BusWhere vs School Bus Manager
BusWhere
buswhere.com
School Bus Manager
schoolbusmanager.comSide by side
| Figure | BusWhere | School Bus Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $82.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · School Bus Routing Software | 8.5 (#3) | 8.7 (#2) |
| Purpose | BusWhere provides real-time bus tracking and arrival information for schools, districts, bus companies, and shuttle operators. | School Bus Manager takes rider data from student information systems to create bus routes and trips with directions, stop times, and maps. |
| Route optimization | Automated tools can improve stop placement and learn routes from actual driving. | Users can build optimized routes and change routes by moving riders on a map. |
| Route planning | Route building supports drag-and-drop editing, imported known stops and stops that are not represented in Google Maps. | The product can optimize or modify routes in seconds and includes turn-by-turn directions and stop times. |
| Support | End users can email support about software or mobile app errors; questions about access, accounts, locations, routes, and schedules should go to their organization’s administrator. | Sales and support are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm EST. |
| Support and onboarding | Official materials promise phone support from early morning, email support, white-glove onboarding and setup within about a week. | Plans include setup, initial-data import help, staff training, unlimited users and roles, free support, and free software updates. |
| Trial | Schools can start with a no-commitment trial on a single bus and add other buses later. | The maker offers a full 15-day trial with no limitations, credit card, or contract. |
| What it does | Cloud GPS tracking and fleet-management software for school buses and shuttle services, showing live locations and ETAs on maps. | School Bus Manager plans and optimizes school transportation routes, tracks vehicles and riders, and supports attendance and communications. |
Plans
BusWhere
- BusWhere servicePriced on request
- School or district servicePriced on request
School Bus Manager
- Lite$990 a year
- Plus$1,790 a year
- Standard$3,990 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
BusWhere
BusWhere provides real-time bus tracking and arrival information for schools, districts, bus companies, and shuttle operators. Its parent app displays bus locations and ETAs and can notify families as a bus approaches. Route tools support drag-and-drop planning, imports, off-route stops, optimization, and route replay. Fleet tools cover fuel levels, odometer readings, engine alerts, and driver safety reports. For shuttles, operators can offer branded rider apps and configure off-road stops, circular routes, and service with multiple buses. BusWhere lists integrations with Geotab, Samsara, Zonar, and other trackers, along with overnight syncing with routing and student information systems. It runs on Android, iOS, and the web. Schools can start a no-commitment trial on one bus and add vehicles later. The school or district pays for service, with possible discounts for larger fleets; pricing is available by contacting BusWhere. The company says it uses student data only to provide the service and maintains safeguards while complying with applicable education privacy laws, including FERPA and COPPA.
School Bus Manager
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.