That’s why, around a year ago, the district purchased the Zonar System to implement and install on all HBUHSD school buses.

Zonar provides GPS fleet tracking, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) scanning and management solutions for large operations, such as a school district with many buses. With this system, designated district employees have access to see a live GPS feed. The feed displays bus locations, safety details, and other pertinent information in real-time. This cutting edge system is of great value to both the bus drivers and the students they serve, as it further helps ensure overall wellness.

Additionally, all bus drivers, even substitutes, must complete mandatory student checks with an electronic scanner at the end of each route or field trip. Routinely, all inspections and student checks are monitored by the dispatch command center. With a handheld electronic scanner, driver’s must also walk the entire length of the bus and scan designated points on the interior and exterior to start and complete their route. In addition to all of these safety measures, the district has also implemented the Zonar feature, Z Pass.

“Z Pass is designated specifically for school transportation to track and monitor student ridership in a safe and non-intrusive way. Students carry a small card that contains passive RFID technology that logs each student’s entry or exit automatically when the student scans their card against the Z-pass scanner located on the school bus.” –Zonar Systems website

The HBUHSD provides all special needs students with a Z Pass card as an extra precaution beyond the already implemented measures.

When asked about bus procedures, Jeff Hutchings, Manager of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation (MOT) for the HBUHSD stated, “When it comes to our students, we take pride and care in meeting their transportation needs. Our proactive institution of the Zonar System has enhanced our ability to more thoroughly monitor the safety of our students.”

Hutchings also heavily emphasized the importance and peace of mind that the system offers to the district in situations of parental or community concern.

In closing, Hutchings stated, “Here in the Transportation Department, we have, and will continue, to focus on student safety as our #1 priority.” The HBUHSD will continue to go above and beyond the standard state mandated protocol for school bus safety with its use of the Zonar System and very thorough transportation structure.