A webinar gave advice on meeting community needs with school bus service while also making efficient operational decisions.

“We know back to school is behind us, but the heavy lifting is not over,” said Tammy Cook, senior transportation advisor and board member of webinar sponsor Pathwise, during the Thursday presentation

The other panelists were Michael Roche, VP of customer engagement and business development for EZRouting, and Carl Allen, chief executive officer of 4MATIV, both of whom served as transportation directors for school districts.

Roche noted that a big challenge for school districts is bridging the gap between planned and actual ridership. He encouraged districts to use anything from manual headcounts to RFID card tracking to determine actual ridership numbers. Allen added that teachers and school staff can help by noting which buses seem emptier.

“You want to be sure your data is grounded in reality and not just assumptions from the summer,” Roche said. He and Allen advised loading accurate bell time data into routing software and coordinating with individual schools, which assists in making small adjustments in bus routing and tiered schedules.

“Buses will fill up with kids or time,” Allen quipped.

Each fall, Roche said that transportation staff, who often have spent the previous months in school startup “survival mode,” have a chance to catch their breath and look for efficiencies. He advised re-analyzing routes that have 25 to 50 percent underutilization.

Ridership data can be used to drive smarter scheduling, said Cook. While a headcount could tally the same ridership numbers across different days, Allen urged drilling into the data and counting exactly which students are riding the bus and when.

While seeking efficiencies, Allen cautioned districts to be aware of compliance issues, such as ensuring students with special needs always receive their legally mandated transportation. When routing, Roche said he adds buffers since student ridership can increase during the winter months or ones that coincide with individual sports off seasons.

“Just because they aren’t riding now doesn’t mean they won’t,” Cook agreed.

Allen noted that stop removal or consolidation boosts efficiency but requires communication and collaboration with parents, since they have already planned for their set bus stops. Parents may be more inclined to agree to bus stop changes if they know their stop can be reinstated, he said.

Roche agreed that due diligence should be performed to ensure that no one is using a particular bus stop before it is removed outright. He also noted that some districts use vans or sedans to shuttle rural students to a centralized bus stop location.

“Be thoughtful and communicative and transparent with your families,” Allen encouraged.

Related: Ins, Outs of Routing Software Discussed at STN EXPO Reno
Related: Rethinking School Startup for Students with Special Needs
Related: Avoiding False Starts
Related: Navigating Parental Transportation Concerns Amid School Startup

Roche advised soliciting community and district staff feedback on bus stop and routing changes. For instance, having a school receive students five minutes early could get 20 buses back on the route on time, but union requirements affect the hours school staff can work. Negotiation is necessary, Allen said.

Allen advised collecting key performance indicators – including on-time performance metrics, safety metrics, bus capacity utilization and driver performance – and then using them to effect changes, which should be slowly implemented so families and staff can effectively adjust. He also encouraged districts to route students as they enroll throughout the year, respond promptly to parent concerns, and reevaluate operations to ensure progress is being made.

Having this data helps legitimize transportation department requests and effect necessary changes at the district administration level, Roche underscored.

Roche pointed out that a route could be covered but still consistently running two hours late or repeatedly requiring substitute drivers, which signals improvement is needed. He noted that efficiency means different things to different operations. Each district has its own goals, with the ultimate goal being safe service to students.

Watch the webinar on demand.

The post From First Day to Fine-Tuning: Webinar Gives School Bus Routing Tips appeared first on School Transportation News.

Running a student transportation fleet shouldn’t feel like juggling hyperactive chaos. Access this complimentary white paper for more on cutting through the discord with a single, smart, all-in-one school bus routing ecosystem. See what happens when advanced routing meets real-time fleet telematics and enhanced student safety.

Spoiler: Daily operations run more smoothly, and students ride more safely.

• Discover how to streamline daily workflows and boost operational efficiency.
• Learn more about smarter, more flexible route building and management.
• Find out why an integrated platform elevates safety, service and utilization.
• Tools that make life easier for drivers with mobile integration and navigation.
• Read about giving parents more peace of mind with added visibility and student tracking.

Download your copy. See how one platform transforms your fleet into a lean, connected and future-ready operation.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

The post (Free White Paper) Streamline Ops and Save Costs with an All-in-one School Bus Ecosystem appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER — EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced a strategic partnership with Google Maps Platform to integrate Google Navigation into the EverDriven Driver App.

This collaboration reinforces EverDriven’s commitment to modernize student transportation, elevating safety, consistency, and transparency across every ride, while marking a milestone in the company’s technology vision and growing integration with Google and Woolpert Digital Innovations.

