Fresno Unified parents will soon be able to track their student's bus in real time

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno Unified School District has implemented new transportation technology.

The goal is to give parents peace of mind.

This school year, FUSD is using new technology called Zum to track its buses.

"It's giving us so much insight into what's happening in transportation," says FUSD Dir. of Transportation, Paul Rosencrans.

Rosencrans says it's already up and running for general education students.

Zum allows the district transportation team to monitor bus routes in real time.

"We can see ahead of time that maybe a bus is running late, we can track that route and we can adjust it proactively," Rosencrans said.

It's not just the district that can keep an eye on buses.

Each school site is able to track its buses, and parents will be able to track their child's bus through an app.

In order for parents to get access, Rosencrans says they need to make sure their emergency contact information at the school is up to date.

Then, they have to let the district know which route their child takes.

Once the district connects their child to the route, parents will have access to the app.

"Parents are going to be able to track their bus live and they'll get real-time ETAs, so they'll know exactly where their child's bus is," Rosencrans said.

Later this semester, students whose parents opted into the app will receive a bus pass.

Each time they get on or off the bus, they'll scan it.

That will also notify parents.

Rosencrans says that process will help eliminate any confusion for young students navigating the bus system.

"Drivers will be able to verify students get on the right bus and get off at the correct stop," Rosencrans said.

Right now, the technology is only utilized for general education students as the district completes its contract with First Student.

But next year, it will expand to special education as well.

Zum buses will be utilized, and any driver in good standing will First Student will automatically have a job with Zum.

Rosencrans says he believes this new technology will make a big difference for parents, schools and the district.

"The software is great for us and the technology is great, but really, it's about peace of mind and communication, so we're really happy to be able to deliver that," Rosencrans said.

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