September Route Report: Turning First-Day Insights into Year-Long Wins
The first weeks of school are behind us, but for transportation departments, the work of refining routes is just beginning. Now is the time to take a step back, review, and adjust — setting your team up for a smoother, more efficient year.
Here are our recommendations for how you can take stock of what’s working and what’s not, and get your team prepared for upcoming reporting and audits.
Review the First Month’s Data
If possible, gather student counts for each route or stop. Drivers can log the number of students who get off in the mornings and on in the afternoons — a small habit that provides valuable insight into route efficiency and bus load balance.
Collect Driver Feedback
Your drivers know the routes better than anyone. Make space to capture what they’re seeing: are students waiting on the opposite side of the street from their stop? Are there unexpected road closures or hazards? Is there a better way to approach a neighborhood? These insights are key to fine-tuning your plan.
Check Your Imports and Data Accuracy
If you rely on automatic imports from your student information system, confirm that everything is still working correctly. For some districts, a second annual import after school starts can help account for late enrollments and transfers.
Plan for Regular Route Audits
Set a realistic schedule for route audits and feedback collection — whether that’s monthly, quarterly, or more often. Some districts check bus loads weekly, while others opt for a broader review. These reviews can prevent inefficiencies, such as one bus running with 60 students while another carries just a dozen.
Communicate Adjustments Early
Once changes are made, share them clearly with drivers and families. Early communication helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.
Start Gathering for State Reporting
Many states begin collecting transportation data early in the year. Have a process in place to pull what you need from your routing software. Running monthly backups or reports now can save you a scramble later.
Refining routes after startup takes time, but done well, it pays off in safer, more efficient transportation for your students, and more preparedness for your team.
Need Backup? SBL is Here.
If your team is stretched or your routing still feels behind, now’s the time to bring in extra support. SBL partners with districts nationwide to streamline operations and ensure readiness. We can optimize routes, stay on top of changes, and help your transportation team seamlessly navigate the school year.
Our monthly route report is quickly becoming a go-to resource for transportation department leaders. Sign up to get it delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned for October’s Route Report. We’ll be back next month with more tips for successful routing!