SMART Tag will be available on March 4 in an app version and can be downloaded via the Apple App Store or Google Play. SMART Tag offers users real-time updates from students riding the bus and can alert bus drivers if a student is exiting at the wrong stop or attempting to board the wrong bus.

The details

According to a district website, SMART Tag utilizes radio frequency identification technology and cloud-connected tablet computers in each school bus.

Beyond providing accurate, near real-time information, the website states that by using the app, parents and guardians can:

• View student profile, routes and riding history
• Add/remove students to/from the account
• View live map of assigned bus location
• Sign up for alerts, which are push notifications sent prior to the bus's arrival at an assigned bus stop
• Manage authorized guardians

A closer look

Besides providing information to parents and guardians about their students, the app also offers numerous data points for bus drivers.

According to the website, SMART Tag provides a student profile with a photo ID for bus drivers to verify identification. Other features include:

• Automating seating charts
• Generating discipline reports
• Creating and managing maintenance requests