Metro Schools To Install GPS On Buses

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Metro Schools To Install GPS On Buses

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by Rodney Dunigan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In a matter of months, Metro dispatchers will be able to track the movement of every school bus. This after the school board approved a plan to install GPS devices on about 600 buses.

Administrators said this is not big brother keeping a watch on drivers. It's simply a measure to ensure the safety of students.

"I think our bus drivers will see the need and understand the need for safety," said Keith Phillips with Metro's Transportation Department.

The system would be similar to one that's been up an running in the Clarksville-Montgomery County district for nearly two years. The GPS tracking automatically triggers when the ignition is turned on. The system can be used to determine if buses are hitting routes on time, or even if they've missed a stop.

"We'll be able to go back and pull the history to be able to determine if the bus was running 10 minutes behind schedule or ahead of schedule," Phillips told NewsChannel 5.

Administrators with the transportation department said the devices would be extremely useful in the case of an emergency, when time is of the essence. The complete system will cost the district about $1.5 million.

Email: rdunigan@newschannel5.com