District moves to GPS and student-scan bus system to improve safety and route data

Harris County transportation staff proposed buying GPS tracking and student-scan hardware to modernize bus routing and improve student accountability during the June 4 committee meeting.

Mr. Fisher described a combined keypad-and-scanner device that allows students to scan on or enter an ID so the system can confirm who is on each bus in real time. Parents who use the district parent app would get notifications when a student boards or disembarks. The technology also produces reports district staff can use to evaluate route utilization and identify opportunities to consolidate routes with consistently low ridership.

Mr. Fisher said the district piloted the system on 10 buses and found boarding time increased only slightly (about 20 seconds per busload) because students are already staged while buses load. He also noted safety benefits: in the event of an accident or other emergency the district will know precisely which students were on a bus and where the bus was located.

Trustees discussed card versus manual entry options, driver scanning, and parent-app updates. Staff said drivers can scan students, students can use a card or ID number, and parents will use a single updated app for notifications. The board did not take a final purchasing vote at the June 4 meeting; staff will return the item on the action agenda.