Dallas ISD introduces Edulog for real-time bus tracking

Dallas - The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is ushering in a new era of communication between parents and the school transportation system, Dallas Metro News reported. Come Monday morning, the DISD will not only dispatch its fleet of school buses but also launch an innovative technological system that aims to enhance interaction between parents and the transport that serves their children.

"It's all about efficiency," says Jamie Sandoval, the district's executive director of student transportation services, as reported by CBS Texas. "We want to be efficient, and effective and increase our on-time performance."

Named Edulog, this state-of-the-art technology focuses on integrating real-time data, putting essential information at the parents' disposal. The access to this cloud-based application is closely monitored, requiring parents to verify themselves with their child's exclusive district details. Once confirmed, the application provides real-time details, transforming the way parents communicate with the transportation system.

"They can track the bus without having to call and ask, 'Where's my bus? I've been waiting here for 10 minutes,'" Sandoval said. "Now, you can just log in very quickly, very easily and locate your bus. You can see exactly where they are. There's a traffic piece where you can see how much traffic they're in, so it's going to be a lot easier."

A physical manifestation of Edulog can be found in the form of tablets, meticulously installed on every DISD bus. Securely mounted and carefully controlled for driver access, these tablets are more than just static devices. They offer the dynamic ability to present route information, a critical aspect particularly if a substitute driver needs to unexpectedly take over a bus route.

"If a bus driver has to change buses for whatever reason, the system will know exactly what bus that child is on," Sandoval said.

In addition to the implementation of Edulog, the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is introducing a secondary system called Samsara, aimed at enforcing detailed safety measures. This development represents a targeted drive within the district to mandate drivers to perform rigorous pre and post-trip examinations.

"We have to actually scan the front of our bus, the sides, the back," explained Tamara Richardson, a DISD bus driver. "When we log in, we take a picture and upload it."

This complex network, which enables real-time communication with parents, will also transmit crucial safety data to district staff.

"If you have to brake hard, it will alert them and then they can see what happened," Richardson said. "Cars do sometimes cut us off. It's for our safety."

While these technological advancements are noteworthy, foundational elements that have defined the transportation system will continue. Existing cameras that capture all activities in and around the bus will remain key. The district's commitment to student safety is also reinforced by a system that necessitates drivers to thoroughly check the buses to confirm that all passengers have safely exited.

"When we turn the bus off, it's gonna buzz," Richardson said. "So, for us to turn the buzzer off, we have to walk to the back of the bus. There's a button we have to push and we look between the seats and even on the floor."

As both an insider and parent, Richardson's enthusiasm for these enhancements is clear: "Awesome. Awesome. Awesome."

To ensure a smooth transition, a flyer packed with comprehensive instructions for accessing the app will be handed out to DISD bus riders on Monday. Those who need further assistance will find the information on the district website.

Responding to seasonal challenges, like the intense heat typical of this time of the year, the district is showing flexibility in previous strict rules. Sandoval indicates that a gesture towards practicality will allow students to carry water and sports drinks onto the buses.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, Dallas Independent School District, CBS News