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With school budgets as tight as they are, getting any new investments or policy changes out of your board will require having a lot of facts on your side. The best argument for spending money is that it will bring cost savings, and that requires hard data.
A good bus routing software package will provide the data you need to make compelling arguments. Beyond simply making route maps, the software allows for extensive data analysis, making reports and requests easier!
The Range of Data Collected
Even in its most basic form, routing software collects plenty of data. You'll have exact numbers on the length of your routes, and expected timeframes for student delivery. You'll also be able to sort through all your student riders using information pulled from your student information system to get ages, grades, IEP situations, and more.
However, mapping software can do far more if it's paired with GPS and student ID tracking systems. Then it can collect and collate data from your entire routes, including:
- Actual mileage and times
- Exact ridership reports
- Overviews of driver behavior
- Maintenance and repairs
- Early warnings of problems, such as increased fuel use
From there, you'll have data to crunch on virtually every aspect of your transportation system, other than payroll. Through robust reporting systems, you can put together virtually any data set you need.
Example Arguments
The possibilities are endless, but as a few examples:
- You need more buses/drivers: You can put together theoretical routes with more buses than you currently own, to demonstrate that overall costs-per-route will drop through faster deliveries. Or...
- You have too many buses. In some cases, good routing software can make it possible to eliminate routes through better efficiency, rendering one or more buses redundant. These could be sold for a significant cash influx.
- IEP students need better accommodation. You could put together an argument for having a specialized bus for IEP students, improving efficiency on the other buses.
- Drivers need more/better training. Overviews of their driving showing multiple legal infractions could easily make the argument for expanded training.
- Arguing for electric buses. E-buses are expensive, but the potential long-term fuel savings are enormous. You could demonstrate exactly how much money would be saved every day. And don't forget the reduced maintenance costs!
BusBoss has over 25 years' experience helping school transportation systems run faster, safer, and cheaper. Contact us to learn more!
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PRESIDENT
Sonia has been involved with BusBoss since the late 1990’s, and has personally overseen many projects for various customers ranging from large urban and suburban districts to smaller rural school districts from all over the country.
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