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School Bus Manager

schoolbusmanager.com

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Spec score 8.7 #2 of 24 in School Bus Routing Software

What it is

School Bus Manager turns student rider data into bus routes and trips with directions, stop times, and maps. Users can optimize or modify routes, then use load-balancing tools to find overlaps, adjust stops, and reassign riders. Attendance tools record who is present and monitor who is onboard, while route data can roll forward from year to year. Rider data can be imported from CSV or XLSX files and Department of Education files. ChildPlus users can export report 1527 for import; compatibility is stated for version 4.6.0.0 or later. Android and iOS Driver Console and Parents App features include live vehicle tracking, attendance, ETA notifications, and real-time rider and vehicle locations. The service is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. A full 15-day trial has no limitations, credit card requirement, or contract. Annual plans begin with Lite at $990 a year for up to 500 riders, plus a 199 USD first-year startup fee. New subscriptions and renewals require a 12-month minimum commitment, with no prorating or refunds.

Spec sheet

What it does
School Bus Manager plans and optimizes school transportation routes, tracks vehicles and riders, and supports attendance and communications.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Purpose
School Bus Manager takes rider data from student information systems to create bus routes and trips with directions, stop times, and maps.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Intended users
The maker says its pricing is designed for districts or operations of any size, with enterprise contact pricing for more than 2500 riders.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Platforms
The product is web-based, requires no installation, works with PC and Mac, and is described as mobile friendly.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Trial
The maker offers a full 15-day trial with no limitations, credit card, or contract.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Security
The company says mobile-to-site traffic uses SSL/TLS encryption and customer data is hosted on Amazon Web Services.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Support
Sales and support are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm EST.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Annual rollover
Routes can be rolled over from year to year.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
API and SFTP
Official product pages list SFTP and API data integration as available capabilities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
API import scope
Waypoint says riders, vehicles, schedules, and stops can be imported through spreadsheets or an API.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
App data safety
Google Play disclosures state that the driver and attendance apps share no data with third parties and collect no data; the parent app states data is encrypted in transit and deletable on request.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Attendance
The platform records attendance and shows which riders are onboard.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Attendance app listing
Google Play lists the Waypoint Attendance App with 10+ downloads for monitor attendance capture and says it requires Waypoint.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Backups
Plans include automatic nightly backups with archives retained for up to one week.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Capterra feature evidence
Capterra shows route optimization and activity-dashboard features rated 5.0 from one feature reviewer, while attendance and student records each show 4.0 from one reviewer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
ChildPlus integration
ChildPlus users on version 4.6.0.0 or later can export report 1527 as CSV and import rider data into School Bus Manager.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Company founding
LinkedIn lists 2017 as the founding year.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company headquarters
LinkedIn lists headquarters in Port Orange, Florida.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company legal name
LinkedIn identifies the business as School Bus Manager, Inc., a privately held software-development company.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists company size as 11–50 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Contract restriction
New subscriptions and renewals require a 12-month minimum commitment, with no prorating or refunds.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Data import
Student data can be imported from CSV or XLSX files, with daily updates supported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Data imports
Users can import CSV or XLSX files and Department of Education files.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Directions
Routes and trips automatically include turn-by-turn directions and stop times.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Driver functions
The driver console offers voice-guided navigation, live tracking, attendance capture, and two-way driver communication.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Drivers app listing
Google Play lists the Waypoint Drivers App with 50+ downloads; it provides navigation and attendance tools and is not standalone.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
GPS tracking
The product offers GPS tracking, live vehicle location, live ETAs, and real-time attendance.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Included service
Plans include unlimited users and roles, initial data-import help, staff training, free support, free software updates, and nightly backups with up to one week of archives.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Licence status
The official site footer describes the software and website as copyrighted by School Bus Manager Inc. with all rights reserved.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Limit: API reporting
One Capterra reviewer asked for expanded reporting options for API use.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Load balancing
Route comparison tools identify overlaps and intersections so riders can be reassigned for better balance.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Mobile tools
The maker lists Android and iOS Driver Console and Parents App features including live vehicle tracking, attendance, ETA notifications, and real-time rider and vehicle locations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Named data partners
The home page identifies CampSite and CampMinder as data-exchange partners.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Parent functions
The parent app provides ETA alerts, parent communication, and real-time rider and vehicle locations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Parents app listing
Google Play lists the Waypoint Parents App with 500+ downloads; it requires the Waypoint routing software and provides live bus maps and ETA notifications.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Plan terms
New subscriptions and renewals require a 12-month minimum commitment; the maker says it does not prorate or refund.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Praise: ease of use
Capterra reviewers describe the software as easy to understand and easy to use for routing and route management.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Praise: support and value
Capterra reviewers praise quick technical help, one-to-one onboarding assistance, and strong value compared with more expensive routing products.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on Capterra
5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rider records
Staff can search rider contact details and profiles.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Route optimization
Users can build optimized routes and change routes by moving riders on a map.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Route planning
The product can optimize or modify routes in seconds and includes turn-by-turn directions and stop times.Read 2 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Sessions and rollover
The software imports education-department files, organizes school sessions, and rolls routes forward annually.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Support and onboarding
Plans include setup, initial-data import help, staff training, unlimited users and roles, free support, and free software updates.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
System compatibility
The service is advertised as compatible with PC and Mac computers and mobile-friendly.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Training time
Waypoint says users can learn the basics in one hour or less and operate from one dashboard.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Trial terms
The 15-day trial is a full account without feature limits, credit-card requirements, or contractual obligations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Web deployment
The service runs in a web browser with an internet connection and requires no installation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com

Plans and prices

Lite $990 a year paid annually up to 500 riders · $199 one-time startup fee in first year Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Plus $1,790 a year paid annually up to 1,000 riders · $359 one-time startup fee in first year Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Standard $3,990 a year paid annually up to 2,500 riders · $799 one-time startup fee in first year Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com
Enterprise Priced on request more than 2,500 riders · call for pricing Read 15 Oct 2026 · schoolbusmanager.com

Every School Bus Manager plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Imports CSV, XLSX, and Department of Education files.
  • Route data can roll over year to year.
  • Mobile features include live vehicle tracking and ETA notifications.
  • Includes unlimited users and roles.

