Ware County Schools is launching a parent/guardian app called Stopfinder that will allow parents and guardians to accurately track their children’s school buses in realtime.
The easy-to-use app is secured so only authorized users can access school bus information.
Stopfinder, created by the district’s routing software company, Transfinder, is free to parents and guardians, and allows users to customize when they receive alerts about the the location of their child’s bus. The app is also a two-way communication tool, providing parents with an easy way to communicate quickly with the district transportation office and receive notifications instantly.
Because Stopfinder works seamlessly with the district’s routing system, Routefinder Plus, district transportation leaders can target communications to specific regions that may only be relevant for that area. For example, if a road is closed and a bus is late, only parents/guardians of students affected by that road closure will be contacted.
“We’re pleased to offer this service to parents and guardians in our district,” Ware County Superintendent Lynn Barber said. “We believe Stopfinder will play a critical role in reducing anxiety because parents will be kept up to date with pickup and drop off information. The Stopfinder app, developed for parents, offers a user-friendly interface and a straightforward registration process and we are embracing technology to ensure the safety of students commuting by bus.”
“This tool will help the transportation office become even more efficient and responsive because Stopfinder will answer that most important question parents have: ‘Where is my child’s school bus,?’” Dr. Scott said. “The ability to conduct two-way communication will strengthen the ties we have with our community and help to keep students safe. Additionally, the company uses GeoAlert, which allows parents to have the ability to receive an alert of the drop-off and pickup points within 1500 feet of their address.
“We carry the most precious cargo — our students — as the district deploys 59 buses each day to transport hundreds of children to and from school. There are around 54 routes traveled three times five trips each day. Ware County is a large district and the buses travel high and wide.”
“The subscribing process was very simple and I was able to view the start and stop on my cell phone,” emphasized parent Addie Fogle. “With this new app, I feel safe, at least knowing the bus has arrived, and I’m pleased with how the app is working.”
Added Donna Solomon, Student Services Coordinator: “Understanding the concerns of parents, the district has launched the Stopfinder app, a cuttingedge solution designed to provide peace of mind by tracking the safe return of their children.”
