10 Best School Bus Routing Software to Look for in 2024

For school administrators, managing bus routes for hundreds of students is no small task. Every day brings new challenges: route changes, driver shortages, and the ongoing pressure to reduce costs while ensuring each student’s safety and punctuality.

Traditional methods don’t cut it anymore—you need a smarter, more efficient way to handle school bus routing. That’s why we’ve curated this essential guide to the best school bus routing software of 2024. We’ve done the legwork to identify solutions that don’t just add to your workload with complicated systems but genuinely resolve the core issues you face.

The software options we recommend are designed to streamline your operations significantly. They empower you to craft efficient routes, track buses in real time, and facilitate seamless communication—reducing paperwork, slashing fuel costs, and putting essential updates at your fingertips.

How We Analysed These Apps?

We undertook a thorough evaluation process to ensure we recommend the best school bus routing software. We examined over 25 software options, paying close attention to factors crucial to your needs: efficiency in route optimization, safety features, ease of use, real-time tracking, and scalability.

We also verified compliance with safety regulations and assessed integration capabilities with existing school systems. Input from over 50 school administrators and transportation managers provided valuable real-world insights into each software’s performance.

We’ve identified the top 10 software solutions that address your challenges by combining rigorous testing with practical feedback.

The 10 Best School Bus Routing Software Solutions

1. Upper

Ratings: (4.5/5)

Free Trial: 7 days free trial

Pricing: $40/user/month

When it comes to managing school bus routes, we understand that efficiency and accuracy are crucial. You’re not just looking for software—you need a reliable tool that simplifies your daily operations, saves time, and enhances safety. That’s where Upper comes in.

Upper is designed to tackle the exact challenges faced by a school district in school bus routing. It combines user-friendly features with powerful optimization capabilities to ensure you get the most out of your route planning. 

Here’s how Upper can make a real difference for you:

1. Streamlined route planning

With Upper, you can plan routes quickly and easily. You can import your stops directly from a spreadsheet or app, eliminating hours of manual entry. 

Upper optimizes routes based on the most efficient paths, considering factors like student locations, time windows, and traffic patterns. This reduces fuel costs and ensures on-time arrivals.

2. Real-time tracking

Keep tabs on every bus in your fleet with Upper’s real-time tracking feature. Monitor bus locations, progress, and estimated arrival times to keep parents and school officials informed. This feature also helps quickly address any delays or issues that arise during the day.

3. Automated route adjustments

School bus routes often need adjustments due to unforeseen changes like traffic or new stop requests. Upper handles these changes effortlessly with automated route adjustments.

Whether it’s adding a last-minute stop or altering a route due to traffic conditions, Upper allows for swift modifications.

4. Enhanced communication

Upper’s in-app dispatcher and driver chat facilitates seamless communication between dispatchers and drivers. 

You can share real-time updates, provide instructions, and resolve any issues quickly, keeping everyone involved in the transportation process informed and coordinated.

5. Proof of Pickup/Drop-off

Forget about paperwork. Upper captures digital signatures and photos for proof of pickup and drop-off, increasing transparency and making it easier to resolve any issues that may arise.

6. Customizable routes

School bus routes must often be tailored to meet specific needs, such as varying service times and priority stops. Upper’s customizable route options let you set priorities, adjust service times, and handle complex schedules with ease.

7. In-app navigation

Accurate navigation is vital for school bus drivers to follow their routes efficiently. 

Upper’s in-app navigation provides turn-by-turn directions, helping drivers stay on course and avoid delays. This ensures that buses adhere to their schedules and students are transported smoothly to and from their destinations.

8. Comprehensive reporting

Make data-driven decisions with Upper’s detailed reporting and analytics. Track performance metrics, monitor route efficiency, and obtain insights into your operations. These reports help identify areas for improvement and refine your routing strategies.

Upper’s combination of advanced features, user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer support makes it the ideal choice for school bus routing. It delivers the efficiency, flexibility, and real-time capabilities needed to manage school transportation effectively, ensuring students arrive safely and on time.

2. Busology Tech

Ratings: (4.0/5)

Free Trial: No 

Pricing: Custom pricing

Key features: Calender-based routing, GPS tracking ability, Customer support (via emails and phones), Third-party integrations

Busology Tech was formerly known as TripSpark. It is one of the trusted solutions for K–12 and higher education institutions, offering comprehensive school bus routing software. It is renowned for its ease of use and maintenance. Subscription pricing to use the software can be tailored to your specific needs based on fleet size and the chosen features, ensuring you get the most value from your investment.

Pros: 

• The flexibility of self-hosting or having data hosted by Busology Tech caters to different preferences and needs
• Accurate GPS bus tracking ensures precise monitoring of bus locations, enhancing safety & operational efficiency
• The “WheresTheBus parent app” keeps parents informed and stress-free about bus arrivals

Cons:

• Does not offer a free trial, which might be a drawback for some users

3. School Bus Manager

Ratings: (3.5/5)

Free Trial: Yes

Pricing: $99/month plus startup fee

Key features: Turn-by-turn directions, Daily data backups, Unlimited users, Flexible customer support, Easy data import

School Bus Manager is a web-based platform compatible with PC and Mac devices and offers various pricing plans to fit different budgeting requirements. It supports unlimited users, routes, buses, and drivers, making it a versatile tool for managing school transportation. You can also get training and support from the School Bus sales team to get started with the software. 

