Hardin County Schools roll out new app for buses

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — Hardin County bus drivers and transportation officials are putting a new app to the test.

Durham Bus Services handles the school system’s bus routes each day and says with GPS technology, parents can know the location of their students’ bus at any moment.

“I think Durham commits itself to focusing on safety for the children, and I think that’s got to be a plus for the parents — and knowing they’re investing their time, energy and money,” Hardin County Schools Director Michael Davis said.

“If there was a mechanical breakdown, it’s as simple as me creating a message, hitting send, parents get it. Communication is there, the peace of mind is there, and they know their kid is OK,” Transportation Director Brian Riley said.

For parents concerned about security issues with the app, school officials say it is secure.

“Nobody else has any kind of access, any kind of student IDs. It’s completely proprietary. They either have to come through us or go through the school to get that student ID,” Riley said.

The school system said this app is in the beginning stages for Hardin County, although it’s been tested in other areas through pilot programs. The school transportation system says they’ll continue making improvements where needed.

The app, Durham Bus Tracker, is available for free on the iTunes App Store and on Google Play.