The latest programs for school bus routing can help school bus operations build safe and efficient routes while integrating with other fleet management functions, including GPS, driver monitoring, and KPI tracking.
by SBF Staff
August 3, 2016
5 min to read
Route optimizer for time, fuel savings Radio Engineering Industries (REI) has added route optimization and driver monitoring to its software solutions. REI’s routing software uses a cellular connection to identify if a bus is off route or running late. Past routes can be optimized to save time and fuel by automatically generating the most efficient path available, according to the company. REI’s driver monitoring software can be used to observe video events with the goal of improving and adjusting driver performance and behavior. The software’s RFID technology provides identification of drivers and creates a single-page report to track their progress. Automatic alerts can be configured for events of importance, such as a late bus or driving over 65 mph, so that immediate action can be taken. REI’s new software solutions can be combined with existing A.R.M.O.R. software extensions. www.radioeng.com
Web-based program for routing, data Seon’s vMax Compass is a completely web-based school transportation solution, with no application to install and no map data to download. Everything from route building to school boundary information and transportation eligibility is accessible by authorized users from any computer. Also, updates to software functionality are immediately available to all users. The program’s integration with ESRI enables the use of ArcGIS to create or update map data and view or use that map data within the vMax Compass routing software. According to Seon, this customized mapping information gives transportation staff a richer visual of their routing operations — especially critical in emergency situations, such as a tornado, where transportation conditions and accessible routes can change quickly. VMax Compass is integrated with live GPS tracking data, student tracking, and driver management solutions. www.seon.com
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Personalized dashboard, reports Transfinder has released Viewfinder 2.0, which includes new features and enhancements. Viewfinder enables school district officials to monitor the day-to-day operations of the transportation department from any device. Users can access updates on students, trips, vehicles, staff, and field trips. Viewfinder also allows users to personalize their dashboard, so they see only what they want to see. Users can also schedule and manage reports, and they can compare data from one year to the next to spot trends in ridership and to determine the efficiency of the transportation operation. Other features include the ability to search a geographic area for data, and GPS integration for real-time and historical views. A timeline has been added to the dashboard, allowing users to review trips as the day progresses. A playback feature can be used to review an entire day’s data. www.transfinder.com
Compare, rewind school bus routes AngelTrax’s MotoTrax online surveillance manager offers a fixed route comparison feature. School bus routes can be compared by using up to eight color-coded trails at a time to identify unnecessary duplication and detours. Routes can be saved by bus number, date, and time of day for detailed analysis to reduce fuel costs and enhance the efficiency of the fleet, according to AngelTrax. With MotoTrax’s route rewind feature, a vehicle’s full route can be played back to review the events that occurred and to watch where it traveled, stopped, and idled from the operator’s perspective. Other features of MotoTrax include live tracking and live view, geo-fencing, fleet reports, dynamic event organization, dashboard with system summary, system health alerts, and remote setup. www.angeltrax.com
Tracking, reporting features added In recent releases of Tyler’s Versatrans Routing & Planning, features have been added that allow school districts to track and report on the number of hours that school bus drivers are scheduled to drive in order to monitor compliance with the Affordable Care Act, as well as to more easily plan and account for driver park-outs. Also, more use has been made of file attachments and the packaging of routes, making information readily available for routers and dispatchers. Automated processes have been added, offloading the need for district personnel to periodically run data maintenance routines. Once built, Versatrans routes integrate with the rest of Tyler’s transportation software suite, including the e-Link parent portal, the Onscreen GPS aggregator, the My Stop mobile app for parents, and the new onboard tablet solution, Tyler Drive. www.tylertech.com
Route around busy streets, predators Education Logistics’ (Edulog’s) routing and planning software offers advanced optimization algorithms that help school districts create efficient routes to save money and improve service to the community, according to Edulog. GPS, student ridership management, and parental notification are done in real time to enhance student safety and school district accountability. The Edulog system also includes tablets on the buses so that drivers can receive route changes, view maps of their routes, and know where each student needs to be. Extensive “what if” capabilities and a true GIS interface enable users to manage by exception with the Edulog system. www.edulog.com
Scheduling algorithm aids analysis TripSpark Education offers VEO Transportation, a school bus routing program that uses GPS data, calendars, and a scheduling algorithm to help school districts manage their operations. The fully integrated calendar enables districts to maintain past, current, and future transportation data in one database. Historical scheduling and student data can be accessed by selecting a date from a calendar. Also, maintenance for the current and planning for the upcoming school year can be managed in parallel. The scheduling algorithms give users the ability to adjust district parameters to create “what if” scheduling scenarios for analysis. VEO Transportation also allows for various map displays to assist users when scheduling. This includes the district map, a street view, and satellite images. www.tripspark.com
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New feature compares school bus KPIs The latest release of BusBoss includes numerous new features. BusBoss Benchmarks takes a measurable approach to school bus route optimization on a recurring basis, comparing a district’s key performance indicators (KPIs) to national medians. The new BusBoss Dashboard shows the percentage of completion for important items, such as students with missing information, overloaded routes, and buses with incomplete information. Also, BusBoss now includes an option to show a satellite view (pictured) within the primary map display area. According to the company, this enhances users’ ability to identify correct addresses or stop locations, edit routes, and identify new streets that need to be added or modified. Another new feature uses TomTom map data location attributes to accurately locate addresses based on latitude and longitude coordinates. www.busboss.com
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