rameters, like starting point for drivers/ buses, traffic conditions, loading/un- loading times, etc., the system will miss on accounting for these and will pro- duce routes which are not practical.” The expert estimated that the routes
likely should have first been built the old-fashioned way. Then, AI could provide possible improvements. “And even then, they should have done the validation using dry runs rather than trying on the first day of school,” they added.
The expert continued adding that
it’s a perfect example of walking be- fore running as each customer needs to evaluate their current state of tech- nology and operations before trying to implement AI just because “it sounds cool. The answer may be different for each customer,” the expert concluded. Civitella advised school districts to
TOP 5
16% Not at all 70% Somewhat
In your opinion, how receptive is/will be the pupil transportation industry to AI technology?
ask technology companies questions such as, “How many other school districts are you working with?” “What are the capabilities of your technolo- gy?” “What is your customer service size?” He also recommended calling other districts in one’s area to see what software they’re using and how it’s working for them.
14% Very
AI For Customer Service Meanwhile, Kimberly Klenk, the
customer care and system support coordinator at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Tex- as, shared her district’s adoption of AI through its new customer service platform. AI is used in the form of a chatbot that Klenk manages and con- tinuously helps grow. “It’s always learning,” she shared, noting that community members with
Use Cases of Predictive Analytics in School Transportation: • • •
Routing efficiency Collision mitigation Driver behavior
(Based on 87 responses from a magazine survey conducted in July and August.) Reader Perspectives on AI
If used correctly, AI technology will enhance our ability to help drivers become beter defensive [drivers] and safer on the roadways. If the tech- nology is used incorrectly to just criticize drivers, then it will create more obstacles in finding qualified people to fill school bus driver positions. Nancy Gill, General Manager Madeira City Schools, Ohio
AI can and should be used to automate the multiple layers of transporta- tion to improve businesses processes and provide real-time metrics for beter decision making. Edward Spann, BI Analyst/Consultant ELS Dynamic Consulting, LLC
I believe AI technology can be very useful in training of drivers, especially in driving behaviors. AI may be useful in routing efficiency depending on the capabilities that are developed. John Ramirez, Director of Transportation Boerne Independent School District, Texas
50 School Transportation News • SEPTEMBER 2023
I think it is too new and there are too many variables to AI technology to automatically jump in feet first. We are dealing with children, on large vehicles with usually only one adult supervising. There are so many variables and things that can creep up with student transportation that I think we need to step back and analyze AI’s use before moving forward. Barbara Speece, Transportation Specialist Manheim Central School District, Pennsylvania
There are many innovative ways to implement manners of AI. You just have to have the initiative to explore and take risks. Lucy Kerley, Transportation Director Pflugerville Independent School District, Texas
AI can play a big role in driver mitigation and in the use of cameras. AI is already in use for commercial vehicles. However, in the school bus industry, we are usually last in using the soſtware. It will also be difficult to use AI because of collective bargaining agreements. Richard Jimenez, director of transportation Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, California
• •
Employee training Student safety
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
