Auburn Public Schools rolls out bus-tracking platform; staff, routes and sidewalk clearing discussed

Auburn Public Schools transportation staff reported the recent implementation of an onboard bus-tracking platform, which families and staff say has improved communication and predictability for bus arrivals.

Transportation staff (identified in the meeting as Mr. Nier) said the platform—referred to in the meeting as “Bus Right”—has been “going very, very well,” and has helped families know which bus is coming and when. The district is operating 16 routes with 13 regular drivers; the remaining routes are covered by the transportation director (named in the meeting as Dave Fontaine), a substitute, and an outside provider (Northeast Charter). Staff also reported five bus/van aides and 14 van drivers across 12 van routes.

Committee members asked about sidewalk clearing and whether students were being forced to walk in the roadway. Transportation staff said the city typically runs three sidewalk plows during or immediately after storms but that only one plow was operating that day because another was under repair and a third was due back by the end of the week; principals and transportation staff were notified to expect delays. On overtime and scheduling, staff explained drivers are hired for 4-, 6-, or 8-hour shifts; overtime tends to arise when 8-hour drivers pick up extra trips, midday field trips, or after-school activities.

The committee thanked staff for the update and requested additional information on staffing patterns and overtime as needed. No formal action was taken on transportation items at the meeting.

What’s next: Staff will continue to monitor the new tracking platform, share operational updates with principals, and provide committee members additional staffing details on request.