Delivering Enhanced Visibility, Safety, and Efficiency

With Google Maps navigation integrated into the EverDriven Driver App, the benefits will extend across the entire transportation ecosystem:

For School Transportation Leaders: Greater safety and efficiency through a unified, secure platform to visualize the location of our drivers, deliver more accurate ETAs, and improve route oversight enabling districts to monitor routes more accurately and reduce disruptions.

For Families & Caregivers: More reliable and accurate student location information, increased certainty around pick-ups and drop-offs, and stronger trust in the use of Google Maps’ proven navigation technology.

For Drivers: A familiar Google Maps interface built into the EverDriven App improves accuracy with dynamic re-routing, speed-limit compliance alerts, and a seamless in-app experience that keeps drivers focused on the road.

“Integrating Google Navigation directly into the EverDriven Driver App marks a major step forward in our mission to modernize student transportation and deliver on our technology vision,” said Mon-Chaio Lo, Chief Product & Technology Officer at EverDriven. “By bringing world-class navigation into a single, easy-to-use app, we’re creating a safer, more efficient experience for drivers, districts, and caregivers alike — and the first of many innovations we plan to deliver in partnership with Google.”

A Foundation for Continued Innovation

This integration is the latest in EverDriven’s ongoing innovation rollout, already underway with new features launched in August, including real-time vehicle tracking. As the first major milestone under its evolving integration with Google Maps Platform and Woolpert Digital Innovations, it lays the groundwork for future enhancements that further reimagine modern student transportation including historical trip analysis for smarter routing, and automated driver assignment capabilities. These advancements reinforce EverDriven’s continued commitment to setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and transparency in student transportation.

About EverDriven

EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Partners with Google to Deliver Best-in-Class Navigation in Driver App appeared first on School Transportation News.

Transporting students with special needs is one of the most complex and critical responsibilities school districts face. Beyond the obvious challenge of getting students safely from home to school and back again, transportation directors must also consider medical requirements, mobility equipment, individualized education plans (IEPs), specialized training for drivers and aides, and the need for clear communication with families. For decades, these demands have placed enormous pressure on transportation departments, often with limited resources.

This is where Transfinder steps in, offering solutions that give districts the tools they need to ensure every student—especially those with special needs—receives safe, reliable, and personalized transportation.

Precision in Routing and Scheduling

For students with special needs, transportation is not one-size-fits-all. Some students may require a shorter ride to minimize stress, while others may need vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts or space for medical devices. Traditional routing methods often struggle to accommodate these individualized requirements.

Transfinder’s Routefinder PLUS software transforms how districts plan and adjust routes. Transportation staff can enter detailed information about each student’s unique needs—whether that involves proximity to a school entrance, a preference for curb-to-curb pickup, or specific vehicle accommodations. Knowing a student’s unique needs and balancing social considerations for that child is important. The system then builds routes that respect these requirements, balancing efficiency with personalization.

For example, if a child has a sensory sensitivity and cannot be on the bus for more than 20 minutes, Routefinder PLUS allows planners to create a route that honors that limitation. If another student requires a bus with air-conditioning due to a medical condition, the system ensures the student is assigned to the appropriate vehicle. These details, once managed manually and prone to error, are now built into the daily operation.

Flexibility When Needs Change

Students’ needs often evolve throughout the school year. A new medical diagnosis, a change in therapy schedules, or even a family move can dramatically impact transportation. Traditionally, making these changes meant long hours of reworking routes and notifying families.

With Transfinder, those adjustments happen quickly and accurately. Transportation staff can easily reassign a student to a different route or vehicle, while the system automatically recalculates times, distances, and driver assignments. Parents are informed immediately through Stopfinder, Transfinder’s parent communication app, which provides real-time updates about their child’s transportation.

For families of students with special needs, this peace of mind is invaluable. Parents know their child’s safety and comfort are always at the center of planning, and they can track buses on a map or receive notifications if a vehicle is delayed.

Supporting Drivers and Aides

Transporting students with special needs requires more than just the right route—it requires well-informed drivers and aides. They must know which students may require extra assistance boarding, which may need a calm and quiet environment, and which have medical considerations.

Transfinder equips staff with the information they need. Through mobile solutions like Wayfinder, drivers can receive turn-by-turn directions as well as notes about student needs. This reduces stress for substitute drivers, who may not be familiar with a particular route or group of students. Instead of relying on memory or binders of paper notes, all critical details are available at their fingertips.

This not only improves safety but also ensures continuity of care. If a student typically rides with a familiar driver but that driver is unavailable, substitutes can step in with the same level of preparedness and confidence.

Reducing Ride Times, Increasing Comfort

One of the biggest concerns parents express about special needs transportation is long ride times. Spending excessive time on a bus can be overwhelming or even harmful for certain students.

