Starting this year, Huron Valley schools added an extra layer of security to the way that many students make their way to school, as the new bus pass system was rolled out. This new system caused some confused reactions and some questioned how it affects access to privacy for students. The system, “Bus Right,” created in 2017 by makers Keith Corso and Neil Bhammar while studying at Northeastern University, aims to address the ongoing issue of safety risks occurring with students’ bus routes.
Bus Right became popular quickly due to its intuitive platform and all-in-one solution program. The program is geared to ensure parents of all grade schoolers that their child will make it to their destination safely and on time, as well as providing a full map for the drivers. The company also aims to help the public with its new technology. Despite the intentions, some students were unhappy with the change.
“The pass is unnecessary and doesn’t make any difference to the safety, security, and effectiveness of the bus system,” said Senior Casey Friess. “It will only cause confusion and anxiety. Students will have a hard time keeping track of it, and parents will complain.” Questions quickly arose whether a student could even set foot on the bus without their pass, and how invasive this software could actually go.
Other students understand the decision to add an additional way to track students and bus routes. “I do think it is necessary, most likely for the security reasons. I’ve found out there have been a lot of security breaches at my brother’s school, and I want to make sure our school stays safe… Although I do think it is a problem, it could cause issues between students and teachers, but at the end of the day, this is a precaution for safety, and I am for it.” Senior Michael Watterson adds.
Some students just don’t think that it’s worth the cost of the new system. Freshman Jonathan Tassas states, “I don’t really see a point of them. You get on the bus anyway, so it doesn’t really have a point; they seem useless…”
MHS Principal, Kevin McKenna, explained the district’s rationale for the change. “One of the first benefits I see with this pass system is the impact on safety and security.
We are now able to see in real time when a student gets on and off the bus. It also improves transparency in tracking bus locations. Previously, families would need to call transportation for updates, but this system provides that information more directly.
In addition, it generates useful data, such as average ridership and route efficiency, which could help the district save on fuel costs and design more effective routes.
“Over time, this data may also provide valuable insights into ridership trends across different areas of the district.” Whether we students like it or not, as technology grows and advances so do the systems we have become accustomed to over the years, and these bus passes are just a sign of change that, over time, people will have to learn how to work with and understand.