Colorado Springs Schools Use RouteWise AI to Address Bus Driver Shortage, Achieve 50% Reduction in Routes

May 29, 2024, 06:30 AM

Colorado Springs School District 11 is addressing its significant bus driver shortage by partnering with RouteWise AI. The district faces a 50% shortfall in bus drivers, prompting the adoption of AI technology to optimize transportation routes. Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive, explained that their AI system evaluates all available vehicles, including buses, sedans, and vans, to determine the most efficient routes for each school. After eight months of implementing the AI software, the district has reported a nearly 50% reduction in bus routes, improved on-time arrivals, and increased driver pay. This innovative use of AI could serve as a model for other districts facing similar challenges, as the number of bus drivers in K-12 schools across the United States has dropped by 15.1% since 2019, according to the Economic Policy Institute.