The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) in Pennsylvania has significantly enhanced its transportation operations by implementing Transfinder’s advanced technology solutions. By adopting Routefinder PLUS, Infofinder i, and Viewfinder, the district has improved bus routing efficiency and increased transparency for parents, administrators, and contractors. Optimizing Bus Routing At the core of DASD’s transportation routing is Routefinder PLUS, Transfinder’s browser-based routing solution. This user-friendly platform enables transportation officials to design and manage bus routes efficiently. Its advanced algorithms consider factors such as student locations, traffic patterns, and bus capacities to optimize routes, reducing travel time and operational costs. “Implementing Routefinder PLUS has transformed our routing process,” said Marilyn Causey, assistant supervisor of transportation for DASD. “We can now make swift adjustments to routes in response to real-time events, ensuring that our buses operate safely and efficiently.” Enhancing Community Access To foster better communication and transparency, DASD utilizes Infofinder i, a web-based service that shares route and stop information via the district’s website. This tool allows parents, administrators, and contractors to access up-to-date transportation information, promoting transparency and trust within the community. “Infofinder i has been instrumental in keeping our community informed,” Causey said. “Parents appreciate having easy access to their child’s bus routes and schedules, which has significantly reduced the number of inquiries we receive.” Monitoring Operations To oversee daily transportation operations, DASD employs Viewfinder, a solution that provides real-time updates on students, trips, vehicles, and staff. Accessible from any computer or mobile device, Viewfinder ensures that the transportation department can monitor and manage its operations effectively. In read-only mode, it also provides valuable insight for the district’s transportation contractors and administrative staff. “With Viewfinder, we have real-time visibility into our fleet’s status,” Causey said. “This capability allows us to address issues promptly and maintain smooth operations.” The integration of Transfinder’s solutions reflects DASD’s dedication to continuous improvement in student transportation. By leveraging these tools, the district has enhanced efficiency and built trust within the community through increased transparency. “Our partnership with Transfinder has been instrumental in modernizing our transportation services,” Causey said. “We are always looking for ways to improve, and with these tools, we can provide safer and more reliable transportation for our students.” As technology evolves, DASD remains committed to adopting innovative solutions that benefit students, parents, and the broader community. The integration of Transfinder’s technology is a testament to the district’s proactive approach to excellence in student transportation.

This story was initially covered by WIS News 10 in South Carolina, titled Finding More Than One Way to Serve Your Community: From Fighting Fires to Caring for Midlands Children. Chante Coad works as a school bus driver at Lexington/Richland School District 5, a district which is to be a member of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), which is why the association felt it was essential to highlight this impactful and beautiful story.  Introducing Chante Coad, who etched her name in history in 1990 as the first Black female firefighter in the Columbia-Richland Fire Department. Coad had an esteemed career as a firefighter, and after her remarkable journey, she retired as a firefighter and became a school bus driver. “We take our job very seriously, we are very professional staff, that we enjoy driving kids, because it takes a special type person to be a school bus driver,” Coad told WIS News 10. “You have to know that our hearts are with you, we want our children to get to and from school safely. We want you to know that we care about them that’s why we take this job and for you to be comfortable letting your students ride tonight.” Wil Williams, the Director of Transportation at Lexington/Richland School District 5, shared his thoughts on Chante: “Ms. Coad has been dedicated and committed to serving the students, community, Lexrich 5 School District, and her peers. She consistently seeks out opportunities to learn and build relationships all while improving her knowledge of student transportation. Ms. Coad brings an old thought to mind that I hope to never forget. We don’t hire bus drivers ; we hire caring and dedicated people who love children and we will teach them how to drive a school bus. Ms. Chante Coad’s fervor attitude demonstrated daily reflects a strong commitment for selfless service.” Why Chante’s story matters In a time where many communities are struggling to find devoted bus drivers, Chante stands out as a beacon of reliability and care. Her journey inspires others to view the role of a school bus driver not just as a job, but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families. By sharing her experiences, Chante encourages others to step forward and contribute to the vital role of safely ushering the next generation to their places of learning. Her story is a reminder that every role within a community is interconnected and has the power to uplift and inspire. The significance of community in addressing the shortage of school bus drivers When community members understand the importance of transportation in education, they are more likely to rally together to find solutions and encourage individuals to take up this vital role. Stories like Chante’s story highlight the contributions of school bus drivers and attract new candidates. Additionally, community support can lead to better working conditions and benefits, making the profession more appealing. By valuing and recognizing the dedication of those who ensure children’s safety, communities can help bridge the gap and ensure that every student has access to safe reliable transportation.

