Houston County school district implements new bus badges for safety

The district says the badges verify ridership, track stops and notify parents through the Here Comes the Bus app.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County bus riders now have a new start to their mornings.

The Houston County School District recently launched a new safety system on every school bus that requires students to scan a personal badge each time they get on and off. Houston County bus driver of 14 years Mark Watkins says this new system has the students’ names, confirms boarding, tracks exiting, verifies ridership and increases safety.

“The scan on system allows us to make sure students are authorized to ride our buses and it makes sure students are getting on and off at the appropriate stops,” he said.

Houston County transportation director Tom Walmer says this system was implemented because safety is Houston County’s main priority.   

“So, this is just another tool for us to implement student safety,” he said. “It gives us the ability, and parents, to make sure the children are riding the correct bus and getting off at the correct bus stop. And it’s a great tool for the parents. As long as they have their Here Comes The Bus app, they’ll get a notification, not only what time did the child get off the bus, but where did they get off the bus.”

Lake Joy Elementary school student Paxton Nichols says his parents have enjoyed the app and knowing where he is at all times. 

“One day we had a spare bus, and they knew that because it said 1311, and that’s not our bus, so they knew with was a spare,” he said.

Lake Joy Elementary School student Hayley Mcclendon says she enjoys the bus badges. 

“I think they’re really helpful,” she said. “Like anytime someone gets on the bus your parent knows you’re on the bus and when you’re off.”

Walmer says the district plans to expand these badges in the future for use as library cards and school door access.