Muscat – An innovative mobile app, called Smart Bus, developed by Omani entrepreneur Ahmed bin Hamed al Kharusi is enhancing the safety of school transportation across 14 countries.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Kharusi described the app as a comprehensive electronic system for managing, tracking and ensuring the safety of children travelling from their homes to school and back. The app serves the needs of parents, school administrations and bus operators by providing essential information and data for the safe transportation of students.

Using the Smart Bus app involves a straightforward process involving registering the school on the platform, uploading necessary data and informing parents electronically. Originating in Oman, the app’s reach has extended to other countries – the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, South Africa, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – with the platform being recognised by United Nations for its significant contribution to child safety in transportation and being trademarked in Gulf Cooperation Council.

Kharusi shared the journey of the app since its inception with basic tracking methods in 2019 to its evolution into a sophisticated system launched in 2022.

“It prioritises the security of children, offering peace of mind to guardians and streamlining transportation management for schools.”

Its development faced challenges, Kharusi informed, particularly in integrating a high-quality system and gaining acceptance from schools and parents, but these were successfully overcome through dedicated efforts and significant investment. “Marketing and delivery to schools posed challenges initially, but the app gradually gained acceptance and parents started requesting its implementation in their children’s schools.”

The app facilitates real-time monitoring of school buses, tracking of student attendance, and management of leave and permits electronically. Currently available in Arabic and English, there are plans to expand language support to cater to a global audience.

“Its ‘Chats’ service enables school to send instant messages to parents, either collectively or individually. Schools can communicate directly with bus supervisors and drivers, attaching files or pictures as needed,” added Kharusi.

With over 400 schools in Oman using the Smart Bus system in the current academic year, Kharusi aims to broaden its international footprint. “Integration of Google Cloud and Oracle services has bolstered the app’s technical capabilities, ensuring quick response times and system flexibility on a global scale.”

This innovative approach to school transportation safety underscores the potential of technology in safeguarding children and represents a significant achievement for Omani entrepreneurship in the international arena.