Grand Canyon board approves Transfinder bus-tracking app for parents

The Grand Canyon Public Schools Board voted to approve a Transfinder electronic transportation-communication proposal that will let parents track buses on a map and receive route-specific messages.

The board approved the contract after the superintendent recommended the system. Board member Natalie Lyle had requested the district explore an app-based solution; district staff said the system integrates with the district’s existing routing software and supports two-way messaging with parents.

Superintendent (unnamed) described the app’s features and intended benefits. “The parents will download an app, and like I said, it we give them a a notice, and they can choose what they want 5, 10, 15 minutes,” the superintendent said. The superintendent said the app can show where a bus is, indicate when it will arrive within a selected window, and send targeted messages to the specific route if there is an accident or delay.

Transportation staff members Brad and Steve assisted in preparing the proposal, and Rebecca (communications staff) was asked to help with public links and information. District leaders said they hope to have the system ready to roll out to all routes by the first day of school and possibly pilot it at a few schools by the end of the current school year.

Board members and staff said the district expects the app to reduce phone calls to school offices about bus stops and arrivals and to allow more precise, route-level communications during delays or incidents. The motion to approve the Transfinder proposal was made and seconded on the record; the board approved the contract by voice vote.

The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public remarks. The superintendent and staff will lead implementation planning and parent communications ahead of the planned rollout.