“GPS System Tracks Local School Buses”

Ethan Sterling

“GPS System Tracks Local School Buses”

So has it come to this?  Now school buses in some counties will have GPS systems tracking them. 

After daily parent complaints that school buses did not pick up their children, and no way to prove whether the bus actually stopped at their designated route, Cobb, Fulton, Henry, and Clayton county school systems will be installing GPS tracking systems on their busses.  These GPS tracking systems will monitor where each school bus goes, and how well they follow the rules of the road.  However nice these sound, not all are on board.

Employees argue that these new devices are being used against them unfairly.  Some say that the school systems are using the tracking devices to target employees, and fire them.  Other opponents claim that in a time of economic recession, there are better ways to spend money.  Districts continue to shorten bus routes, salaries, and benefits to their employees, but somehow manage to come up with the money to pay for brand new GPS trackers.  Not only are the school systems paying for these GPS systems, but some are putting cameras on the side of the school bus.  These cameras are designed to catch drivers going around stopped school buses.

Proponents for these GPS tracking systems, say that installing these will not only cut costs, but make the bus safer for students.  By mapping more efficient routes, bus drivers are on the road less, which directly lowers gas costs and overtime costs.  The districts have also claimed that parent complaints are down, since the new GPS devices have been in place.  Parents also feel that these trackers will be beneficial, because they will know when/if the bus is running late.

Whether these new devices are beneficial or not, only time will tell.  However, this is an issue that needs to be resolved quickly, not only for the sake of students, but employees and parents as well. 

Source: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/gps-system-tracks-local-school-buses/nSgWF/