Transfinder’s optimization tools help districts reduce unnecessary mileage and minimize student ride times. By analyzing traffic patterns, student locations, and school start times, the software creates routes that are efficient without compromising individual needs. The result is students arriving at school calmer, less fatigued, and more ready to learn.

Compliance and Accountability

Federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) place specific obligations on districts regarding special education services, including transportation. Failure to meet these obligations can result in complaints or even legal challenges.

Transfinder helps districts stay compliant by maintaining detailed records of routes, assignments, and accommodations. If questions arise about whether a student’s transportation needs are being met, transportation directors have the data to demonstrate compliance. This transparency not only protects districts but also reassures families that their children’s needs are being taken seriously.

A Human Difference Through Technology

At its core, Transfinder’s mission is not just about buses and routes—it’s about students. For districts serving special needs populations, that mission carries extra weight. The technology provides tools, but the ultimate result is human: a student who arrives safely at school, a parent who feels confident in their district, and a driver who is empowered to provide excellent care.

Districts that partner with Transfinder often report reduced stress for staff, improved relationships with families, and better outcomes for students. One transportation director put it simply: “With Transfinder, we can focus less on the logistics and more on the children.”

Conclusion

Transporting students with special needs is one of the most demanding and important services a district provides. By combining precise routing, real-time flexibility, parent communication, and staff support, Transfinder ensures that every child’s journey to and from school is safe, dignified, and tailored to their individual needs.

With Transfinder, districts don’t just move students from point A to point B—they deliver peace of mind, equity, and opportunity.

To learn more about Transfinder technology and support, visit Transfinder.com, email solutions@transfinder.com or call 800-373-3609.

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

The post Finding the Right Route: How Transfinder Helps Districts Transport Students with Special Needs appeared first on School Transportation News.

Now that you’ve made it through the beginning of the new school year, this is the optimal time to tune your transportation operations.  Learn how to leverage your live ridership, routing, and call volume data to reduce missed stops, decrease parent inquiries, and enhance on-time performance.

Join Pathwise and School Transportation News on Thursday, October 9, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET for a live 60-minute session to discover how to convert your early-semester data into concrete mid-year gains without replacing your current routing platform.

In this session, you’ll get practical tips on how to:

• Reassess your routes using current ridership signals (scan data, driver logs, parent app activity, no-show patterns)
• Improve routing reliability with targeted fixes for tier balancing, stop consolidation, bell-time alignment, and more, instead of major re-routes
• Track ridership more accurately using count audits, exception workflows, and reconciliations, and turn these insights into schedule improvements
• Operationalize KPIs that matter—on-time percentage, call-center volume, and parent notification latency—so you know where adjustments may need to be made.

Bottom line: This isn’t starting over; it’s making smarter use of tools, data, and processes you already have—to ensure smoother operations throughout the rest of the year.

Who should attend: Transportation directors, routing/dispatch leads, and operations managers.

Brought to you by Pathwise

REGISTER BELOW:

Presenters:

Michael Roche
VP of Customer Engagement and Business Development
EZRouting

With over 13 years of experience as a Director of Transportation for a school district, Roche possesses extensive expertise in overseeing logistical operations and ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation systems. Transitioning into consulting, he has utilized his knowledge to aid school districts in optimizing transportation operations and implementing software solutions. Currently, Roche is committed to collaborating with school districts across the country, assisting them in maximizing the benefits of the software and providing comprehensive consulting services tailored to their transportation requirements.

Carl Allen
Chief Executive Officer
4MATIV

Carl Allen is an experienced leader in education, transportation, and public policy, currently serving as CEO and founder of 4MATIV Technologies, which he launched in 2018. He previously served as Director of Transportation for Boston Public Schools, Regional Vice President for Transdev in Colorado, and COO/CFO of a charter school network in Minneapolis. Drawing on his training in urban planning and public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School, and his early experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching high school math in Ghana, Allen supports school districts in tackling complex transportation challenges. He holds degrees in industrial and manufacturing design engineering from Northwestern University and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife and three children.

The post (Free Webinar) From First Day to Fine-Tuning: Optimizing Your Transportation Operations Following the Return to School appeared first on School Transportation News.

The struggle continues over E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi, the NCST addresses the omission of alternative transportation in its national specs manual, and NASCAR star power boosts a school bus illegal passing PSA in Michigan.

Just announced: the Zonar Bus Suite, an all-in-one routing ecosystem. During July’s STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin caught up with Zonar CEO Charles Kriete and ez enRoute Founder Amit Anand to discuss their partnership that produced this solution.

Brad Hayn, director of transportation for Hoover City Schools in Alabama and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses building relationships for a cohesive team and successful technology implementation.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School-Radio.

