Where will the additional efficiencies come from?
Excess vs Efficiency: What Needs to Change?
School districts nationwide are, unsurprisingly, having to do more with less. Budget cuts and driver shortages require district transportation to overcome unwanted hurdles to achieve operational excellence. These limitations can be the catalyst of positive change, however, the old adage remains true, ‘you can’t expect different results by doing the same thing.’
So what needs to change? Districts have already responded to driver shortages with operational adjustments. According to a 2023 poll conducted by STN, 91% of readers responded, “yes,” when asked, “have you had to get creative with your operation’s routing due to the school bus driver shortage?” Yet, creative routing will only go so far. How and where else can operational efficiency be found within student transportation?
Technology-Enabled Student Transportation
Technology-enabled student transportation bridges the gap between efficiency and non-negotiable transportation essentials — student safety, on-time schedules, and clear communication. By leveraging small-capacity vehicles to provide a safe and flexible option for students with unique needs, districts unlock additional route flexibility and responsiveness while also reducing the administrative load. Companies such as EverDriven specialize in alternative transportation, combining the largest operational capacity in the nation with best-in-class technology that delivers visibility and efficiency. EverDriven’s suite of solutions helps districts achieve operational excellence by providing:
Industry-Leading Transparency
To meet the growing demand for enhanced safety and transparency, school districts are employing in-ride cameras, like EverDriven’s Camera Solution, that capture the full story behind every ride. Forward and rear-facing cameras, combined with high-quality audio, provide a comprehensive view of the environment – inside and out. The exterior cameras add an extra layer of insight, allowing authorized users to assess the driver’s response to the traffic and surroundings, ensuring a safer journey for everyone.
Enhanced Tracking and Reporting
A district’s transportation system is only as effective as its ability to centralize and manage data. EverDriven’s TripCentral provides a modern, centralized platform that goes beyond outdated spreadsheets and software, empowering school districts to track every student’s journey efficiently. With tools to request transportation, monitor trips, and streamline reporting, TripCentral enhances coordination among staff while optimizing the district’s transportation budget. By seamlessly integrating student information from the district’s Student Information System, this solution ensures districts can meet their students’ needs with greater efficiency and peace of mind.
Increased Visibility for Districts and Their Families
Introducing a new transportation option may be met with skepticism from parents, which can increase the number of phone calls and emails back and forth. EverDriven’s RideAware app is another tech-enabled solution that provides parents and guardians with immediate insights into their most common questions. Automated notifications alert them to drop-off and pick-up times, delays, or incidents. Additionally, they are empowered to proactively track their child’s location, cancel or reschedule an upcoming trip, and view driver and vehicle information. The VIP app reduces administrative burdens by automating communication and coordination tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention. It also helps to eliminate unnecessary charges to the district for unused routes, as parents and guardians can cancel upcoming trips through the app.