Limits

  • Lite costs $990 a year.
  • A 199 USD startup fee applies in Lite's first year.
  • Subscriptions require a 12-month minimum commitment.
  • The maker says it does not prorate or refund.

Who it suits

School Bus Manager suits school districts and operations that need to build routes from rider data, track attendance, and provide vehicle-location features. Plan sizes cover up to 2,500 riders, with enterprise pricing for larger operations.

School Bus Manager in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

School Bus Manager is school transportation software for turning student records into routes and trips, then tracking attendance and vehicles in service. It is best suited to districts and operators coordinating riders, routes, drivers, and families in one system. Rider caps and a 12-month minimum make capacity and commitment central to the buying decision.

Key features

Route tools can optimize or change plans in seconds, with maps, stop times, and turn-by-turn directions. Load balancing helps teams find intersecting routes, adjust stops, and reassign riders, which is useful when routes need ongoing coordination rather than simple one-time mapping. Attendance logging and onboard monitoring add rider accountability during trips.

CSV, XLSX, and Department of Education file imports support common student-data workflows, and routes can carry over from one school year to the next. ChildPlus users can import rider data by exporting report 1527, provided their ChildPlus version is 4.6.0.0 or later. These import and rollover tools should reduce repeated setup for districts working with those formats.

The Android and iOS Driver Console and Parents App include live vehicle tracking, attendance, ETA notifications, and real-time rider and vehicle locations. That broader mobile coverage matters for operators who want drivers and families connected to trip status; it is less compelling for buyers seeking routing alone.

All plans include unlimited users and roles, initial help with data imports, staff training, support, software updates, and nightly backups with up to one week of archives. The package is generous on staffing access, but the archive window is short for buyers who need longer backup retention. Data is hosted on AWS, with transmission protected by SSL/TLS depending on browser settings.

Pricing

School Bus Manager offers a full 15-day trial without feature limits, a credit card, or a contract. Paid plans are billed annually and require a 12-month minimum commitment for both new subscriptions and renewals. The maker does not prorate or refund, so the annual term is a real constraint for seasonal or uncertain operations.

PlanAnnual priceRider limitFirst-year startup feeLite$990 a yearUp to 500 riders$199 one-timePlus$1,790 a yearUp to 1000 riders$359 one-timeStandard$3,990 a yearUp to 2500 riders$799 one-timeEnterpriseCustom pricingMore than 2500 ridersNot statedLite is the entry point for smaller operations under 500 riders, but the cap leaves little room for growth. Plus doubles that ceiling for a higher annual charge, while Standard serves districts up to 2500 riders. Enterprise is the route for larger fleets, with custom pricing. Each fixed plan carries a first-year startup fee in addition to its annual price, increasing the initial outlay.

Platforms

School Bus Manager supports Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Driver and parent mobile features are offered through Android and iOS apps.

Who it's for

The product fits school districts and bus operators that need routing, attendance, imports, and family-facing tracking together, with a rider count that fits one of its tiers. The maker positions pricing for operations of any size, and offers enterprise contact pricing above 2500 riders. Sales and support are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm EST.

Pros and cons

Pros: Routing, load balancing, attendance, and live vehicle updates cover core transport coordination in one product.

Pros: Unlimited users and roles mean plan selection is based on rider capacity rather than staff-seat counts.

Pros: A no-card, no-contract 15-day trial makes it possible to evaluate the full feature set before an annual commitment.

Cons: A 12-month minimum with no prorating or refunds raises the risk for short-term or changing operations.

Cons: First-year startup fees add to already substantial annual costs, particularly on Standard.

Cons: The largest fixed tier stops at 2500 riders, so bigger operations must seek custom pricing.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see School Bus Routing Software.

RouteCabin is worth considering when a free starting tier is important: its free plan covers up to 15 passengers, one vehicle, and two drivers, with live tracking, attendance, basic fee records, and email support.

RollCall may suit families who want a free parent app, while schools or operators subscribe separately to its service.

BusWhere is another option for schools or districts that prefer to contact the provider for service pricing.

AlphaRoute offers pricing through a demo request.

BusBoss is an alternative to compare when choosing between its Express and SaaS plans, which have different user and GIS-map allowances.

BusPlanner is a custom-priced alternative.

HNH HTSTM is another school transportation option.

RouteBot is another paid option, with a free plan.

Verdict

Choose School Bus Manager if your district needs route planning, rider imports, attendance, and mobile tracking together, and your headcount fits a rider tier. Its broad operational package and unlimited user access are the strongest reasons to buy. Look elsewhere if a year-long commitment, startup fee, or rider cap makes the cost and capacity too restrictive.

Verdict

School Bus Manager combines route planning, rider imports, attendance, and mobile tracking features. Compare rider limits and first-year fees, and note the minimum subscription term before committing.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to School Bus ManagerAll alternatives →