Gauging when kids are dropped off by the school bus has always been an inexact science. New technology is now in place to solve the problem for parents in Orange County.
After Fluvanna County had some issues getting kids home on time during their first week of school, Orange County school administrators are going high tech to avoid the same situation.
They are armed with a new online tool that will provide parents with up-to-the-minute details about their child's bus routes. Infofinder is making it easier to find information about school bus routes in Orange County.
Justin Sarver, the transportation coordinator for the Orange County School District stated, "I think it gives the parents a little more information, so they can plan their days better."
Previously, parents had to sift through complicated lists of bus stops that only had approximate times. The new program is more user-friendly and has arrival times for each stop along the route.
Bus driver Karen Campbell said, "It's really going to be really helpful with parents and kids in terms of locating where we are."
Parent Tammy Lam stated, "It would be good just to know where they're at in case you're running late, so you can know whether you're going to make it on time for your kids to be home so you can be home for them."
You have to type in a specific address to see the details - a new safety measure to keep the bus schedules from falling into the hands of a predator.
Campbell said, "It's a proactive measure, we've heard of situations in other states, we're just taking the initiative to stop it before we have a problem."
The transportation department says the new website, combined with things like GPS systems in the radios and surveillance throughout the buses, will make this year the smoothest ride yet.
Orange County Public Schools start on September 4. Click here to check out the new Infofinder system.