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E275) Teamwork & Innovation: Alabama Top Transportation Team & Exclusive Zonar Interview appeared first on School Transportation News.

Zonar Systems made its name in the school bus and trucking industries for its vehicle inspection, GPS and telematics solutions. Now, add routing to the list.

Powered by ez enRoute, which it closed its acquisition of on Sept. 16, Zonar is expanding its technology portfolio by offering an all-in-one routing ecosystem. Bus Suite, which the company said is designed to improve safety, efficiency and communication, was demoed at the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive in July. It is currently available.

Terms of the deal were not made public.

Benefits of Bus Suite, according to a press release, include independent, adaptive routing, increased visibility into student ridership, cloud-based operational oversight, and integrated parent mobile application.

Amit Anand, founder of ez enRoute and now Zonar’s senior vice president of product, said school districts can use it as a standalone routing platform or integrate it with an existing routing provider.

“This flexibility means districts no longer need to rely solely on third-party routing and can modernize operations without costly overhaul,” he added.

For existing customers, Anand noted that Bus Suites combines with Zonar telematics devices, in-cab tablets, Z-pass student ridership data, and live bus route monitoring in one dashboard. It also integrates with student information systems to deliver student roster data into the Bus Suite platform, which Zonar said eases the onboarding process.

“Instead of juggling multiple systems, drivers, dispatchers and parents, [everyone] can stay connected through one platform with real-time visibility of every bus, student, and stop,” Annad continued.

For new customers, he said Bus Suite offers an “all-in-one solution that helps districts of all sizes seamlessly modernize operations with routing, ridership, parent communication, and fleet oversight. This results in simpler operations and greater confidence in daily performance.”

Related: Feeling Super About Transportation Technology?
Related: (STN Podcast E274) Can I Make a Difference? Tips From Top Transportation Team & Technology Super User
Related: First Student to Integrate Samsara AI Technology into Halo Platform

Charles Kriete, CEO of Zonar, also said in a statement that adding ez enRoute to the Zonar portfolio enables the company to deliver greater value to customers.

“We’re not just in the school bus business, we’re in the business of access to education, and we take this mission seriously,” he commented. “As districts nationwide face ongoing driver shortages, the launch of Zonar Bus Suite plays a vital role in modernizing operations, keeping families informed and ensuring safe, reliable student transportation.”

The post Zonar Acquisition Results in Launch of Routing Software appeared first on School Transportation News.

Headlines on tragic violent incidents, electric endeavors, drug testing, a bus fire and more.

Sean Hollas, interim transportation director for Goddard Public Schools in Kansas and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses fostering positive workplace culture and leveraging technology for efficiency.

Take a look behind the operational curtain with Brenda Boyd, transportation director for Holland Public Schools in Michigan and the Technology Super User featured on the STN September issue cover.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School-Radio.

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E274) Can I Make a Difference? Tips From Top Transportation Team & Technology Super User appeared first on School Transportation News.

After more than two decades of working with Transfinder’s Pro software, Frank Gunn, a seasoned transportation consultant at Greenburgh Central School District, made a pivotal decision that would reshape the district’s student transportation system.

Gunn, who initially joined Greenburgh for a 45-day consulting stint and has now been there for six years, led the district’s transition to Transfinder’s browser-based routing solution, Routefinder PLUS, and its companion tool, Viewfinder.

His story is one of trust, adaptability and a commitment to excellence in student transportation.

It’s also one of loyalty.

Gunn’s journey with Transfinder began long before his time at Greenburgh, a district located in Westchester County, about 30 miles north of New York City.

“I’m 20-plus years with you guys,” he said of his relationship with Transfinder. “I was a Pro user for the longest time,” he said, “and it really didn’t give me any problems.”

He admits he wasn’t eager to make the move to Routefinder PLUS.

“I’m 63 years old and things scare me that are new,” Gunn said. But he knew that Transfinder’s award-winning routing solution Routefinder PLUS was the future and recognized his own need to adapt.

“So, I said, ‘Let’s take the plunge.’” What made the decision easier to make was knowing “the customer service I’ve always known you guys to have.”

The move paid off. Gunn describes the transition as smooth and well-supported, thanks to Transfinder’s training team.

“They walked,” he said of the implementation team. “We didn’t run. They knew I was apprehensive, and we just went through it step by step. It was never a rush thing. That’s what made this the easiest.”

That’s a good message for anyone looking to move to Transfinder’s technology, whether moving from Pro to PLUS, manual routing or leaving one vendor to partner with Transfinder: Transfinder’s support and implementation teams come alongside clients and put them at ease.

