News & Events

From School BUSRide / July 25, 2024

Danville Area School District, which oversees the safe transportation of approximately 2,200 students spread across 120 square miles in central Pennsylvania. The district’s transportation department plays a critical role in ensuring that students arrive safely and on time, despite the challenges posed by the region’s geography and seasonal activities.

Laura Renno, Administrative Services Coordinator for the district, offers a unique perspective shaped by her decade-long tenure. “I drove a bus before this role,” she said, highlighting her hands-on experience and deep understanding of the district’s intricate needs. Her dual role of managing student routing and maintaining operational efficiency underscores the critical balance required in school transportation.

The district operates a single-tier system with around 50 daily runs using a mix of 40 buses and 10 vans, serving four schools spread across different age groups and academic levels.

“The only two schools that are kind of on the same campus is our high school and primary school,” Renno said, emphasizing the logistical complexity involved in managing routes that cater to diverse student needs and schedules.

One of the district’s key advancements in recent years has been its adoption of Transfinder technology, including Routefinder PLUS, a solution tailored for efficient school bus routing and management. Renno recalled the transition from a smaller software provider to Transfinder, citing significant improvements in functionality and reliability.

“I love the maps,” she said, noting how Routefinder PLUS allows her to easily visualize and optimize routes. The ability to adjust routes, manage multiple runs simultaneously, and swiftly incorporate changes has transformed her workflow by saving time and enhancing route accuracy.

“Efficiency is key,” Renno said, reflecting on how Transfinder has empowered her to fine-tune routes with precision, especially crucial during the hectic back-to-school period. This efficiency not only streamlines operations but also boosts confidence in the reliability of transportation services provided to students and parents alike.

However, managing transportation in a rural setting poses unique challenges. Renno detailed the seasonal variations and unexpected driver shortages due to illnesses or unforeseen circumstances.

“Our driver base is typically older retirees or parents,” she said, highlighting the need for flexible solutions to maintain service continuity during peak demand periods such as after-school sports events.

Despite these challenges, Renno’s expertise and familiarity with the district’s area allow her to navigate crises swiftly. Her innate ability to mentally map routes and foresee potential issues underscores her indispensable role within the transportation department.

Moreover, Renno’s proficiency with Transfinder extends beyond internal operations; Routefinder PLUS facilitates clearer communication with external contractors responsible for bus operations. By providing precise and up-to-date information, the technology provides drivers with the necessary details to execute their routes effectively, contributing to overall service reliability.

The district also has Viewfinder which allows users to monitor the day-to-day operations of the transportation department, access updates on students, tripes, field trips and vehicles.

Looking ahead, Renno remains optimistic about the future of transportation technology in the district. While current systems have alleviated many operational burdens, she anticipated ongoing advancements that could further optimize efficiency and responsiveness.

“Technology is always evolving,” she said, expressing openness to future enhancements that could continue to refine transportation logistics in Danville.