New bus app debuts at West Jeff Schools

From Columbus Messenger / By Linda Dillman, Staff Writer / Sept. 14, 2023

A new user-friendly program is making school bus transportation information easier to navigate for Jefferson Local School District, OH parents and guardians.

Stopfinder is an all-in-one app providing users with accurate, real-time information about student bus schedules at anytime from anywhere. In addition to displaying transportation information, Stopfinder includes a private messaging feature that allows users to communicate directly with the transportation department.

“Parents can see bus numbers and pick-up and drop-off points,” said Bob Hiss, district operations manager, at the Sept. 12 school board meeting.

“When we had delays, we would do calls on the telephone. We can now send push notices to phones. This program also allows feedback from parents and guardians and helps decrease calling and phone tag. It’s a one-stop shop, and it time tags everything.”

Hiss told board members the system is similar to flight trackers used by airlines for the general public. He also said feedback from parents and guardians has been positive.

“It’s been a great start to the year,” added Superintendent William Mullett.

In setting up the program, email addresses currently on file with the district were used for initial Stopfinder data entry. For parents and guardians not already connected to the application, Stopfinder can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. For more information, contact the transportation department with questions at bhiss@westjeff.org.