As a one-man transportation department, Gunn handles everything from routing to communication with contractors. Greenburgh Central transports approximately 2,380 students, including 360 special education and private school students going to more than 70 schools.

With 85 vehicles and 78 drivers, the logistics are complex—but PLUS has made it manageable.

Gunn highlights several features of PLUS that have streamlined his workflow:

• Speed and Efficiency: “I think it’s faster,” Gunn said. “I like that I can open up two map grids at once and print right from right-clicking on the routes.”
• Bus Pass Integration: “I can grab a group of students and print bus passes right from a window.”
• Enhanced Graphics: “The circular stops and boundaries are more crisp.” It is easy to zoom into a location to look at specific bus stops.
• User-Friendly Interface: “It’s very user-friendly. Every time I turn around, there’s another thing I learn.”

One of the most impactful additions to Greenburgh’s transportation toolkit has been Viewfinder, which Gunn describes as a game-changer for contractor communication. The district contracts with Royal Coach Lines for 90 vehicles. Viewfinder allows Royal Coach to access the same routing data Gunn uses, enabling real-time responses to parent inquiries.

“If a parent calls the bus company, they have the exact same information I have at their fingertips,” Gunn said.

This transparency and accessibility have improved service and reduced confusion.

Looking ahead, Gunn is interested in expanding Greenburgh’s use of Transfinder technology. Gunn is enthusiastic about Stopfinder, Transfinder’s award-winning parent app.

“We have to walk before we run,” he said, acknowledging the importance of a phased approach.

Support from Transfinder has been a cornerstone of Gunn’s positive experience. “Support from Transfinder is second to none,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad dealing in over 20 years.” Noting even receiving calls at 5:30 in the morning to resolve issues.

“They treat you like family,” Gunn said. “That’s the easiest way to sum up Transfinder—from the top down.”

For districts considering the switch to PLUS, Gunn offers heartfelt advice: “If you’re a Pro client afraid to take the plunge to PLUS, I’m living proof it’s idiot-proof. It would be the best decision you ever made in your life,” he said, adding, other than marriage.”

Gunn’s story is more than a testimonial—it’s a blueprint for how thoughtful leadership, trusted partnerships and innovative technology can transform student transportation. At Greenburgh Central School District, Transfinder isn’t just a vendor—it’s part of the family.

“I’m not a client,” he said. “I’m part of your family.”

Take your plunge for improvement and work with the best software and safety product as voted by the industry multiple years running. To learn more about Transfinder technology and support, visit Transfinder.com, email getplus@transfinder.com or call 800-373-3609.

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

The post How Greenburgh CSD in New York ‘Took the Plunge’ with PLUS appeared first on School Transportation News.

This month’s issue features the 2025 Technology Superusers, transportation directors that are embracing technology to not only address today’s needs at their operations but also the future. Read articles about efficient routing, data security, student ridership verification, how new technology is going to affect school bus maintenance and AI usage, safety risks during the back to school season and more.

Check out the magazine for more details on the upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference, coming to Texas on Nov. 6-11.

Read the full September 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Future-Focused Technology
Transportation directors this month discuss why they embrace technology that helps their district not only address today’s needs but also tomorrow’s.

Features

Routing for Results
Besides getting students from Point A to Point B, experts share that creating efficient routes saves time as well as money.

Under Surveillance
No one wants to experience a data breach. Student transporters and industry vendors share the secrets to keeping data secure and accessed properly.

Special Reports

Transforming Student Ridership
Regardless of how districts choose to implement student ridership technology— RFID card, QR code, or barcodes—many agree that streamlining the process can improve student safety.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Feeling Super About Technology?

Thought Leader by Robert Pudlewski
School Bus Maintenance Process Recommendations Influenced by Technology

Thought Leader by Gaurav Sharda
Why AI in School Transportation Must Start with Empathy, Not Efficiency

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
School Zone: Safety Risks Surge

The post September 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

TransAct Communications has officially rebranded to Pathwise, unveiling a new name, visual identity and website that the company said signals a renewed focus on simplifying K–12 school operations.

While the brand’s visual identity has changed, the company remains under the same leadership and ownership, as does its core mission to reduce the administrative burden on school staff so educators can stay focused on student success through transportation logistics, governance, compliance, and out-of-school time programs. Pathwise will continue to serve school districts, charter organizations and state departments of education across the country with no disruption to its services or leadership.

“This rebrand reflects who we’ve become a trusted partner with deep education roots and a clear focus on helping schools run more smoothly so educators can focus on students,” said Nate Brogan, CEO of Pathwise, via a press release.

