Fort Bend ISD parents will be able to track their child’s location when riding the bus through an app on their smartphone in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
How it works
The new Stopfinder bus software system requires students to use an identification badge to scan when boarding or exiting the bus. With this "almost real-time" information, parents and school staff can verify bus route information, arrival times and ensure their child is on the correct bus, according to an Aug. 2 district news release.
The system is only accessible to authorized registered users, according to the release.
What you need to know
FBISD will issue all students an ID badge with protective sleeves and lanyards, which they’re expected to wear in school and on the bus.
According to the Stopfinder website, parents will be able to do various tasks once the program is implemented, including:
- Receive notifications if a bus is behind schedule, or if the bus driver or number changed
- Set up alerts to be notified when the bus is near
- Have two-way communication with the district’s transportation department
In addition to bus access, students can use the IDs in the cafeteria or in the library to rent books, according to the release.
Neighboring district Katy ISD will implement a similar tracking system this year called SAMRT tag, according to an announcement on KISD's website.
What’s next
Parents will receive additional information about the program after Stopfinder launches "in the next few weeks," according to the release. The program will cost $1 million to implement is funded by the district's May 2023 bond, said Sherry Williams, director of strategic communications for FBISD.
