JOLIET, Ill., – After more than 25 years of delivering reliable and innovative communication solutions, A Beep, LLC is excited to announce its official rebranding as Diga-Talk Solutions. This transformation marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, nationwide two-way digital communication services and solutions for an ever-changing horizon in two-way communication and beyond.

Diga-Talk Solutions will serve as the umbrella brand for all Diga-Talk+ and School-Radio products and services, integrating its renowned customer support with an expanded suite of offerings tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

“We are excited to introduce Diga-Talk Solutions as the next step in our company’s journey,” said Michael Ippolito, COO of Diga-Talk Solutions. “This rebranding represents our dedication to advancing communication technology while maintaining the exceptional service and reliability our customers trust.”

Enhanced Capabilities for the Future

With this rebrand, Diga-Talk Solutions introduces a broader range of communication services, including:

Turnkey PoC Solutions – Fully integrated Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) systems.
Standalone PoC Servers – Custom server solutions for independent communication networks.
Multi-Carrier SIMs for PoC – Seamless connectivity across multiple networks.
AI Voice Analytics with VoiceBrain – Intelligent voice analysis for improved efficiency.
Over-the-Top App Support – Enhanced functionality for select communication devices.
Interoperability – Greater compatibility with existing systems.

Meet Us at IWCE 2025

Diga-Talk Solutions is excited to showcase its latest innovations at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Las Vegas, March 19-20, 2025. Attendees can visit Booth #247 to experience firsthand how Diga-Talk Solutions is redefining digital communications with its advanced PoC technology, AI-powered analytics, and seamless nationwide connectivity. Industry professionals are encouraged to stop by and explore how these solutions can enhance their communication strategies.

Diga-Talk Solutions remains committed to delivering superior digital communication solutions to businesses across industries. This rebranding reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach and ongoing mission to keep teams connected, no matter where they operate.

For more information about Diga-Talk Solutions and its enhanced services, visit www.digatalksolutions.com.

About Diga-Talk Solutions
Founded in 1996 as A Beep, LLC, the company has grown into a leader in digital two-way communications. Since 2017, its Diga-Talk Plus brand has provided advanced Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solutions, helping businesses streamline communication with nationwide coverage. Now, as Diga-Talk Solutions, the company continues to innovate, offering next-generation communication tools designed for reliability, efficiency, and nationwide connectivity.

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School bus transportation plays a crucial role in getting children to and from school safely every day. However, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this process requires more than just well-maintained buses and reliable routes.

Effective and streamlined communication between bus drivers, parents, school administrators, and transportation departments is essential for keeping a secure and efficient transportation system.

Here’s why communication is so critical and how it can be improved for the benefit of students, parents, and school communities.

Ensuring Safety

The safety of children is the top priority in school bus transportation. From the moment a child boards the bus until they safely arrive at school or home, clear communication is needed to address any potential issues that arise during the ride.

Real-Time Updates: Bus routes are sometimes subject to delays due to traffic, weather conditions, or mechanical issues. A streamlined communication system allows parents, school administrators, and transportation departments to be informed in real-time about delays or changes. By using communication tools such as two-way radios, apps, GPS systems, and automated messages, parents can track their child’s bus and adjust their schedule accordingly.

Emergency Communication: In case of accidents or emergencies, clear communication channels ensure that the right people are alerted quickly. Bus drivers can contact the school or emergency services, and parents can be notified at once to ensure a timely response.

Incident Reporting: A streamlined system enables prompt reporting of issues such as bullying, inappropriate behavior, or unsafe driving. When parents and school staff can easily communicate with the transportation team, it leads to faster resolutions and keeps the environment on the bus safe for everyone.

Improving Efficiency

School bus systems are large and complex, serving hundreds or even thousands of students each day. For this operation to run smoothly, it’s crucial to coordinate effectively between different parties.

Route Optimization: Communication allows transportation departments to adjust bus routes in real time based on factors like student attendance, road conditions, or changes in traffic patterns. This helps to prevent delays and ensures that buses are running on schedule.

Driver Support and Training: Streamlined communication ensures that bus drivers are well-informed about route changes, student needs, and any unique requirements for children (such as allergies or medical conditions). It also helps ensure that drivers receive continuous training updates and support from their supervisors, which improves overall service quality.

Preventing Overcrowding: With clear communication between transportation departments and schools, it’s easier to monitor bus capacity and adjust schedules accordingly. Overcrowded buses are a safety hazard, and by tracking attendance and bus usage, schools can prevent this issue and improve student comfort and safety.

Leveraging Technology for Better Communication

In today’s digital age, technology can play a huge role in improving communication in school bus transportation.

Automated Messaging Systems: Automated calls or text messages to parents can alert them of route changes, delays, or incidents involving their child’s bus. This minimizes confusion and ensures that parents are always in the loop.

Transportation Two-Way Radios Over Cellular, GPS and Tracking: With the ease of use of Push-to-Talk Over Cellular Radios (PoC), schools can check the progress of buses throughout the day, providing real-time data on location and estimated arrival times. This reduces the likelihood of missed pickups or drop-offs and improves overall time management for bus routes. School-Radio can do just that for school communication from transportation to administration.

