Here Comes the Bus - How to Set Up Bus Notifications

Stay informed about your student's bus ride! Once you've created your Here Comes the Bus account and added your student, you can set up notifications to let you know when their bus is approaching.

Follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Open the Here Comes the Bus App

Open Here Comes the Bus on your phone and sign in to your account if needed.

At the bottom of the screen, tap Activities.

Step 2: Add a Bus Route

On the Your Activities screen, tap the yellow ADD AN ACTIVITY button.

Step 3: Select the Route Category

Tap Categories, then select Route.

This will allow you to find your student's bus route.

Step 4: Find Your Student's Bus Route

In the search box, enter your student's bus route number.

A list of matching routes will appear.

Select the correct route from the list, then tap ADD ACTIVITY.

Important: Some routes may have different schedules, such as morning, afternoon, or early-release days. Be sure to select the schedule that applies to your student.

Step 5: Choose How You Want to Receive Notifications

You can choose to receive notifications through:

• Email: Receive bus updates at your email address.
• My Device: Receive alerts directly on your phone.

Select your preferred notification method.

You can choose both options if you'd like to receive updates by email and on your phone.

Step 6: Select Your Notification Days

Choose the days of the week you would like to receive bus notifications.

For a regular school schedule, select Monday through Friday.

Step 7: Choose When to Receive Alerts

Under Send Notification When, select when you would like to be notified:

• Activity Starts: When the selected bus activity begins.
• Bus Enters Zone: When the bus enters an area you choose, such as near your home or bus stop.
• Bus Exits Zone: When the bus leaves that area.

To receive an alert when your student's bus is approaching, select Bus Enters Zone.

Step 8: Create Your Notification Zone

If this is your first time setting up a location alert, you'll need to create a notification zone.

1. Tap Notification Zone.
2. Select CREATE NEW ZONE.
3. Enter a name for your location, such as "My Bus Stop" or "Home."
4. Enter the address where you'd like to receive bus arrival alerts.

A map will appear showing your selected location.

[Insert screenshot: Create Notification Zone]

Step 9: Adjust Your Notification Area

You'll see a circle on the map showing the area where your notification will be triggered.

Use the slider to adjust the circle size.

When the bus enters this area, the app can send you an alert.

Once you're happy with the location and size of the notification area, tap SAVE ZONE.

Step 10: Select Your Notification Zone

Your saved location will now appear in the list of available notification zones.

1. Select the location you just created.
2. Tap CONFIRM.

Step 11: Save Your Bus Notifications

Review your notification settings to make sure everything looks correct.

Tap COMPLETE to save your preferences.

You should see a confirmation that your notification has been added successfully.

Step 12: Add Additional Bus Routes (Optional)

If your student rides different routes in the morning and afternoon, or has a different schedule on early-release days, you can add those routes too.

Return to Activities, tap ADD AN ACTIVITY, and repeat the steps for each additional route.

You're All Set!

You've successfully set up bus notifications in Here Comes the Bus!

You can now receive alerts based on your selected bus route, days, and notification area.

Helpful Reminders:

• Keep notifications enabled on your phone so you don't miss important updates.
• Make sure you've selected the correct bus routes and schedules for your student.
• Bus arrival times may vary due to traffic, weather, or other unexpected delays.

Thank you for helping us keep RCSD families informed and connected!