ination of paper route sheets. “The number one benefit is the audible directions that give drivers the tools they need to provide safer service to our students,” she observed. Suhre said First Student is expected to install its
custom version of Tyler Drive throughout its North American fleet over the next two years. “As part of the nationwide rollout, there will be uniform training reorganizing existing support resources around this initiative, onboarding teams of people to provide onsite support and helpdesk support,” he explained. “Resources that are unparalleled in the industry.” Suhre sees tablets as the latest example of technology
for the pupil transportation industry that will only advance more rapidly in the coming years. “I think that we’ll start seeing varying levels of autonomy, and electric buses will become commonplace. I’m excited about the future, and I’m glad that First Student is going to be a part of it.” Thien called the announcement a “sea-change mo-
ment” for the industry. “The biggest contractor in the industry is saying, ‘We will put tablets in our buses,’” he continued. “In-vehicle tablets are the new normal. This technology isn’t just for bus contractors, it is now
ubiquitous. Every school district of any size will find that there is a justifiable need to put tablets on buses.”
Tablets vs. Paper Regulations on tablet use vary from state-to-state.
“Most legislation allows for the appropriate utilization of mobile technology,” according to Suhre. “For example, there is clear legislation against cell phone use while driving. Keep in mind that this technology has penetrat- ed virtually every other transportation industry. It’s only new to student transportation.” He pointed out that the Tyler Drive includes a Motion
Lock feature, which can set the screen to view-only mode. The feature also renders the touchscreen inoper- able while the school bus is moving. David Myers, director of transportation for East Allen
County Schools in New Haven, Indiana, said he is wait- ing for his state to clarify whether tablets can display information to the driver while the bus is in motion, or they must go black. “Which is safer,” Myers asked. “A tablet screen or sub drivers going down the road with a piece of paper in their hands?”
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