SMART Tag
What is SMART tag?
Eagle Pass ISD uses the Secured Mobility Authorized Ridership Technology (SMART) tag system for all students who ride the bus to and from school. Each of our buses is outfitted with a Samsung tablet equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification reader, mobile connectivity, and Global Positioning System. Similar to systems used in public transportation, students place their campus-supplied SMART tag ID badges on the tablet’s sensor when loading and unloading their bus. Only the student’s name and associated bar code will be printed on the ID badge. No information is stored on the badge.
Our bus drivers also benefit through improved safety and automation of tasks, better enabling them to focus on the safe transport of students. Specifically, the SMART tag system wirelessly transmits information to our transportation department staff to include the location of each bus, the names of the students on board each bus, notification of an approaching bus, and the ability to view a student’s ridership activity.
Students who are successfully enrolled for transportation services will be provided with a SMART tag ID badge at no charge at our middle school and high school back-to-school Round-up events or on the first day of school at our elementary campuses. Please note, a SMART tag ID badge is required each time your child enters and exits the bus. However, rest assured, our drivers will not deny any student of transportation services if the student does not have his/her badge present at boarding time. Information on how to obtain a replacement badge is detailed in our 'Frequently Asked Questions' posted under the 'SMART tag' section to the left of this page.
The SMART tag system also offers parents a bus tracking feature through a secure Parent Portal. Parents can register to receive ‘SMART Alert’ text messages notifying them their child is 10-15 minutes from his/her bus stop. The 'SMART Alert' will also notify parents in the event of a bus delay or interruption in service due to a mechanical issue, traffic, inclement weather or crash. The portal may be accessed from any device with a web browser. Parents can also add or remove guardians authorized to pick up their child at school through the SMART tag Parent Portal.