Presented by Q’STRAINT As Q’STRAINT rockets into its 40th anniversary, they celebrate their out-of-this-world contributions to the safety of school bus transportation for students with disabilities. Since its launch in 1984, Q’STRAINT has been a trailblazer, engineering wheelchair securement solutions that have not only set industry standards but have also propelled the lives of countless students into new realms of safety, accessibility, and independence. This milestone is more than a countdown to success—it’s a celebration of the liftoff and flight path that has brought Q’STRAINT to the forefront of school bus safety for four decades. At the core of Q’STRAINT’s mission is a commitment to launching students into a future of safety, independence, and confidence. This mission is particularly crucial in school transportation, where the ability to travel safely to and from school is fundamental to a student’s education and overall well-being. Q’STRAINT securement systems have played a key role in empowering students with disabilities, giving them the confidence to embark on their journeys independently. For many students, the school bus is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a launch pad for their daily adventures, enabling them to participate fully in school life. By ensuring that these students can travel safely and securely, Q’STRAINT has helped dismantle barriers to education and inclusion, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to soar. The Early Launch: Addressing a Critical Need In the early 1980s, the need for safe and reliable transportation solutions for wheelchair users was becoming increasingly apparent. School buses, in particular, were facing challenges in accommodating students with disabilities safely. Many schools lacked the necessary equipment to secure wheelchairs effectively, leading to potential safety risks during transit. It was in this context that Q’STRAINT introduced its first wheelchair securement system, revolutionizing the industry by providing a solution that was both easy to use and highly effective. Q’STRAINT’s first wheelchair securement system was the catalysts  that ignited a new era in transportation safety. By introducing the original Q’STRAINT system, featuring a four-point securement method. This breakthrough provided a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use solution that was particularly significant for school buses, where the need for intuitive and effective securement systems was mission-critical. Expanding the Orbit: Innovations in School Bus Securement Over the past 40 years, Q’STRAINT has continued to push the boundaries, introducing cutting-edge products designed to meet the evolving needs of the school bus segment. The company’s relentless pursuit of innovation has led to the development of advanced securement solutions that address the specific challenges faced by students with disabilities, ensuring they can board their buses with confidence and security. One of the key innovations in this area has been the development of the QRT-360. This product was designed with the school bus environment in mind, providing a robust solution that ensures the safety of wheelchair-using students during their daily commute. The QRT-360’s ease of use, combined with its advanced safety features, has made it a popular choice among school districts across the country. The Power Behind the Mission: Our Committed Sales Team Q’STRAINT’s success in the school bus segment is not only the result of its innovative products but also the dedication and passion of its committed sales team. This team of professionals has been instrumental in driving the adoption of Q’STRAINT securement systems across school districts nationwide. With their deep understanding of both the product and the unique needs of their clients, Q’STRAINT’s sales team has helped to build strong, lasting relationships with school districts, transportation providers, and advocacy groups. “At Q’STRAINT, we understand that every securement solution we provide is more than just a product—it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of students with disabilities. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously, and we’re proud to be part of a team that helps schools across the country launch safer journeys every day.” — Trisha Nolen, Southern Regional Manager Looking Ahead: The Future of School Bus Safety As Q’STRAINT celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is not only reflecting on its past achievements but also looking ahead to the future. The challenges faced by students with disabilities are continually evolving, and Q’STRAINT is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in this area. Another area of future development is the expansion of Q’STRAINT’s training and education programs. As new securement technologies are introduced, it will be essential to ensure that school bus drivers and aides are fully trained in their use. Q’STRAINT is committed to providing the resources and support needed to ensure that its products are used to their fullest potential. Q’STRAINT’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to transportation safety and innovation. Over the past four decades, Q’STRAINT has made significant contributions to the school bus segment, ensuring that students with disabilities can travel safely and confidently to and from school. Through its pioneering securement solutions, advocacy efforts, and partnerships, Q’STRAINT has set the standard for school bus safety and has had a profound impact on the lives of countless students and their families. As Q’STRAINT looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to advancing the cause of transportation safety for all wheelchair users. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with industry partners, Q’STRAINT will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of school bus safety for the next generation of students, ensuring that every journey is a launch toward a brighter, safer future.

