Transportation Management Software, bus scheduling software, school bus scheduling software, school bus management software
If it feels like maintaining a school bus transportation system is getting more difficult, you aren't alone. Schools across North America are facing ever-increasing challenges in keeping their buses running and still serving the needs of their district.
BusBoss has been helping schools optimize their bus systems for over 25 years. Based on our experience, these are the issues we think will be most pressing in the years ahead.
1 - The Bus Driver Shortage
Almost without a doubt, the ongoing driver shortage is the biggest challenge in modern bus transportation. A staggering 91% of schools are reporting staffing problems. Schools need to find more money to advertise, hire, or even headhunt new drivers, or else they will have severe problems in the years ahead.
2 - Rising Ownership Costs
The price of repairs, parts, and fuel are all going up - and may start going up drastically, depending on what happens with the USA's tariffs. We aren't going to urge panic buying, but right now would be a really good time to stock up on easily-sourced spare parts - tires, spark plugs, batteries, belts, etc - if you have the means to do so. This time next year, they could easily be even more expensive.
3 - Aging Fleets
As of 2022, the average age of an active school bus was 9 years, with many going 15+ years without replacement. On top of that, a quarter of schools have begun replacing old buses with slightly-less-old used buses, which is only a stopgap solution. Worse, government funding for upgrades may be drying up.
If buying new buses isn't an option, it may be time to look into third-party providers to make up the difference.
4 - Increased Parental Involvement
Parents are becoming more protective of their children in every aspect of schooling; bus systems are no different. Don't let parents become too much of a distraction or add inefficiencies to your processes. A parental notification app can be an inexpensive way to reduce costs dealing with them, allowing parents to self-serve the information they want.
5 - Inefficiencies In The Bus System
Money is at the heart of most of these problems, and you should be looking to reduce costs of running and maintaining your fleet at every opportunity. BusBoss can help! Our suite of software, hardware, and consulting services are focused on cutting costs without sacrificing safety.
Contact us to request a free consultation.
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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.
(484) 941-0820