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Previously, we have discussed the basics of school bus routing and creating efficient and safe routes. However, in order to continue to optimize efficiency and value, your routes will need to be maintained and edited from time-to-time. Thus, once your school bus routes have been created, it can become a challenge to keep up with changing information.
Fortunately, software tools such as EZRouting can make this task much easier. With the help of this software, you can quickly update route information and keep track of all of these changes with just a few simple clocks. Not only does EZRouting make maintaining bus routes simpler and less time-consuming, but it also ensures that your school bus routes remain up-to-date with the latest information. Continue on to learn all the ins and outs of keeping your bus routes running smoothly and efficiently.
1. Regularly update student info as changes are made.
In order to maintain your routes and keep them up-to-date, student information needs to be regularly updated and synced with student information systems (SIS). This ensures that your student records are accurate and up-to-date within your routing software. It also helps to ensure that your routes are correctly adjusted if a student moves or changes their information.
2. Delete empty stops.
In order to maintain accurate and efficient routes, it is important to delete any redundant stops that no longer have students assigned to them. Empty stops can cause buses to take unnecessary detours or longer routes than what is necessary, and this can lead to delays in transportation times and reduced efficiency overall. It is therefore imperative that stop assignments are regularly monitored and empty stops removed in order to properly maintain your district's bus routes.
3. Merge duplicate or nearby unnecessary stops.
In addition to deleting empty stops, duplicate or unnecessary nearby stops should also be combined in order to minimize the number of times a bus has to stop and reduce delays. By merging duplicate or nearby stops, you can ensure that buses are taking the most efficient route possible to arrive at their destination on time.
4. Recheck overall safety at each stop periodically.
Finally, it is important to recheck overall safety at each stop periodically. This includes checking for any stoplights that may have been installed, assessing pedestrian and vehicle traffic at certain intersections, verifying any signage changes, and even checking for potential child predators in the area. Additionally, seasonal changes should also be taken into consideration. During winter months increased snowfall can reduce visibility, while in the spring foliage can become a factor that needs to be addressed. Regular rechecks of safety at each stop every few months will help to ensure that your school is providing safe transportation for its students and staff and overall proper route maintenance.
5. Move stops between routes.
In some cases, stops may need to be moved from one route to another in order to better optimize the overall efficiency of several routes. This can sometimes be determined when rechecking and evaluating stops, as stops that are closer together may make more sense on one route while stops that are further apart may work better on another. Moving stops between routes can help to improve transportation times and reduce the overall number of stops on each route, leading to an improved experience for students, staff, and drivers alike.
6. Re-evaluate routes regularly.
Finally, it is important to re-evaluate routes regularly in order to best optimize them for efficiency and safety. This can be done by utilizing software tools such as EZRouting which allow you to easily change route information without having to manually input each stop’s coordinates. Additionally, data analysis of the routes can also provide insight into how to best run each route in your district. Re-evaluating your routes regularly allows you to make sure that your school is always providing the best overall experience for routers, drivers, and students alike.
7. Reroute due to occasional temporary hazards.
In addition to regularly re-evaluating routes, it is important to consider temporary hazards that may occur from time to time. These hazards can include construction sites, flooding conditions, bridge outages, and even natural disasters such as wildfires or tornadoes. When these hazards arise it is important to be able to temporarily re-route buses. To ensure the safety and efficiency of your school's transportation, regularly observe any potential risks and redirect buses when needed. Doing so will guarantee that students and staff have a secure journey to and from school each day.
By regularly deleting empty stops, merging duplicate or nearby stops, rechecking overall safety at each stop periodically, moving stops between routes, and and re-evaluating and re-routing when necessary, you can ensure that your school district is providing the best overall experience for students, staff, and drivers alike. Proper route maintenance is essential for safety, efficiency and optimization of transportation routes in any school district. By following these steps you can ensure that your school district is providing the best possible transportation experience for all involved.