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive user interface
• Provides a 30-day long free trial to test the software before committing to a plan

Cons: 

• Missing popular features like real-time GPS tracking, dispatch management, and driver management capabilities
• Initial startup fees can be a consideration for some users
• A minimum of 12-month commitment for the best pricing may not be suitable for everyone

4. Safe Fleet

Ratings: (3.6/5)

Free Trial: No 

Pricing: Request quote for pricing

Key features: Video surveillance, Live streaming, Real-time tracking, Live streaming

Safe Fleet is a comprehensive school bus routing solution equipped with danger zone technology and advanced school bus camera systems. The platform allows transportation managers to make quick last-minute adjustments during delays or route changes via automated alerts. Real-time fleet tracking and route management systems further support the timely and safe operation of school buses.

Pros: 

• Timely and easy school bus routing with easy in-app navigation and turn-by-turn direction
• Enhances student safety with live video streaming and surveillance
• Provides student tracking with RFID cards and live GPS tracking

Cons:

• Pricing plans are not openly disclosed
• No free trial or free demo to test the software

5. BusWhere

Ratings: (3.5/5)

Free Trial: Yes- but for one bus only

Pricing: $149/month

Key features: Fleet-tracking, Rider-app, Route-planning, and Accurate ETAs

BusWhere is a user-friendly, custom-priced bus routing solution designed to streamline the school transportation process. Its real-time GPS tracking abilities, mobile app for parents, automated alerts, accurate arrival times, and built-in reporting keep the entire transportation process efficient and transparent. With support available via email and phone, BusWhere focuses on simplicity and ease of use for all stakeholders.

Pros:

• Quick setup with preconfigured tracking devices for every bus in the fleet
• Provides instant estimated arrival times, enhancing communication and reducing uncertainty for parents
• Automatic notifications keep parents informed about bus arrivals, ensuring peace of mind

Cons:

• Does not include bus camera systems for additional security and monitoring
• No detailed reports and analytics are available

6. Samsara

Ratings: (4.0/5)

Free Trial: No

Pricing: Custom pricing

Key features: Real-time GPS, Real-time video, Student ID cards, In-app navigation

Samsara is one of the cutting-edge bus routing software solutions offering efficient and safe routes to schools. By utilizing real-time GPS, cloud-synced cameras, and advanced features like real-time video, student tracking with ID cards, and comprehensive school surveillance, Samsara offers a robust solution for school transportation management.

The company analyzes bus routes using machine learning algorithms to create optimized routes that reduce travel time. As a result, the schools can save money on fuel wastage and increase efficiency of the driver efficiency at the same time.

Pros:

• Provides end-to-end visibility into student transportation
• Offers real-time data and cloud-synced surveillance for accurate tracking and monitoring

Cons:

• May encounter crashes and bugs at times
• Does not offer a free trial period for users to test the software

7. TrackSchoolBus

Ratings: (3.0/5)

Free Trial: No you need to first book a demo

Pricing: Not available openly, need to request it

Key features: Route planner, Tracking, Online payment option, Two factor attendance

TrackSchoolBus is a cloud-based real-time tracking software solution that offers updates on students’ locations, boarding, deboarding, and emergencies. It allows schools to manage student information, pick-up sites, and email verification effortlessly. School administrators or transport managers can efficiently handle routing, scheduling, payments, and other transportation-related activities.

Additionally, the system’s Trip Card integration simplifies school transportation management, while the Parent App allows for the payment of bus fares and school fees. 

Pros

• Monitors students’ whereabouts in real-time, providing quick notifications in emergencies
• Automatic route optimization enhances scheduling and routing efficiency
• Specialized apps for parents and transportation managers improve tracking and communication

Cons

• Requires a quote request for pricing, which may not be as straightforward
• Initial setup and integration with existing systems may be complex for some users

8. Loqqat

Ratings: (3.6/5)

Free Trial: Yes

Pricing: $15/month

Key features: Live tracking, Automatic route optimization, and Comprehensive reporting

Loqqat is a user-friendly school with easy design and accurate monitoring of optimal routes, ensuring efficient and safe student transportation. The mobile app lets parents track students and receive immediate notifications of delays, enhancing communication between schools and parents.

It provides real-time tracking of school buses and detailed information on students’ arrivals and departures from campus. The platform’s interactive dashboards consolidate data, increasing transparency and communication.

Pros:

• Features an intuitive map with drag-and-drop options for easy route design and optimization
• Keeps parents informed with real-time notifications of bus locations and delays
• Offers detailed reports on student attendance trends and driver compliance
• Simplifies the process of managing and monitoring school bus routes

Cons:

• Pricing can be high for some users, requiring a quote request
• The interface may not be as user-friendly or up to the mark for all users

9. Verizon Connect

Ratings: (3.4/5)

Free Trial: No

Pricing: Not provided by the vendor

Key features: Powerful route planning and optimization, Emergency dispatch, Dynamic route software, Reliable ETAs

Verizon Connect is a robust school bus routing solution catering to parents and school bus operators. Meanwhile, the turn-by-turn directions and proactive coaching tools are designed to enhance driver safety and efficiency. The software’s real-time GPS tracking capabilities allow bus contractors and fleet managers to monitor bus movements closely, optimizing fuel usage and minimizing idling.

