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New approach to student transportation

For school leadership and school transport companies, 2023 can be the start of a new approach to efficient and effective student transportation. As a supplement to the established yellow bus model, innovative technology-based solutions can serve to improve communication practices, simplify logistics, increase efficiency and streamline processes. 

By embracing new technology and integrating cutting-edge tools into existing transportation operations, schools and school transport providers can make the most of their resources so school transportation staff are no longer left feeling like there is too much to do and never enough hours in the school day. 

The beginning of a new year is a great time to reevaluate established routines and commit to trying different ways of doing things. In honor of the new year, MyShule would like to suggest a few resolutions specific to the school transportation industry.

In 2023, schools and school transport providers can resolve to. . .

1. Optimize bus routes

Optimize bus routes with an increase of students with individualized needs, the traditional fixed-route school transportation model has been experiencing added pressure. Exacerbated by the pandemic, the bus driver shortage has brought further complications. With a limited supply of vehicles, school transport providers and schools have been forced to consolidate bus routes in order to meet the transportation needs of all students. 

Some of these challenges are new, while others are evolving. Given open enrollment and school of choice trends, now may be the ideal time for scholar transporters and schools to explore new transportation models and solutions that have been specifically designed to optimize bus routes and maximize asset utilization.

Utilizing data science and operational expertise, MyShule technology helps schools and school transporters identify best routing practices thereby minimizing costs and maximizing resources.

MyShule routing technology has been proven, in fact, to save an average of 40% per student when a school bus route has 12 students or fewer.

2. Simplify transportation scheduling and processes

On the way out in 2023: Outdated, inefficient technology involving unnecessary layers and processes when making changes, scheduling or canceling trips, and communicating status updates. 

On the way in: Technology aligned with school and school transport provider needs that puts the power in the hands of transportation staff, enabling them to add, edit and cancel trips easily. The ability to communicate directly with drivers and automatically update assistant s/parents should also be a given in 2023.

These types of unique school transportation needs can be met with MyShule technology, which was developed in direct response to feedback from schools and school transport companies.With just the click of a button, MyShule allows for customization of such things as pickup addresses, communication preferences, scheduled times and much more. 

3. Secure real-time visibility into trip progress

Secure real-time visibility into trip progress.In 2023, say goodbye to frantic calls from parents/caregivers asking where their child is at — as well as the numerous (and often time-consuming) steps involved in getting and communicating the answer. Today’s school transportation technology solutions by MyShule can make the handling of this pressure-laden, time-sensitive situation much easier for everyone involved. 

Permission-based access and visibility into ride progress is available for all users on a student’s account in MyShule admin panel . Trip status can be followed visually in the MyShule mobile app or on the MyShule platform, and real-time updates are also communicated via SMS/text messaging.

This tech-enabled transparency streamlines communication while providing peace of mind for both schools and parents/caregivers.

4. Explore alternative solutions to the bus driver shortage

The school bus driver shortage is a much-discussed, long-standing issue that has been impacting school transportation operations for years. The COVID-19 pandemic only served to make matters worse. The driver shortage has had far-reaching implications, and schools have demonstrated real dedication and resourcefulness by trying many different things to offset the lack of resources. 

Schools that remain open to the idea of doing things differently in 2023 can benefit greatly from out-of-the box, creative solutions that are based on new approaches to this enduring problem.   

5. Maintain safety as the number-one priority

Safety is job #1 priority.There is nothing more important than protecting the well-being and privacy of students, which is why safety is the number-one consideration when it comes to school transportation. Whether schools are using their own transportation resources or working with alternative transportation partners, following established safety processes and procedures — many of which are dictated by state law — is imperative.

We understand these concerns well here at MyShule, as safety drives everything we do. In each state in which we operate, we are licensed as a Transportation Technology Company and are highly regulated by either public utilities or country transportation commissions (depending on the country). In all of our service areas, we meet all country and federal requirements — including state Department of Education requirements when applicable.

Schools looking to work with a dependable transportation partner in 2023 — one that takes safety as seriously as they do — need to look no further. Simply put: There is no end to the things we do for safety at MyShule. Take, for example, our proprietary Safe Trip Support System, our Safety Advisory Board, our COVID-Safe Ride Standards — and our annual Safety Report.

There are just a few examples of the many ways in which we not only meet but consistently exceed regulatory requirements and standards.

6. Work only with transportation partners you can rely on.

Schools can move their school transportation plans forward in 2023 with both certainty and confidence by choosing the right transportation technology partner.

When schools and school transport providers partner with MyShule, we leave no room for doubt.

And when last-minute and emergency transportation needs arise, MyShule offers on-demand access to MyShule scholar transporter community for our education partners.

 

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