A new technology aimed to allow bus drivers to request green lights at traffic signals is poised to debut at the Fulton County School System, becoming the first in the country to do so, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
A new technology aimed to allow bus drivers to request green lights at traffic signals is poised to debut at the Fulton County School System, becoming the first in the country to do so, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
A new technology aimed to allow bus drivers to request green lights at traffic signals is poised to debut at the Fulton County School System, becoming the first in the country to do so, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta.
This comes as officials hope the new technology will help to address the school bus driver shortage by making rides more efficient.
"Drivers are very hard to come by, in Fulton County and across the nation. By reducing travel times and improving route reliability, this can make a dent in that problem," Michael Ruelle of Kimley-Horn, a consulting firm involved in the program, told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Devices developed by Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory were tested in Fulton County at multiple schools during different bus routes, with the pilot program centering around two buses and 62 intersections in Alpharetta, FOX 5 reports. Advocates of the program argue it saved fuel money while cutting down on emissions and on time spent traveling.
According to the report, test drivers say another unintended result was an improvement in student behavior.
"With the bus continually moving, they tend to stay in their seats more. And we're able to deliver those students quicker to the home and the school," Trey Stow, Director of Transportation Operations, told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Alerts Sign-up