The rebrand comes on the heels of significant growth. Since partnering with Polaris Growth Fund in 2020, the company said it has quadrupled its revenue and made major investments in leadership, product innovation and customer experience. Dan Lombard, managing partner at Polaris, noted in a statement that the rebranding was a natural step toward aligning the company’s public identity with its expanded impact and long-term goals.

The name Pathwise was chosen to convey more than just progress. The company said it represents guidance, purpose and partnership and positions the company not just as a vendor but as a trusted advisor to help schools manage the unseen but essential operations that keep learning on track.

Pathwise launched a redesigned website that it said refined its messaging to better communicate the value it brings to K–12 education.

The company serves over 3,000 school districts and charter organizations, as well as more than 25 state departments of education.

Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success
Related: STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders
Related: Not So Fast: Technology Eyes Speed Reduction in School Buses
Related: Arkansas District Uses Technology to Save Money and Time

The post Transportation Software Company TransAct Rebrands to Pathwise appeared first on School Transportation News.

As one of the largest school transportation operations in Illinois, Indian Prairie School District 204 runs a fleet of nearly 300 vehicles and more than 1,200 routes. When the impact of the bus driver shortage grew in 2019, maintaining this operation required a greater number of substitute drivers. Ron Johnson, the district’s director of support operations, looked to assist their sub drivers — as well as address a need for improved parent communication — with technology.

Indian Prairie has a longstanding partnership with Tyler Technologies, having been a user of Tyler’s routing software since 2008. Johnson turned to Tyler for solutions that would integrate with their existing software, ultimately becoming an early adopter of Tyler Drive tablets in the 2018-2019 school year. With Tyler Drive tablets installed on the district’s vehicles, paper route sheets were eliminated. Regular and substitute drivers gained turn-by-turn voice navigation through the tablets, reducing driver distraction — and, thereby, increasing student safety.

To learn more about Tyler Technologies’ student transportation solutions that connect drivers, routers, and parents, watch their Tyler Drive webinar.

Driving Efficiency

Tyler Drive tablets have also helped increase route efficiency and on-time performance at Indian Prairie.

“Before implementing Tyler Drive, our on-time network was 80.02%,” said Johnson. “Pre-pandemic, Tyler Drive helped us increase our on-time network to more than 97.50%. In 2024, with a shortage of 15 drivers, we were at 95.33%.”

Johnson attributes these improvements to drivers sticking to the approved routes that Tyler Drive guides them through. Substitute drivers are less likely to get lost, and visibility into driver activity and real-time GPS tracking helps identify inefficiencies.

Keeping Parents in the Know

In addition to using Tyler’s student transportation software and Tyler Drive tablets, Indian Prairie keeps parents informed with Tyler’s parent communication mobile app.

“Our parents were asking for a way to be alerted when a bus would arrive late and to receive timely communication from schools about bus incidents,” said Johnson. The parent app integrates with the district’s other Tyler solutions, leveraging data and dynamic communication that delivers an improved experience and real-time information for parents.

Johnson said, “Parents have access to route information and ETA, and we can notify parents of a delay on their specific route.”

Tyler’s parent app is flexible, allowing both manual and automated information and communication. While districts can manually send targeted messages to parents, approved updates in Tyler Drive automatically sync with the parent app. This gives parents instant notifications about changes to the driver, bus, or ETA for their children’s routes, without adding to the transportation team’s workload. Tyler Drive’s turn-by-turn directions also support parent peace of mind — substitute drivers can follow routes exactly as the regular drivers do, so parents know what to expect.

Leaders in Driver Support

Beyond improving their own operations with Tyler’s solutions, Indian Prairie has helped pave the way for other Illinois districts looking to implement in-vehicle driver tablets like Tyler Drive.

“We worked with the State Police, Local Police, and Department of Transportation to ensure we were incorporating safe and sound practices in the use of a Mobile Data Terminal (Tyler Drive), including the installation location and driver best practices,” said Johnson. “We wanted to ensure we were not adding a device that would create a driver distraction, as some agencies were concerned about.”

Citing increased safety for students, the district also coordinated with its State Board of Education on legislation that could make the purchase of driver tablets a reimbursable transportation expense.

Indian Prairie’s efforts — from driving legislation to establishing best practices — can help other districts reap some of the same benefits Johnson’s district has.

“We wanted a full-scale solution to solve on-time network problems, driver route reliability, parent communication, and real-time route information that was accurate,” said Johnson. “Tyler Drive does that for us!”

