PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Barrington Public Schools and East Providence School District will begin using the SafeStop mobile app this school year.

The app connects parents and school officials to the vehicles transporting their students.

The two Rhode Island districts, which have a combined ridership of more than 4,000 passengers, are the first public school districts in the state to use the app.

"We are glad that Barrington Public Schools and East Providence School District will be taking advantage of this app and [will] be on the leading edge in the state when it comes to this technology," said Patrick Gallagher, director of sales for SafeStop. "The sense of security and peace of mind knowing where their child's school vehicle is will resonate with the parents."

The SafeStop app provides parents with a real-time map feature that displays the location of their child's bus, estimated arrival times at their bus stop, and an alerts and messaging center. Schools can use the app to alert parents about news such as delays, closings, early dismissals or upcoming school events.

SafeStop can be a subscription service, parent pay, school pay or sponsor pay.