Houston County school buses roll out as students head back for the first day of school

Before sunrise, bus drivers arrived at the district's bus facility to prepare for the day, starting their buses and heading out across Houston County to pick up students for the first day of school.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It was an early start Tuesday morning as dozens of school buses rolled out from the Houston County School District’s Bus Facility in Warner Robins, marking the beginning of a new school year for thousands of students.

For many families, the first day brings excitement, but also questions about transportation. District officials are encouraging parents of bus riders to download the Here Comes the Bus app, a free tool designed to help families track their child’s school bus in real time.

The app allows parents to see when their child’s bus is approaching the bus stop and sends notifications when students scan onto and off of the bus using their district-issued student ID cards. Parents also receive alerts when students arrive at school, board the bus for the trip home, and get off at their assigned bus stop.

District leaders say the system provides added peace of mind for families while also helping bus drivers ensure students are getting on and off at the correct locations, especially during the first few weeks of school when many younger students are still learning their routes.

Parents looking for bus routes, transportation information, or instructions on how to connect the Here Comes the Bus app to the Houston County School District can visit hcbe.net.