SURRY COUNTY, N.C. -- Schools in Surry County are the latest to have GPS tracking systems in buses.
The equipment was installed three weeks ago under panel boxes in and sends real time data about buses and drivers.
“GPS will track their exact location. It gives us time events like, 'Was a stop arm deployed? Are they braking too harshly? Were they idling too long?,'” said Rodney Hardy, a transportation director.
Hardy said it will improve operating efficiency, student safety and save money for Surry County, Mt. Airy City Schools and Elkin City Schools districts.
Hardy's department is in charge of all buses in those districts.
“If we can reduce mileage, we also reduce tire wear, we also reduce services. So we feel there will be a broad range of savings with GPS,” said Hardy.
Hardy said state funding covered the equipment.
"The cost averages out to $1.18 per bus per day, and we feel like every dollar that we invest into GPS, it'll save us two,” said Hardy.
Along with the GPS system, each bus was also installed with a key pad so drivers no longer need to leave buses idling while they sign in and out at schools.
"The time and attendance, we still have some training to do with our drivers, so we don't have that piece activated yet,” said Hardy.
Hardy expects any savings will go towards training for drivers.