SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Transportation Technology Tools for 2019

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
Sadiah ThompsonAssistant Editor
January 8, 2019
New Transportation Technology Tools for 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

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 →