Illinois school district first in nation to install Zpass system

Palos Heights, Illinois School District 128 is among the first in the nation to install a ridership tracking system that utilizes a combination of radio frequency identification and GPS technology. The new ZPass tracking system, made by Zonar Systems of Seattle, WA, monitors when and where each student boards a school bus. Attached to each student’s backpack is an ID card. An electronic reader near the front door captures the date, time, location and the student’s name. Information on when a student boards and exits a bus is transmitted to a secure database at each school and superintendent’s office. The new system provides accurate information for parents if needed and ensures no student is left on a bus. District Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Casey says ZPass was added to safeguard the district’s transportation operations and to provide the best security for students. For more on ZPass, visit www.zonarsystems.com.