Pros:

• Parents have complete visibility over school bus locations via the Parent Portal
• Proactive coaching tools help drivers improve safety and avoid unsafe driving habits

Cons:

• Requires a quote request for pricing, which may not be straightforward for potential users
• Setting up and integrating the system may be complex for some users

10. Routefinder Pro

Ratings: (3.0/5)

Free Trial: No

Pricing: NA

Key features: Route creation, Reporting, Auto data import, Calendar-based scheduling

Routefinder Pro is a top-tier school bus routing software that allows route optimization that considers multiple factors such as time, distance, etc. This intuitive and user-friendly platform simplifies the management of efficient bus routes, students, and drivers for school bus fleets.

Integrating student data seamlessly with district-wide information systems enhances its functionality, making it a valuable tool for school districts. Additionally, Routefinder Pro provides records of previous routes and offers simple data import options, making it easier for schools to manage their transportation logistics.

Pros:

• Efficiently manages bus routes, students, and drivers, ensuring smooth operations
• Allows for the creation and analysis of different scenarios to optimize routes and reduce costs
• It offers a free 7-day trial for users to test the software before committing.

Cons:

• The platform is not fully user-friendly and may have a learning curve.
• It may be unresponsive at times when generating reports, affecting efficiency.

Why Integrating a School Bus Routing Software is Essential?

Ensuring every child reaches school and returns home safely requires a robust and efficient routing solution. There is no chance for carelessness or oversight regarding their safety and well-being.

That’s when the need to integrate school bus routing software comes into the picture. Here are several reasons that compel you to install school bus routing software. Let’s take a look:

1. Instant real-time visibility

Real-time tracking links give parents peace of mind by allowing them to track their children’s location and safety easily. As a transport manager, you gain complete control over the driver’s location, progress, and stops visited. This ensures you stay informed with real-time alerts for delays, unexpected stops, and status updates, helping you manage routes efficiently and keep everyone in the loop.

Upper’s real-time tracking feature ensures you can monitor your entire fleet effortlessly, providing real-time updates to keep parents and school officials informed. This way, you always know the status of every bus on its route.

2. Better operational efficiency

Tasks like planning, optimizing, and scheduling are automated, saving time, resources, and energy. This also minimizes the chances of human error.

With Upper’s automated route planning, you can streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and save valuable time.

3. Significant cost savings

Routes optimized by the software cover the shortest distance, consider customer-preferred time windows, and reduce idle time, all contributing to lower fuel consumption. It can also increase vehicle life as wear and tear are reduced. 

Additionally, automated operations reduce the labor required for planning and scheduling, further cutting costs.

Upper’s route optimization software considers every detail, from traffic patterns to student locations, ensuring the most efficient routes. This not only saves fuel but also extends the life of your vehicles, leading to significant cost savings.

4. Transparent communication

School bus routing software facilitates automated notifications to parents about bus schedules, delays, and changes, keeping them informed and reassured. 

Upper’s automated notifications ensure parents are always in the loop about their child’s bus schedule, any delays, and changes.

5. Efficient data management

Students shifting in the middle of the year require the school’s transport database to be updated. Whether the student’s new address, contact info, or specific notes about pickup, this software centralizes all student transportation-related data, making it easily accessible and manageable. 

Additionally, the software can quickly re-optimize routes based on new students’ places, ensuring that transportation remains efficient and cost-effective throughout the school year.

Upper’s centralized contact management functionality keeps all your student transportation data organized and accessible.

6. Parents’ peace of mind

Knowing that their children’s transportation is managed efficiently and safely reassures parents and builds trust in the school’s transportation system.

Upper’s comprehensive features and reliable performance ensure parents feel confident about their children’s safety. Our software’s real-time updates and efficient routing provide the peace of mind every parent deserves.

7. Re-allocation of drivers

Considering the scenario where one of the drivers is absent, the software can quickly reallocate routes to other available drivers, ensuring no disruption in service. This flexibility helps maintain the consistency and reliability of the transportation system even when unexpected changes occur.

Upper’s automated route adjustments make reallocating drivers a breeze. In case of absences, our software quickly adapts, allocating routes to available drivers, ensuring seamless service without any disruptions.

Conclusion

After reviewing transportation routing software, you must choose the one that ensures safety, efficiency, and reliability. Once schools integrate these advanced technologies, they can significantly enhance their transportation operations, reduce operational costs, and provide peace of mind to parents and administrators alike.

Whether looking for a simple, budget-friendly option or a feature-rich platform, trying them firsthand will make a difference. Gaining information is one thing, but trying them for a couple of days is different. 

Let’s start your 7 days free trial with Upper. Sign in without spending even a single penny and evaluate their real-world performance, user-friendliness, and ability to meet your specific needs.