  The Saratoga Springs City School District in New York is transforming its transportation operations with the help of busHive, a software solution streamlining critical processes and reducing inefficiencies. For Dave Gonzalez, dispatcher for the district, busHive has become an invaluable tool for navigating these challenges.   Bridging the Gaps Each day, Saratoga Springs requires 70 bus drivers to meet its transportation needs, but it consistently operates with a shortfall of at least six drivers—a deficit that grows when absences occur. This shortage complicates routine operations and adds pressure, particularly as the district reinstates late runs and after-school programs that were suspended during the pandemic. “It’s a little bit of a challenging puzzle every morning to piece together because people are going to get sick, it happens,” Gonzalez said. To address this challenge, the district is considering consolidating routes to create longer, full-time positions that offer a more livable wage, an initiative Gonzalez sees as crucial. “As a school bus driver, it’s hard to make a living wage under the conditions we’re currently working on,” he said. Modernized Operations Although busHive is not used for daily route planning at Saratoga Springs, it plays a pivotal role in managing field trips, athletic trips, and other logistical demands. Gonzalez credits the software for saving countless hours that would otherwise be spent on manual tasks. “If I had to do this by hand, I’d be pushing close to 80 hours a week,” he said. With busHive, Gonzalez can process weeks of trip schedules in just a few hours, a dramatic improvement over traditional methods. The software’s reporting features have also revolutionized how the district communicates trip assignments. Gonzalez described the ease of generating detailed driver schedules with just a click. “All I really have to do is hit a report that gives me that information and then send it on to athletics,” he said. This streamlined process eliminates the need for endless phone calls or email exchanges, freeing up time for more critical tasks. Enhanced Accuracy and Communication busHive has improved communication between departments by automating approval processes. Requests for trips are entered into the system, routed to the appropriate personnel for review, and approved or denied without back-and-forth delays. “It just sends out an email to everybody who needs to know about it and approve it or disprove it,” Gonzalez said. “If I had to do this without that technology, people would have to be calling me nonstop.” Additionally, the software allows the district to maintain precise records of time and mileage for academic and athletic trips. This data not only aids in cost-cutting initiatives but also ensures that billing for academic trips is accurate and timely. Gonzalez said that monthly billing for the district’s six elementary schools, middle school, and high school is now a seamless process thanks to busHive’s capabilities. Expanded Capabilities Beyond trips, the district is exploring busHive’s potential for managing mechanical maintenance and inventory. The software is also being leveraged to track driver certifications and upcoming exams, a necessity in the highly regulated field of school transportation. Gonzalez foresees significant benefits in using busHive for notifications and reports, which would replace labor-intensive, paper-based methods. “If you have a program that will spit out a warning to you, that will be incredibly helpful,” he said. While no technology is without its glitches, Gonzalez spoke highly of busHive’s support team. “It’s very rare that I have to sit on them or get aggravated with them,” he said, highlighting their responsiveness and commitment to resolving issues. For Gonzalez, the occasional hiccup is outweighed by the software’s overall reliability and time-saving benefits. Looking Ahead As Saratoga Springs continues to refine its transportation operations, busHive remains a cornerstone of its strategy. The district’s focus on efficiency, communication, and adaptability reflects a commitment to overcoming challenges while providing safe and reliable transportation for its students. For Gonzalez, the benefits are clear. “This is a vastly better system than what we had,” he said.