School BUSRide March 2025 | Page 27

Downingtown Area School District Transportation Staff . From left : Marilyn Causey , Shelly Groff , and Cindy Finch .

Downingtown Area School District Keeps Dispatch , Parents , and Administrators in the Loop with Transfinder

The Downingtown Area School District ( DASD ) in Pennsylvania has significantly enhanced its transportation operations by implementing Transfinder ’ s advanced technology solutions . By adopting Routefinder PLUS , Infofinder i , and Viewfinder , the district has improved bus routing efficiency and increased transparency for parents , administrators , and contractors .
Optimizing Bus Routing
At the core of DASD ’ s transportation routing is Routefinder PLUS , Transfinder ’ s browser-based routing solution . This user-friendly platform enables transportation officials to design and manage bus routes efficiently . Its advanced algorithms consider factors such as student locations , traffic patterns , and bus capacities to optimize routes , reducing travel time and operational costs . “ Implementing Routefinder PLUS has transformed our routing process ,” said Marilyn Causey , assistant supervisor of transportation for DASD . “ We can now make swift adjustments to routes in response to real-time events , ensuring that our buses operate safely and efficiently .”
Enhancing Community Access
To foster better communication and transparency , DASD utilizes Infofinder i , a web-based service that shares route and stop information via the district ’ s website . This tool allows parents , administrators , and contractors to access up-to-date transportation information , promoting transparency and trust within the community . “ Infofinder i has been instrumental in keeping our community informed ,” Causey said . “ Parents appreciate having easy access to their child ’ s bus routes and schedules , which has significantly reduced the number of inquiries we receive .”
Monitoring Operations
To oversee daily transportation operations , DASD employs Viewfinder , a solution that provides real-time updates on students , trips , vehicles , and staff . Accessible from any computer or mobile device , Viewfinder ensures that the transportation department can monitor and manage its operations effectively . In read-only mode , it also provides valuable insight for the district ’ s transportation contractors and administrative staff . “ With Viewfinder , we have real-time visibility into our fleet ’ s status ,” Causey said . “ This capability allows us to address issues promptly and maintain smooth operations .” The integration of Transfinder ’ s solutions reflects DASD ’ s dedication to continuous improvement in student transportation . By leveraging these tools , the district has enhanced efficiency and built trust within the community through increased transparency . “ Our partnership with Transfinder has been instrumental in modernizing our transportation services ,” Causey said . “ We are always looking for ways to improve , and with these tools , we can provide safer and more reliable transportation for our students .”
As technology evolves , DASD remains committed to adopting innovative solutions that benefit students , parents , and the broader community . The integration of Transfinder ’ s technology is a testament to the district ’ s proactive approach to excellence in student transportation .
NAPT . ORG | 27