Cascade School District introduces real-time bus tracking app for parents

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade School District is introducing a new app for parents to use as part of its transportation scheduling system. Beginning Mar. 6, the all-in-one Stopfinder app will show real-time information about bus schedules and allow parents to track their child’s bus anytime and from anywhere. 

Through the app, parents can opt-in to be notified of schedule changes, delays, arrivals, or when the bus is nearing their child’s stop. The app also allows for two-way communication between parents and the Cascade Transportation Department through private messaging. While it does allow parents to notify bus drivers of any changes in their child’s schedule, Cascade Superintendent Tracey Edou said that last-minute changes will not work with the new system. 

“It’s still important to give plenty of advanced notice,” said Edou during a district board meeting. 

The app’s interface is akin to other public transportation apps in terms of schedule displays, but the bus tracking is similar to following a driver’s progress in an Uber or Lyft app. 

The new app could help the Cascade Transportation Department streamline communication with parents while managing a vast area of pickups and drop-offs. In terms of area, the department serves one of the largest districts in the state, covering 1,175 square miles. It travels between Blewett and Stevens Passes, Lake Wenatchee, Chiwawa Loop, and Plain, in addition to the towns of Dryden, Peshastin, and Leavenworth.

Stopfinder can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. However, bus schedules and information may only be accessed by invitation and registration through Cascade School District. The district plans to send out invitations to parents’ primary email addresses on Mar. 6. Parents have until the end of the day Mar. 4 to update or verify their email address through Skyward Family Access. 

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media