THOUGHT LEADER


Why AI in School Transportation Must Start with Empathy, Not Efficiency


Written by Gaurav Sharda


A


s the school transportation industry wrestles with complex challenges—driver shortages, safety concerns and operational ineffi- ciencies—artificial intelligence (AI) is often


positioned as a silver bullet. Fleet management systems tout data optimization. Dash cams promise incident reduction. Digital platforms claim to centralize and sim- plify operations. But in the rush to innovate, we risk forgetting what


matters most: People. Specifically, the drivers, dispatch- ers and front-line staff who make student transportation possible every day. If AI is to truly move this industry forward, it must be rooted in empathy—not just algo- rithms.


56 School Transportation News • SEPTEMBER 2025


Coaching, Not Surveillance Take the growing adoption of AI-powered dash cam- eras. When framed solely as surveillance tools, these systems can alienate drivers. No one wants to feel like they’re being watched without context or support. However, when implemented with a focus on coach-


ing rather than punishment, these same tools can become allies. Cameras that detect risky behaviors—such as distracted driving, hard-braking or rolling stops—can deliver real-time feedback and personalized training opportunities. This helps drivers improve their perfor- mance without feeling policed. It’s a shift in mindset from compliance to confi- dence-building. Drivers begin to feel supported, not


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