Global Positioning Systems

Introduction: Global Positioning Systems (GPS) offer many benefits in assisting school transportation operations achieve their mission. A variety of systems exist with varying capabilities. These systems offer not only positioning information in nearly real time and/or delayed time, but also vehicle position history, travel route, with speed and time, student identification, emergency alert, and automated accident notification. Recognizing that many systems are available that provide this information, and further, that this information is valuable in efficiently managing the school bus fleet, and further, that standardization of minimum information across the State of Michigan would be beneficial to school districts, the Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee recommends the Michigan Department of Education adopt the following as a recommended guideline for purchasing GPS equipment. ________________________________________________________________