The rapid pace of technological advancement in the automotive and electronics industries has made its way into public transportation as well. The introduction of autonomous vehicles and connected technologies is creating a wave of innovation and change in the world of school bus technology. Below, the team from Jay’s Bus Service takes a look at some of the biggest trends we can expect to see in school bus tech in the coming years.
Alternative Fuels
One of the biggest trends in the transportation and energy industries is the growing use of alternative fuels. Improvements in the production and refining of biofuels and the ability to create synthetic fuels from natural gas and other materials have increased the demand for fuel across the globe.
Currently, many countries, including the United States, are looking for alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower their dependence on fossil fuels. As the demand for alternative fuels continues to grow and become more mainstream, more and more automakers are looking to create vehicles that run on alternative fuels. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles that run on electricity, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, and other clean fuels are only just starting to become available to consumers. As those technologies become more refined, they will create opportunities for school buses to run on alternative fuels.
Cutting-edge sensitivity
One of the biggest trends in school bus technology is the advancement in sensor sensitivity. Sensors are used in many systems to track key components of buses, such as air pressure in tires, the engine’s temperature, and the bus’s location. Sensors can also be used to record video and photos. The ability to measure and track system components in more detail has led to an increase in sensor sensitivity. This can result in sensors that are more accurate and less likely to become blocked with debris or covered in dust.
Sensitivity can be improved by increasing the number of sensors used in a system and by improving the sensors’ power capacity. As the demand for accurate transportation continues to grow, the need for sensors that can measure and track system components in greater detail will increase, explain from Jay’s Bus Service, one of the fastest growing school bus companies in the state of New Jersey. Improvements in sensor sensitivity will lead to a greater demand for sensors that can track key metrics in more detail.
Timer-based Block Heating Mechanism
While buses have used air conditioning systems to keep passengers cool since the 1950s, the introduction of advanced technology and the growing demand for alternative energy sources have led to a push toward electric heating systems. The use of advanced electric heating systems can reduce a bus’s reliance on fossil fuels, create less pollution, and help buses operate more efficiently.
A major issue in cold countries is the heating of buses in the morning. Block heaters have smart timers that start the engine automatically. Pre-programmed timers determine when the engine should be started. By doing so, the driver will be able to start the trip warm and ready.
Video “Mirrors”
A large bus will naturally have large blind spots, especially on its sides. To provide the driver with a 360-degree view, four cameras are mounted on the bus, each pointing in a different direction. As the bus reverses, smart systems can even automatically adjust the view, like switching to rear-view.
GPS Route Optimization
Another one of the biggest trends in school bus technology is the advancement of GPS route optimization. GPS route optimization allows school buses to operate along specific routes, providing better coverage and lower fuel costs. GPS route optimization can also help reduce fossil fuel emissions and improve air quality, potentially improving public health in areas with high levels of pollution.
As we learn from the premier school bus provider Jay’s Bus Service, GPS route optimization is a relatively new technology that allows school buses to operate along specific routes. GPS route optimization can help buses travel along less congested routes, reducing the chance of a bus becoming stuck in traffic.
Bottom line
With autonomous vehicles and connected technologies becoming more prevalent, there are a number of trends in school bus technology that we can expect to see in the coming years. Improvements in sensor sensitivity can lead to more accurate sensors, reducing the risk of a bus becoming blocked with debris or covered in dust. The ability to record and broadcast interior and exterior scenes can allow buses to identify potential hazards more easily and monitor the health of the bus’s systems better. Advanced heating systems can help reduce a bus’s reliance on fossil fuels while also helping to improve bus-to-bus communications.