Parents Get Ready to Track School Buses in New York City for the 2025 2026 Academic Year
First Day of School Brings New Digital Support for Families
The 2025–2026 academic year in New York City will begin on September 4, and with it comes an easier way for families to keep track of their children’s daily commute. A free mobile application now allows parents and guardians to follow school buses in real time, offering both convenience and peace of mind.
How the App Works
The NYC School Bus app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once installed, families can view the live location of their child’s bus, monitor its route, and receive notifications when their child boards or exits.
To get started, parents need to log in using their New York City Schools Account and have their student’s ID number ready. If the account is not yet set up, families can contact their child’s school for guidance and to obtain the student ID number.
Ensuring Your Route is Active
The service works only if the assigned route driver is subscribed to the platform. If a route does not appear in the app during designated hours, parents can reach out directly to the bus company and request that the driver complete the subscription process.
Steps for Families to Begin Tracking
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Create or log into a New York City Schools Account.
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Obtain your child’s student ID number from the school if not already available.
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Download the NYC School Bus app from the Apple or Google Play stores.
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Log in with the schools account and select the student you wish to track.
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Begin monitoring the bus location in real time and receive alerts when your child boards or exits.
What to Expect
Once logged in, the app shows the exact location of the bus and provides timely updates. If the bus does not appear on the map, it simply means the driver has not yet signed into the system.
Bringing Families More Peace of Mind
For busy parents balancing work, school schedules, and after-school activities, this app adds an extra layer of reassurance. Knowing when a child has safely boarded or left the bus helps families stay informed and connected throughout the school day.