Key Features to Look for in a Modern School Bus GPS Tracking Solution

Assuring parents about their kids’ safety is the top priority of schools, and this includes students’ transportation to and fro from school. The school bus GPS tracking solution is an effective way to monitor the location and movement of school buses in real-time.

However, not all school bus GPS systems are created equal, and it can get challenging to pick the best solution that would meet all safety concerns

Fret not!

In this blog, we’ll discuss the key features to look for in a modern school bus GPS tracking solution considering safety and communication features, real-time tracking, digitalized attendance management, and more.

Let’s dive in:

Understanding A School Bus GPS Tracking System

Before diving into the features, let’s quickly understand what a school bus GPS tracking solution is and how it works.

It’s a technology-based solution that enables schools to monitor the real-time location and movement of the entire fleet of school buses. GPS technology is integrated into the school buses to track and transmit data about the speed, location, and route in real-time.

Additional features such as recording student attendance on buses, route change alerts, history, route display, etc., should be present in such a system to create a robust security system for the students.

The best part about a GPS-based school bus monitoring solution is that schools and parents can monitor the movement of buses in real time so they know where their children are and how long it would take them to reach home or school. So no more guessing!

List Of Features To Look For In A Modern School Bus GPS Tracking Solution

As stated earlier, not all GPS systems feature every advanced feature. So to ensure the GPS school bus tracking system your school picks provides maximum benefit, you must look for the following features:

Live Location Tracking

Yes, it’s true that all school bus GPS tracking solutions would provide this feature, but what you need to focus on is its efficiency. All GPS tracking solutions may not be as efficient in updating location as and when the bus moves.

So make sure to enquire about the efficiency of the tool. School authorities and parents must be able to track the status of school buses as soon as their children board the bus.

Furthermore, the system must update about stagnant traffic or any unforeseen incident that may delay the arrival so that parents can reach the pick-up location on time.

Admin And Geo-Fencing Alerts

Admin and geo-fencing alerts are other essential features schools should not skip at any cost. Geo-fencing alert immediately informs the school authorities if the buses take unplanned or strange routes.

These features also inform authorities about overspeeding or unplanned halts. These systems help eliminate issues of unpleasant incidents like accidents, kidnapping, etc. Even though these are rare cases, it’s better to implement such security systems for added safety.

School Bus Attendance

It often happens that the kids get ready for school but never end up attending the classes, which is why a school bus attendance feature is another crucial feature to look for. A smart bus attendance system can count boarding and deboarding status, and parents can see it in the parents’ app.

So parents no longer have to call the school to ask if their kid has attended school, nor do school authorities have to ask parents why their child is missing school so regularly.

Route Planning

The GPS solution should also provide a route-planning feature. With the help of these schools can plan the shortest routes to and fro, avoiding regular traffic. Additionally, the route planning and re-routing technology allows adding routes and stops with just a few clicks so that drivers can take a different route in case of emergencies.

As the updated route is reflected in the system, administrators will be aware of the direction in which the bus is traveling and the reason for taking an alternate route.

Reports & Analytics To Aid Efficient Planning

An updated school bus GPS tracking software should feature reports and analytics systems as well. This is an essential feature as it helps school management to analyze important metrics and aids in the efficient planning of the entire fleet.

Simple Addition And Modification Of Pick-up & Drop-Off Locations

This feature is necessary for parents. Parents may get late at work or get stuck somewhere, making it impossible to reach the usual pick-up location on time. In such situations, they can easily change the drop-off and pick-up locations.

What are the essential safety and communication features we should expect from a school bus GPS tracking solution?

A modern school bus GPS tracking solution should offer features such as real-time tracking, geofencing, emergency alerts, and two-way communication between the driver and school authorities. This ensures the safety of students and enables quick responses to any unforeseen situations.

How does real-time tracking enhance the security of students on school buses?

Real-time tracking provides live updates on the bus’s location and movement, allowing schools and parents to monitor the bus in real time. This feature enables quick response in case of deviations from the planned route, delays, or any emergencies, enhancing overall security.

Can a GPS tracking solution help with attendance management on school buses?

Yes, a modern GPS tracking solution should include digitalized attendance management. It can record when and where students board and exit the bus, ensuring that no child is left behind. This feature enhances student safety and simplifies attendance records for schools.

What is the significance of route change alerts in a school bus GPS tracking system?

Route change alerts notify school authorities and parents when the bus deviates from its planned route. This feature is crucial for ensuring that students are always on the correct path and that any unauthorized route changes are immediately addressed to maintain their safety.

How does GPS technology benefit parents and schools by providing real-time information about bus locations?

GPS-based tracking offers peace of mind to parents by allowing them to track their child’s bus in real-time, knowing exactly where it is and when it will arrive. Schools can use this information for efficient scheduling and to ensure timely transportation, making the entire process more transparent and reliable.

By considering these essential features, schools can choose a modern school bus GPS tracking solution that not only enhances the safety of students but also streamlines the communication and management of school transportation.

To make the most of these features and ensure the safest mode of transportation for students, adopt Trakom today!

By choosing the right GPS school bus tracking solution that includes all the mentioned features, schools can enhance the overall transportation experience for their students.

Trakom is a GPS/RFID-based tracking and monitoring solution that meets every security standard. It is tailored to meet all safety concerns related to students commuting by meeting communication, safety, and security gaps. To learn more about how Trakom works, schedule a call with us today!