SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Transportation Technology Tools for 2017

Whether looking for quick and seamless data integration or to boost safety or energy efficiency, school transportation directors have a number of options for the new year.

Nicole Schlosser
Nicole SchlosserFormer Executive Editor
January 24, 2017
New Transportation Technology Tools for 2017

 

3 min to read



Fleet Monitor System Built to Deliver Key Metrics
The new TD Fleet Monitor gives managers key metrics on their video surveillance system and vehicle health.

TD Fleet Monitor provides information, either automatically or on demand, to help diagnose issues. The system uses GPS and sensor data from the vehicle and communicates with a cloud server to bring data to a desktop computer or mobile device.

TD Fleet Monitor can accommodate multiple users, and automated alerts can be set up. According to 247Security, the system avoids unnecessary trips and labor hours to check cameras, and it provides GPS fleet analysis without changing onboard hardware or installing additional official hardware.

247Security
www.247securityinc.com

Control Panel Can Sync Activation to Temps, Start Time
The BrightSync intelligent electrical control panel is designed to sync engine block heater activation based on outside temperature, calendar day, start time, duration, and zone control utilizing patent-pending technology.

Engine block heating devices can consume a lot of electricity plugged in all winter, and an electrical bill for an engine block heater averages about $350 per vehicle, according to the company. BrightSync is engineered to save 80% of power usage by limiting the “on-time.”  

BrightSync’s panel mounts next to any existing electrical fuse panel and controls electrical current to outside outlets, and it can centrally control up to 40 vehicles, according to the company. There is no modification needed at the outside receptacles or heating devices on the vehicles.

BrightSync
www.brightsync.green

Ad Loading...

360-Degree View Mirror Aims to Enhance Bus Stop Safety
The inView 360 vehicle monitoring system is designed to eliminate blind spots by giving drivers a real-time 360-degree view around the vehicle. Views from four wide-angle cameras placed at the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle are combined to give drivers a real-time 360-degree, bird’s-eye view. A split screen on the dashboard shows drivers the 360-degree view, plus a single-camera view that automatically adjusts according to operating condition (reverse, left turn, right turn, forward movement).  When connected to a Seon DVR, the image on the driver screen is recorded and can be played back synchronized with other interior and exterior camera views as well as telemetry data, such as GPS location and vehicle speed and direction.

Seon
www.seon.com

Sensor Pad Designed to Detect Alcohol Within Seconds
Sober Steering is a touch-based ignition interlock sensor pad placed on the vehicle’s steering wheel that uses advanced biosensor technology to detect the presence of alcohol within five to seven seconds when a driver places a hand on the pad, according to the company. At that point, if the sensors detect alcohol exceeding a pre-set limit, the vehicle is immobilized and an instant message is sent to school transportation personnel.

Sober Steering’s biosensors analyze the gases emitted from the skin to diagnose the body’s condition.

Sober Steering
www.sobersteering.com

Tablet Created to Integrate Research, Best Practices
The Zonar Connect tablet is built to incorporate industry research, best practices, and feedback from customers. The tablet features a rugged hardware design and Dragontrail glass screen for harsh conditions, has 2GB of built-in memory and 32GB of storage for enhanced speed and responsiveness, and a scalable Android platform that supports options for third-party and custom Zonar apps. It is also compliant with automatic onboard recording device and hours-of-service regulations and ready for the electronic logging device mandate with capability for over-the-air software update service. Meanwhile, the tablet is designed to integrate with Zonar’s Ground Traffic Control web portal and third-party programs, such as maintenance, payroll, navigation, and workforce management.

Zonar Systems
zonarsystems.com


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

Graphic for School Bus Fleet's "Changing Lanes" July 2026 personnel roundup featuring headshots of six industry professionals: Jamie Smith (AMF Buns), Dan Strock (Pro-Vision), Kyndra Webb (HopSkipDrive Council), Jared Schnader (CALSTART), Alycia Gilde (CALSTART), and Micah Enterz (Kooner Fleet Management Solutions), displayed on an orange geometric background.
Managementby StaffJuly 31, 2026

Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner

Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.

Read More →
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.

Read More →
Two school buses parked in front of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 28, 2026

Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City

From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A HopSkipDrive caregiver waits by an open car door in front of a house.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 27, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support

The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
A yellow school bus is parked outside a school beneath a large oak tree with blooming white blossoms, framed by white buildings and a bright blue spring sky.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 27, 2026

Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners

See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.

Read More →
Graphic for a School Bus Fleet article titled "Understanding Emotional Intelligence," featuring wooden letter blocks spelling "IEQ" and the subtitle, "Tips for transportation leaders to stay calm in any situation."
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 26, 2026

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation

Learn the five key elements that bus drivers and transportation directors can use to stay calm in any situation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Zonar Back to School Readiness Report for 2026
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report

Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
Collage highlighting recipients of the 2026 National School Transportation Association awards at the Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 23, 2026

National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners

Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.

Read More →
A South Carolina Public Schools school bus lineup with text reading "How To Make Routing Data Persuasive."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 21, 2026

School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells

Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage highlighting NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference, featuring awards presentations, NYAPT President Marc Medina speaking, packed educational sessions, and the event's "Back to the Future" theme celebrating 50 years of pupil transportation leadership.
Managementby StaffJuly 20, 2026

Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show

See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.

Read More →