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A school bus with the stop signs flared out

Transportation plays a major role in student outcomes, and Zūm is getting ready to prove that true at Kansas City Public Schools for a third straight year.

Ahead of the 2024-2025 school year, KCPS and Zūm Transportation entered into a new service agreement. This meant that for the first time, KCPS students weren't just riding in air-conditioned buses, their families had access to more safety and transparency features than ever before.

After the first year, 97% of KCPS families agreed that Zūm is reliable, and transportation-related absences decreased by 85%. Student's grades were no longer being affected by forces outside of their control, and families could trust that their kids were in good hands.

a school bus stretches across the photo with 'zum services, in' written on the side

Improving Bus Technology

The Zum app is at the top of the technology improvements list. The app provides real-time location tracking for all 100+ KCPS bus routes and sends notifications when students scan their Zūm cards getting on and off the buses.

Always looking to improve, KCPS Transportation is currently working to create a digital Zūm card option to put on students' phones. This makes scanning on and off the bus easier and minimizes lost or damaged cards.

A tablet with a bus driver's route pulled up and ready to navigate

Safety and Transparency

Sending your child with an adult you can trust is another vitally important aspect of building a strong student transportation system.

Bus drivers working with Zūm get paid higher than the industry average, so turnover remains low. This keeps seasoned, dedicated men and women in the driver's seat who know their routes and their students.

Plus, families have access to driver profiles in the Zūm app and can report incidents or send feedback.

a long line of school buses stretches into the distance. they are all parked next to each other, and have 'zum services, inc' written on the side. green trees and a moderately cloudy sky are visible behind them

It is the mission of the KCPS Transportation Department to support student achievement by providing safe, reliable, timely, and efficient transportation services for all eligible KCPS students, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities every day.

You can learn more about Zūm and KCPS Transportation by clicking here. Visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to download the Zūm app for free today.