2023 School Bus Technology Trends

Public transportation has also been affected by the rapid pace of technological advancements in the automotive and electronics industries. With the introduction of autonomous vehicles and connected technologies, school bus technology is undergoing a wave of innovation and change.

Here's a look at some of the biggest trends we can expect to see in school bus technology in the coming years, courtesy of Jay's Bus Service.

Fuel alternatives

Alternative fuels are one of the biggest trends in the transportation and energy industries. Biofuels and synthetic fuels made from natural gas and other materials have improved the production and refinement of biofuels, increasing global demand for fuel.

Many countries, including the United States, are looking for alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Automakers are increasingly developing vehicles that run on alternative fuels as the demand for alternative fuels grows and becomes more mainstream. Automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles that run on electricity, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, and other clean fuels are just starting to become available to consumers. The development of those technologies will enable school buses to run on alternative fuels as they become more refined.

 

A high level of sensitivity

As school bus technology advances, sensor sensitivity has become one of the biggest trends. Numerous systems on buses use sensors to monitor the air pressure in tires, the engine's temperature, and the location of the bus. Besides recording video and photos, sensors can also be used for other purposes. Sensor sensitivity has increased as more detail can be measured and tracked about system components. In this way, sensors can be made more accurate and less likely to become blocked or dusty.

Sensors with more power and more sensors in a system can increase sensitivity. According to Jay's Bus Service team (follow them on Twitter), one of the fastest growing school bus companies in New Jersey, there will be a growing need for sensors that can measure and track system components in greater detail as demand for accurate transportation increases. Sensors that can track key metrics in greater detail will become more popular as sensor sensitivity improves.

 

Timer-based Block Heating Mechanism

Since the 1950s, buses have used air conditioning to keep passengers cool, but advanced technology and a growing demand for alternative energy has encouraged the use of electric heating systems. It is possible to reduce a bus' reliance on fossil fuels, produce less pollution, and operate more efficiently by using advanced electric heating systems.

The heating of buses in cold countries is a major issue in the morning. The engine of block heaters is automatically started by smart timers. When the engine should be started, preprogrammed timers determine when it should be started. This will enable the driver to start the trip warm and prepared.

 

Video “Mirrors”

Large buses naturally have large blind spots, especially on their sides. On the bus, four cameras are mounted, each pointing in a different direction, to provide the driver with a 360-degree view. During reverse, smart systems can even automatically adjust the view, such as switching to rear view.

 

Route optimization using GPS

The advancement of GPS route optimization is another trend in school bus technology. School buses can be routed according to GPS routes, allowing them to cover more ground and save money on fuel. In areas with high levels of pollution, GPS route optimization may help reduce fossil fuel emissions as well as improve air quality.

We learn from the CEO of Jay's Bus Service that GPS route optimization is a relatively new technology that allows school buses to follow specific routes. Using GPS route optimization, buses can travel along less congested routes, reducing the chance of getting stuck.

 

Bottom line

We can expect to see several trends in school bus technology in the coming years as autonomous vehicles and connected technologies become more prevalent. Increased sensor sensitivity can result in more accurate sensors, reducing the chance of debris or dust blocking a bus. Recording and broadcasting interior and exterior scenes can assist buses in identifying potential hazards and monitoring system health more effectively. It is possible to reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve bus-to-bus communications with advanced heating systems.

For more articles like this, check out these articles from Jay's Bus Service.