Illuminated safety products, driver training solutions, a video surveillance system, and an artificial intelligence-powered stop arm are just some of the options to look for in the new year.
Sadiah Thompson・Assistant Editor
January 8, 2019
3 min to read
Real-Time Parent App Includes Fleet Management with Route Auto-Detection
BusWhere provides parents with accurate ETAs and the ability to see the bus moving on the map in real time. The system automatically detects when a different bus is running on a route, so no configuration changes are needed when buses are taken off-route for maintenance, service, or other reasons. The software’s FleetMap feature offers a detailed view of buses with route overlays so administrators can see which buses are driving where. BusWhere also includes a messaging portal where administrators can communicate using template-based responses to alert parents and students of accidents, breakdowns, or other delays, as well as provide ETA and location updates. BusWhere www.buswhere.com
Interactive Training for Wheelchair Securement
The Q’Straint Training Aqademy offers a lineup of training and learning solutions, including free monthly webinars and the “Securement 101” online training course. This on-demand, interactive course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to wheelchair securement best practices and offers a two-year certification. Q’Straint www.qstraint.com/training
Ad Loading...
Stop Arm Features Artificial Intelligence Technology
The Predictive Stop Arm solution from SafeFleet/Seon monitors traffic approaching the school bus and makes use of radar technology and artificial intelligence to analyze when a stop-arm violation is likely to happen. The school bus driver is notified with a visual and audible alarm, and affected students are warned it might not be safe to cross with a spoken word alert projected from external speakers. Safe Fleet/Seon is currently piloting this solution with school districts such as St. Lucie (Fla.) Public Schools as an alternative approach to combat illegal passing. SafeFleet/Seon www.seon.com
System Can Provide Improved, 3D Exterior Views
REI’s 3D 360-degree HD Surround View Surveillance System provides enhanced visibility for parking and maneuvering buses and transit vehicles in difficult spaces. Drivers can expect comprehensive, exterior coverage with panoramic, bird’s-eye, and 3D views that help drivers see blind spots and around corners. Infrared technology is also built in to provide nighttime views. REI www.radioeng.com
Safety Products Designed to Enhance School Bus Visibility
The Illuminated Destination Sign and Illuminated Stop Arm are designed to effectively improve the conspicuity and motorist recognition of the school bus in dim lighting and dangerous weather conditions. The illumination technology enables the safety products to be seen from over 1,000 feet, read from over 300 feet, and visible up to180 degrees, according to the company.
Serving as their own light source, the products do not rely on any external lighting, such as vehicle headlights during dark lighting conditions. The lights are also designed with an increased service life. First Light plans to pilot test the safety products in New York, Nevada, and Georgia in early 2019. First Light is also reaching out to more school districts to include in its pilot program for the upcoming year. First Light www.firstlightsafety.com
Mobile App Offers Instant Routing, Verification Solutions
Zonar Verify is a driver facing mobile app for real-time verification of students, buses, and stops. Included with Verify is an online management portal, RouteBoard, for route coordinators and dispatchers to conduct daily bus assignment and route exception management. The app also works in conjunction with Zonar’s Z Pass, which is an RFID data collection process that provides instant rider information, such as the time, date, and location of each entry and exit from the bus. The Z Pass allows for real-time student search, child check, and Medicaid reporting, according to the company. Zonar www.zonarsystems.com
With diesel prices up 46%, new Geotab analysis points to tools that help fleets reduce idling, detect fuel anomalies, and recover hidden fuel costs across operations.
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Available on desktop or mobile, the digital ecosystem brings fleet monitoring, service management, vehicle insights, and dealer communication into a single interface.
EverDriven marks 18 years and 17 million miles in the Evergreen state while new data shows 8 in 10 caregivers would recommend its student transportation solution.
New funding and national research highlight student transportation challenges as Zum looks to scale its Connected Mobility Experience platform nationwide.
The certification validates expertise in complex vehicle technology installations, making it the first fleet video solutions provider to achieve the milestone.
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most practical tools in today’s transportation office. Here’s how it is improving parent communication, board reporting, training development, and overall efficiency — without replacing professional judgment.