The Hawaii state Department of Education is undergoing a complete overhaul of its pupil transportation program. Under fire amid criticism and accusations of widespread mismanagement, the DOE is now poised to adopt GPS tracking technology in efforts to get a big picture view of fleet activity. The first phase of the program is set to start when the new school year begins.
A lack of planning and oversight has long plagued Hawaiian school bus fleets. Inefficient planning and route management has resulted in costs escalating to unacceptable levels. Involving over 45,000 students, the transportation system is in dire need of a solution. In a strategic move to streamline services, the system is preparing to deploy GPS tracking devices throughout the fleet in an effort to overhaul their student transportation program.
With over 30 millions students riding roughly 500,000 school buses in the U.S. every day, school boards, districts, and private fleets have come to rely on GPS tracking to help meet increasing demand and expectations. The technology provides a system of oversight and accountability necessary in operating large vehicle fleets. As a result of a negative state audit of the student transportation system, the Hawaii Department of Education has decided to completely transform their fleet operations, and GPS tracking technology will be the foundation of their efforts to reform the system.
With effective deployment of GPS tracking devices, school bus fleets can better plan routes, manage fuel costs, increase safety for students, improve vehicle maintenance, and more. With added integration of student ID card systems, the Hawaii DOE is preparing for a level of operational visibility that was previously unavailable to them. An initial pilot of the program in Kona was a huge success, and officials are looking forward to the roll-out of phase 1. Complete implementation of the system is expected with two years.
Source: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/business/1011628-464/hawaii-to-use-gps-tracking-on-school.html
We have more great articles in our archives on GPS tracking technology. “GPS Tracking Leads Chicago Police To Recover Stolen Cars, Investigation Ongoing.”