As the new school year settles into a familiar rhythm, we know how vital it is to ensure that your routing systems are up to speed and ready for any challenges that may arise. Your dedicated routing teams have weathered storms of any back-to-school hurdles, and now is the perfect time to fine-tune your systems for peak efficiency. Our First Planning Solutions team has put together four essential areas school districts can evaluate to ensure your routing program performs at peak performance.
Stay Current with Software Updates
One of the cornerstones of an efficient routing system is the software it operates on. To make the most of your routing technology, keeping it up to date with the latest software version is essential. Software vendors regularly release updates that introduce new features and fix issues, ensuring your system functions smoothly and efficiently. Staying current with software updates can help you take advantage of developments, improving your overall daily operations.
Maintain Accuracy in Planned Routes
During the hectic startup of a new school year, meticulously planned routes can sometimes fall out of sync with what’s happening on the road. Leveraging GPS data and input from your drivers is invaluable in helping to maintain accurate routes and ensuring that your buses follow the most efficient paths. When your routes align with actual conditions, you’ll save time, resources and improve service quality.
Ensure Current and Accurate Maps
Today’s routing systems heavily rely on digital maps to create and maintain efficient routes. It’s crucial to ensure that your digital maps are up to date with current attendance boundaries, walk zones, street speeds, and potential hazard areas. By doing so, you can build more precise and safer routes. Accurate maps are the foundation of a successful routing system, guaranteeing the safety and convenience of your students and drivers.
Route to Ridership, Not Just Eligibility
Many school districts traditionally route based on eligibility, which can lead to inefficiencies and overloaded stops. To improve routing efficiency, consider collecting and analyzing actual ridership data. By doing so, you can tailor your routes to serve actual riders rather than merely eligible riders. This data-driven approach allows you to allocate buses more effectively and reduce route requirements where possible. It’s a more exact science that can yield substantial benefits.
Optimizing your school bus routing system is a continuous process that requires attention to detail and adaptability. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the safety and convenience of student transportation while reducing costs.
First Student is committed to supporting you in this endeavor, and our experts are here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need guidance on implementing these improvements, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.