First Student Installed AI Safety Tech on School Buses
Families in Hartford and New Haven can now track school bus arrival times using the new First View mobile app.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Secondary Education
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First Student has officially rolled out its Halo platform across school buses in Hartford and New Haven. This technology, provided at no extra cost, helps families monitor bus routes and arrival times in real time.
Why it matters
The upgrade aims to improve daily school bus punctuality and student safety for local families. By integrating AI-powered monitoring, the system provides parents with better visibility into their child's transit experience.
The Halo platform supports 2,600 vehicles across 30 school districts, with 60% of the total fleet now equipped with the technology. This rollout provides families with route tracking and safety tools at no additional cost.
The players
First Student
A provider of school transportation services that operates large bus fleets across multiple states and districts.
The details
The Halo platform integrates navigation software with specialized child-check systems to ensure student safety. Drivers are also supported by AI-powered dash cameras designed to enhance on-road awareness. Parents can access these features by using the First View app to track vehicle locations and estimated arrival times.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Announcement of the technology rollout.
The Home Front
This rollout of the Halo bus safety platform reflects a growing industry trend toward integrating AI-based tracking and monitoring tools into daily school transportation logistics. The expansion into Connecticut follows wider national adoption of digital fleet management in public education.
Parents in Hartford and New Haven should download the First View app to begin tracking their child's bus in real time. Confirm with your local school district office to verify if your specific bus route has been integrated into the new platform.
The takeaway
Using digital tracking tools can provide peace of mind and help families better manage the morning and afternoon school rush. Check the First View app regularly for status updates on your assigned bus route.
Further reading
For more information on navigating school logistics, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTNH.
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