up scary thoughts for the uninitiated,” Karam said. “While bad people will figure [out] a way to use AI in a negative way, I’m always hopeful that this type of technology can improve more than hurt what we do in school transportation.” Although the investment has not yet been made in his district, Karam said he likes the idea of having AI integrate real-time traffic with routing software. Currently, staff must pull up routing software, the GPS module, live traffic and road conditions, and traffic camera websites to supervise routes and steer buses around problem areas.
Real-time updates for caregivers and staff
69%
of transportation directors/ supervisors said they
measure Key Performance Indicators to improve operational efficiencies.
(Out of 80 responses.) Learn more at
ridewithvia.com/schools 32 School Transportation News • MARCH 2024
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