Aaron Mannan Director of Project Management B&G Transportation, Inc. M&M Tours, Inc. says of their integration of the School-Radio PoC system: “Coming from a background in 9-1-1 communications to School Transportation, there are many differences, but the needs are very much just as important. We were frustrated with outdated aging radio equipment, and even worse, couldn’t find anyone to work on our system to keep us running. But then we were introduced to School Radio. Clarity is what they are all about. Our dispatch can handle communications from anywhere on the planet, our drivers are kept aware of safety sensitive information, and we know where our fleet is at all times”

Streamlined communication in school bus transportation is essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and overall success of the system. By using technology, improving parent-school relations, and enhancing real-time communication, school districts can create a safer and more efficient transportation environment for all students. The benefits of a well-coordinated transportation system extend beyond simply getting students from point A to point B—it helps build trust, ensures safety, and fosters a more connected school community.

By prioritizing communication at every step of the process, we can help keep our children safe and our school systems running smoothly. For more information on how School-Radio can optimize your communication, visit www.school-radio.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post The Importance of Streamlined Communication in School Bus Transportation for Safety and Efficiency appeared first on School Transportation News.

The foundations of transporting students with disabilities and special needs begin with recognizing that vehicles are an integral piece of the entire school experience and that transportation professionals have a central role in Individual Education Programs (IEPs), three panelists said during the Transporting Students with Disabilities (TSD) and Special Needs Conference in Frisco, Texas last November.

Panelists Alex Robinson, Rosalynn Vann-Jackson and Susan Moorehead emphasized every transportation department professional’s responsibility in supporting the academic and personal growth of students with disabilities.

“What happens on the bus is an extension of the classroom and can make or break that student,” industry consultant Robinson explained. “We need to make sure drivers, transporters and parents understand that the goals on the bus match the goals in the classroom. And that can’t happen without effective communication.”

Vann-Jackson, the chief support services officer with the Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma, stressed the importance of leveraging the collective knowledge of transportation teams. “One thing I’ve learned in pupil transportation is you can’t do it all yourself. Look to the people on your left and right,” she said.

Susan Moorehead, area safety and training manager for Zum Services, agreed. “This is a career where you can make a difference in enhancing the education process of students,” she added. “It’s so much more than driving—it’s about shaping a part of their educational journey.”

The panelists highlighted the evolving role of transportation professionals in IEPs, which are legally mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These plans ensure students receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

“Transportation is a related service under the law, but we often don’t treat it as such,” Robinson said. “The least restrictive environment for transportation starts with general education buses, yet too often we default to special education buses without fully considering the student’s needs.”

The panelists advocated for transportation professionals to be included in IEP meetings, especially when changes in placement, equipment, or support are being discussed.

“You are the expert in transportation,” Vann-Jackson said. “You see things every day that teachers and administrators don’t. If a child has seizures triggered by flashing lights, you need to share that. If there’s a new wheelchair that needs securing, you’ll know how to handle it before anyone else.”

Moorehead added, “Transportation professionals are part of the educational process, not just vendors dropping off students. … It starts with the contract and getting involved immediately with the special education department. … Build relationships with special education departments and show them the value you bring,” Moorehead said.

The panel also addressed the challenges faced by transportation teams, from managing sensitive medical information to maintaining student safety during emergencies.

“There needs to be a chain of custody for medication on the bus. A backpack is not the best place,” Robinson said. “And confidentiality is critical. Drivers shouldn’t be discussing a student’s medication or behavior over the radio.”

Vann-Jackson emphasized the importance of selecting the right people for the job. “Drivers and attendants need to have patience, compassion and the ability to work with children from all backgrounds. If someone tells me they don’t like kids, I tell them UPS is hiring,” she said.

She continued, “It’s not just about attendance and whether we can count on that driver or attendant. It’s about temperament. They need to be able to communicate back to children with patience. We have to provide tools and resources, and they have to be willing to take on those tools and resources.”

Technology and training also play key roles in enhancing the transportation experience. Moorehead highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and other innovations to better understand students’ needs. “The children who need us the most are the ones we can know the most about, thanks to technology,” she added.

The panelists closed the discussion with a call to action: Involve transportation teams early and often in the educational process.

Robinson shared the poignant example of a 22-year-old student whose love for school kept him alive beyond his expected lifespan. “Transportation professionals are part of that IEP team, and what we do matters. Don’t hesitate to speak up and demand the resources you need to provide the best possible service for these students,” she told audience members.

She cautioned, “The reason districts or contractors get into trouble is they know something is important and they don’t ask for it or demand it.”

In the end, the message was clear that pupil transportation is about more than simply getting students with disabilities and special needs from Point A to Point B; it’s about ensuring they arrive ready to learn, grow and thrive.

Related: TSD Panel Offers Necessary Considerations When Selecting Alternative Transportation
Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: TSD Panelists Empower Student Transportation with Technology
Related: Texas Team Takes Home Roadeo Crown at TSD Conference

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