safety, communication and operational efficiency for all of our riders.” Meanwhile, Iredell-Statesville Schools in North Car- olina transports 10,000 students out of 20,440 with a fleet of 167 school buses. Jimmy Calvert, director of transportation, noted the district implemented CalAmp tablets during the 2011–2012 school year to track school buses in real time and access immediate operational data. “What set CalAmp apart was its ability to bundle
multiple essential features into one integrated system,” said Calvert. “This included real-time GPS tracking allowing parents and students to monitor bus loca- tions, a timekeeping function for drivers to log hours accurately and a communication tool that enables the transportation department to send mass messages to drivers quickly and efficiently.” Addressing the learning curve required time, train- ing and patience. To help ease the transition, CalAmp provided detailed
step-by-step guides through the software functions to help drivers become comfortable with the system.
CalAmp supplied instructional materials for parents using the Here Comes the Bus app on their mobile devices. “While the idea of implementing new systems can seem overwhelming at first, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial learning curve,” he said. “Tablet technology has proven to be an invaluable tool for our schools, drivers and families. “It enhances safety, improves communication and
increases overall operational efficiency. From real-time tracking to streamlined timekeeping and parent no- tifications, the functionality it provides is well worth the investment. The benefits of CalAmp outweigh the cost.” Meanwhile, North Carolina has been using the
Transportation Information Management System, or TIMS—Edulog provides the software and service—for many years and his staff was already comfortable with the system, said Stowe. A key priority was to improve communication with
drivers and families using streamlined, real-time updates and user-friendly interface for drivers and
30 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2025
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