Rocky View Schools is rolling out WheresTheBus, a real-time bus tracking app designed to provide parents, guardians and schools with accurate, up-to-date information on school bus locations and arrival times.
WheresTheBus is a free, secure tool that tracks and reports real-time data using GPS and tablets installed on school buses. The information is transmitted to the WheresTheBus Parent App, which can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, or computers.
"We are excited about the transition to WheresTheBus, which will provide families peace of mind as their children are transported to and from school," said Morley Kostecky, senior transportation manager. "This app provides families with information that can be used to check where the bus is and when it arrives at your child’s stop and school."
The app will replace the Bus Status App, which will be discontinued on March 6, 2025. Families are encouraged to download WheresTheBus and set up an account before the deadline to avoid interruptions in tracking.
WheresTheBus offers several features, including:
- Estimated arrival times (ETAs), updated every 15 seconds;
- Real-time bus location, with icons representing your home, bus stop and bus location;
- A 10-minute alert shows where the bus will be when it is 10 minutes away.
The app also displays the bus's status. “Current” appears when data is received at the last minute, while no updates for 15 minutes may indicate that the bus is stopped, on a layover, or inactive.
Rocky View School buses have no fixed afternoon schedules so that afternoon drop-off times may vary due to traffic and weather.
To set up an account, parents need their child’s PowerSchool number, birth date, and email address, which must match the one listed in the school’s records. Calgary Catholic School Division students must include a “C” before their PowerSchool number.
Families can manage caregiver access by sharing account credentials or restricting access by changing passwords. Multiple children can be added to a single account.
Rocky View Schools says all data is encrypted, and only authorized contacts listed in PowerSchool can create accounts.
Families can submit a ticket through the RVS Transportation Portal for support or feedback.
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