Tablets Support Efficiency and Drivers

Tyler Drive in-vehicle tablets support full-time and substitute drivers with optimized routes that boost on-time performance. Tyler Drive provides:

• Connected routing — Tyler Drive integrates with Tyler’s routing software, ensuring each vehicle’s route is accurate and updated to help drivers stay on track.
• Up-to-date communication — Route changes in Tyler Drive are automatically reflected in Tyler’s parent app, instantly notifying parents or guardians of a new driver, bus, or ETA.
• Turn-by-turn directions — Drivers get intuitive navigation without the distraction of paper maps and student lists.
• Maintained guidelines — Routes are calculated based on predetermined rules and riders’ needs to provide safe pickup and drop-off locations.
• Integrated messages — Drivers can receive messages from dispatchers with information about stops to skip, construction to avoid, or any other critical information.

Learn more about Tyler Drive in this webinar: Connecting Drivers, Routers, and Parents with Student Transportation.

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

The post How One District is Shaping Driver Support in Illinois appeared first on School Transportation News.

When Lori Smith stepped into the role of transportation coordinator at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools, she inherited more than just a fleet of buses. She walked into a department in transition, a community in flux, and a software system she hadn’t chosen—but would soon come to champion.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek, a growing Ohio district nestled in a nine-square-mile area, serves more than 2,600 students, with more than half relying on school transportation. Despite its modest size, the district’s transportation needs are complex, shaped by rural roads, frequent flooding, and a transient population due to its proximity to a military base.

Smith joined the district four years ago as a transportation assistant. Within 18 months, she was promoted to coordinator after her predecessor abruptly left. “It was a baptism by fire,” she recalls. “I had to learn how to be a supervisor, train my replacement, and figure out a new software system—all at once.”

That software system was Transfinder’s suite of tools designed to streamline school transportation. Smith hadn’t been involved in the decision to switch from another vendor to Transfinder. In fact, her first official act as coordinator was to finalize the contract.

“I was told, ‘This is what we’re doing. Get on board or this wasn’t going to be the job for me,’” she says.

Smith was determined to make it work. She reached out to peers as well as support members at Transfinder. Those calls changed everything, noting Transfinder’s expert “set up regular meetings, gave me homework, and held me accountable.” She said she felt empowered by the experience.

In fact, she said, the implementation experience “is why I am going to use your product as long as I’m sitting in this seat.”

Smith attended Transfinder’s Annual Client Summit in 2024, where she discovered not just tools, but a community. “I walked out of there thinking, ‘This makes so much sense now,’” she says. “Everyone took responsibility for the rocky start and committed to helping me succeed.”

Today, Smith uses a number of Transfinder’s award-winning solutions: Routefinder PLUS for routing, Tripfinder for field trips, Stopfinder for parent communication, Viewfinder for school staff, and Formfinder for managing non-public school students. Each tool has brought measurable improvements.

With Routefinder PLUS, the district eliminated manual data entry, reducing address errors and improving efficiency. “We used to hand-key everything,” Smith says. “So, every time a new student moved into the district, every time an address change happened, we would have to hand-key all of that. And as you can imagine, hand-keying means human error.”
Tripfinder, the first product Smith implemented, revolutionized field trip management. “We were able to customize it from the get-go to get information out of it, pulling, doing some data mining.”

Smith, a self-described data-driven person, said she was in the midst of preparing the district’s T-2 report, which certifies the actual expenses incurred in the transportation of eligible pupils.

“I was able to drill down into field trips. Which ones were done by bus drivers? Which ones were done by substitute drivers? Which ones were in a van? What coaches took most of the driving? How many hours were invoiced? How many miles were invoiced? Just the amount of data that you can pull out of any of the “finders” is, in my opinion, invaluable. Tripfinder runs so well.”

Stopfinder has transformed communication with parents. Instead of mass alerts that caused confusion, Smith can now send targeted messages about delays or reroutes due to flooding — a frequent issue in the district. This eliminated hysteria. “It’s been very helpful to target just specific areas,” she said.

Viewfinder has empowered school secretaries and administrators. Smith created custom views for each building, allowing staff to quickly access bus numbers, stop times, and routes. It has eliminated most phone calls about busing, she says. “The secretaries love it.”

Formfinder, the newest addition, allows Smith to manage transportation for parochial and non-public students who aren’t in the district’s student information system. “Families fill out the form, and it creates a record. It’s interesting, the versatility of all the products to be able to dig deeper for information and use it for different purposes.”

Despite the success, Smith still faces challenges. Convincing her veteran mechanic to embrace digital tools has been tough.”

Still, Smith is playing the long game. She knows that as veteran staff retire and new drivers come on board, the need for modern, efficient systems will only grow. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover in the next few years,” she says. She wants to be ready.

Her vision is clear: a fully integrated, tech-forward transportation department that serves students, supports staff, and communicates seamlessly with families. And thanks to her persistence—and the support of the Transfinder team—she’s well on her way.

