October 6, 2025 – Pickups. Dropoffs. Getting to and from your destination in a timely, safe manner. 

Like anyone traveling, our Bulldog bus drivers are now using technology to help get kids to and from school. Thanks to a new app called BusRight, which is now fully implemented this school year.

Each driver has a tablet with a detailed travel map showing morning pickups and afternoon drop-offs. The app also allows for adjustments on the fly, helping drivers stay on track even if plans change.

Sub Driver Janessa Crump says the technology is useful for more than just daily routes. Crump uses it when transporting the Bulldog cheer team to out-of-town games. “The technology is great, but the best support comes from the transportation office,” Janessa explains. “When my tablet tried to re-route me onto I-70 during an activities trip, Jennifer Fowler was  at the office and helped adjust to the correct roads. It’s not just about the tools, it’s about having great support from people in the district, which is why I love being a sub driver.”

Efficiency, safety, and monitoring are key benefits. BusRight allows the transportation office to preplan routes and make real-time adjustments as needed. Drivers can see which students should be on or off the bus at each stop, another huge help for substitute routes. And while cameras have long been used inside buses to help monitor students, the app adds an extra layer of support for drivers concentrating on the road.

Transportation Director Jennifer Fowler is excited about the change. “BusRight gives our drivers the right tools they need, like turn-by-turn directions in their daily routes and up-to-date student information.” Fowler also explained that if a route changes, the transportation office can send a push notification to let parents know of changes. “This increases trust and safety in the entire transportation system,” she added.

About 40% of the district’s students ride a bus. Parents of bus riders can track the bus directly from their smartphone. A bus icon appears when the bus is within a five-minute window of the child’s stop, giving families real-time updates on arrival times.

Drivers are trained on the app by the transportation staff, and parents can receive an invitation to join BusRight via the email on file with the school. For questions or more information, contact the transportation office at (573) 567-7422 or jfowler@mexico.k12.mo.us