Bus App Temporarily Suspended By Plainfield School District

PLAINFIELD, IL — On the same day it was launched, a smartphone app allowing District 202 parents to track their student's school bus was temporarily suspended. The district announced the new app earlier this month saying it would allow parents to "track their kids' school buses in real time" starting April 23. The district made the announcement via text, email and Connect-Ed call on Monday afternoon.

"This morning, soon after we rolled out the new transportation mobile app for general education students, several parents shared valid concerns about the method for accessing student bus route information," the district said in the alert. "We are working with the vendor to address this concern and further restrict access. We expect to have this new step in place by the end of this week. Meanwhile the vendor has shut down the app for now. Parents who have already signed up will have to re-register. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Thank you very much to those parents who shared their concerns and suggestions with us. Your insights are greatly appreciated."

The app was halted after parents expressed concerns about the app's security. On Facebook, some parents said they were able to see information — including full name, bus stop locations and times — for students other than their own children.

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