Despite not being part of the decision-making process to dump a previous routing product for Transfinder, Smith said, “I am very pleased that we are where we are now. We had a very robust start.”

To learn more about how Transfinder’s tools have transformed transportation departments, call 800-373-3609, email getplus@transfinder.com or visit Transfinder.com/solutions.

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

The post From Chaos to Clarity: How Transfinder Transformed Ohio District’s Transportation System appeared first on School Transportation News.

David Weber, business development manager for School-Radio, analyzes new bus radio and communication technology solutions that can optimize district operations.

Regional Sales Manager James Holtz gives us a glimpse of the innovative new electric school bus Blade Battery from RIDE.

Amidst rapid developments in the clean fuel school bus market, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, and Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development, present answers from the energy leader.

Director of Transportation Teri Mapengo discusses operations, technology and fostering the kind of positive workplace culture that won Prosper Independent School District in Texas a Top Transportation Teams award at this week’s STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Conversation with RIDE.

Conversation with School-Radio.

Conversation with Cummins

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

RENO, Nev. — In a four-hour seminar on routing, consultant Kerry Somerville spoke to attendees at STN EXPO West about everything from implementing routing software and the RFP process to training and using the software.

Whether attendees came to the class Friday to become up to date on the offerings after retirement, or because they were a school bus driver being told to route themselves, or even due to being the director of safety and wanting to see the benefits of routing, all left with a deeper understanding of route specifics.

“I’m not here to talk bad about [any company], but I want you guys to be aware, to ask questions about what you’re buying and how you’re implementing it,” said Somerville owner of Transportation Planning Solutions as well as a transportation supervisor for Show Low Unified School District in Arizona.

Related: (STN Podcast E263) Not an Easy Button: Expert Gives School Bus Routing Technology Tips

Somerville explained that the RFP is the district’s opportunity to specify exactly what they want and need from software. “Designate who’s going to run the software,” he shared, adding that there needs to be a backup in case that person is unavailable.

He noted that when creating the RFP, one needs to be realistic and not ask for things that aren’t possible. Similarly, he noted it’s important to be prepared to pay for solutions that meet the requirements being asked for. He also advised not asking for good references, which any company can provide. Instead, he suggested asking about failed implementations and why they occurred.

Somerville noted that a phased implementation is a better approach, rather than implementing technology all at once. And while some districts have the expectations that the lowest bid must be accepted, that may mean they don’t get the features or functions they want or need.

One attendee shared his operation is in search of its third routing software.

When discussing what is wanted versus what is needed, Somerville noted that the bandwidth of people and the size of operation play important roles. Ask yourself, what is your end goal, he noted, adding that sometimes it’s not necessarily about implementing a new product but training on a current one.

Once new routing software is implemented, the next stage is training. He noted that five days of intense training may seem like it’s the best approach, but when it gets to day five, employees might have forgotten what you learned on day one. Instead, he advised districts engage in continuous ongoing training, citing the importance of creating a training plan.

He also said training is both the vendor and district responsibility and should include routes. If a district is implementing remote training, he said it’s important to determine if it will really work for the team.

Other aspects of implementation include student data and working with one’s IT department to make sure the nightly download is accurate. He also advised working with the district’s management team to ensure that student data is accurate and highlighted the importance of how good address data is critical.

Plus, he asked, how does your software handle changes such as adding students and routes, changing bus stop locations and deleting information? “There is no such thing as a perfect map,” he said.

He outlined pros and cons to the various type of maps available.

Maps change, Somerville explained, and there needs to be away to update them. Plus, he added that data affects the quality of routes. For instance, a left turn may have a greater penalty than a right turn, adding that UPS trucks in the U.S. are programmed to minimize or avoid left turns due to safety and efficiency benefits. On the other hand, being able to adjust speed data via software can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your runs. Other data that affect routing include attendance boundaries, hazards and walk zones.

Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
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Related: Download App for 2025 STN EXPO West Conference

Somerville said optimization should be used as a tool, not a solution. He said every year there’s a big story about a school district being promised to save millions of dollars with optimization and then it failed day one of school start up. He said all data elements affect optimization. He advised testing the runs — everything from timing, routing, time spent at each stop, and speed — the software products prior to the first day of school.

Overall, when using software, he advised using it every day as practice makes perfect. He said he finds that most school districts only use about one-tenth of the function that the software can do. “Keep the data fresh,” he said, adding to avoid the “this doesn’t work trap.”

This, he said, is why it’s important to get what you want in the RFP process.

He concluded by urging the audience to not give up. “Learning new software, new ways of doing things can be a challenge, difficult and frustrating but the reward is at the end when you can provide the answers people need quickly and easily,” he said.

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