SafeStop app added at 4 Illinois districts
Through a partnership with bus company Olson Transportation, parents and school officials at the Chicago area school districts will be able to connect in real time with their children’s school bus.
Parents and school officials at four Chicago area school districts will be able to use the SafeStop app to connect in real time with their children’s school bus.
Parents and school officials at four Chicago area school districts will be able to use the SafeStop app to connect in real time with their children’s school bus.
CHICAGO — Four school districts here are launching the SafeStop app through a partnership with bus company Olson Transportation.
Parents and school officials in Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65, Lake Forest School District 67, Lake Forest Community High School District 115 and Deerfield School District 109 will now be able to safely and securely connect in real time with their children’s school bus.
The launch adds to the vehicles already utilizing the app in large public school systems and small private schools throughout the country, with more vehicles being added regularly, company officials said.
“We are finding that as parents across North America learn more about SafeStop and the app’s features and benefits, they realize how it is a ‘must have’ app,” said Patrick Gallagher, director of sales for SafeStop. “It allows parents to know where their child’s bus is and really provides them peace of mind while allowing for the convenience of not having to wait out in the cold too long as temperatures drop and the winter weather comes into play.”
Created in 2013, SafeStop allows parents and school officials to securely track the school bus, according to the company. The app includes a secure registration process, real-time map feature that displays the location of their child’s bus, provides estimated times of arrival at their bus stop, and provides parents with an alerts and messaging center. The messaging center serves as an extra channel of communication that alerts parents about important school news such as delays, closings, early dismissals or upcoming school events, and eliminates the need for phone calls to schools or bus depots.
Additionally, school officials are using the data provided by SafeStop to establish and review key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide ridership reports for their transportation system so they can compare, evaluate and optimize their on-time performance, company officials said.
“School officials are raising their customer service level for parents by providing SafeStop, but also finding that the administration reports we provide are a great management tool to measure KPIs and potentially lower the cost of their operations,” Gallagher said.
To learn more about the SafeStop app, visit www.SafeStopApp.com.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →