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District pilots bus‑tablet system to give drivers navigation and parents real‑time tracking
Summary
Okaloosa County presented a Transfinder tablet system pilot intended to improve route fidelity and provide parents real‑time ETA and geo‑alerts; pilot involved 10 buses and district staff said vendor issues are being worked out.
The Okaloosa County School Board heard details of a proposed Transfinder tablet system for the district’s bus fleet, a tool district staff say will provide drivers with real‑time navigation, automated rerouting for street closures and an app that lets parents receive estimated time‑of‑arrival and geo‑alerts. "It's a tablet system for our drivers that's gonna push out routes of real time navigation for them," said Mr. Gore, the transportation presenter.
District staff described a pilot this semester on 10 buses, deployed strategically across Crestview, Niceville and other areas, with generally positive feedback. Mr. Gore said the system will reduce reliance on paper route sheets, improve fidelity when substitute drivers fill in, and allow drivers to focus on driving rather than reading directions. He also emphasized a communications piece that lets parents set ETA alerts and track buses. "So it's gonna be safe for everybody involved," he said.
Why it matters: District leaders said the technology is intended to increase student safety, improve routing efficiency during driver shortages and give parents clearer, real‑time information about bus arrivals. Board members praised the pilot and the transportation staff but noted that vendor issues remain under active resolution. The board did not take a formal vote in the workshop discussion.
