Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Daily Record.
MENDHAM TWP. — Jane Incardone had mixed feelings Thursday morning while escorting her sons Reagan, 8, and Owen, 5, to their bus stop on the first day of the school year.
But the usual separation anxiety will be tempered this year for parents in this Morris County town by new technology the district is debuting on its fleet of school buses.
Starting Thursday, parents and students in Mendham Township could use a free mobile app to track their buses in real-time. The district has also installed video cameras and audio equipment on its 37 buses, which serve some neighboring towns as well.
The system allows supervisors to monitor video and audio feeds from the vehicles on a central “dashboard” in the dispatch office − and even speak to students on the bus if the need arises.
Kids in the K-8 district have also been given new ID cards which they use to “tap” on and off the bus, allowing the school and drivers to better track their movements.
BusCompass app finds fans in Mendham Township
Incardone was one of several parents at the stop who were surprised by some of the new security procedures. But she was eager to test the app, BusCompass, which she expects will bring “peace of mind” to parents.
“I know there have been times when we wondered where the bus was, if it was running late because of weather or some other reason,” she said. “It happens a lot in the beginning of the school year, particularly on the first day. Getting home is a little bit nerve-wracking. I think it’s great to be able to know where they are.”
Christina Lubitz, with her children Andrew, 8, and Abigail, 6, in tow, said she was “excited” about the app. So are her kids.
“I like to be able to track my children,” she said. “I used it with my middle schooler earlier this morning. He was able to track his own bus, which is very helpful for him. He’s very independent and doesn’t want my help. I’m for anything that keeps our children more safe.”
Sal Constantino, the district superintendent, said that “with the latest technology available, it will increase student safety and improve communications with district parents.”
“We’ve all heard the issues around students remaining on a bus, missing a stop and riding for an hour, or students getting off at the wrong stop and ending up in a difficult situation,” he said. “This is a real safeguard in the attempt to avoid those scenarios popping up.”
