Charleston, SC, July 30, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County School District has unveiled an enhanced version of the FirstView app, focused on real-time tracking of school bus routes. This update aims to improve communication between parents and the district regarding bus schedules and locations. With features like 24/7 GPS tracking and real-time delay alerts, the app seeks to restore trust in the district’s transportation services. As the second-largest school district in South Carolina, CCSD serves over 22,000 students, emphasizing the need for reliable transportation. The updated app is now available for download, replacing the outdated version.
Charleston, SC – The Charleston County School District (CCSD) has launched an upgraded version of the FirstView app, designed for real-time tracking of school bus routes. This new app update aims to provide parents with more reliable and accurate information regarding their children’s bus schedules and locations.
The enhanced FirstView app includes comprehensive features such as 24/7 GPS tracking, real-time delay notifications, and updated alerts about modified bus routes and schedules. With this updated application, parents can expect improved communication about their child’s transit experience, including the ability to track multiple buses and manage notifications for family members.
CCSD, the second-largest school district in South Carolina, serves over 22,000 students who rely on school buses to reach 78 schools across approximately 1,400 routes daily. This significant number of bus stops—nearly 5,500—highlights the district’s need for a reliable transportation system, especially after experiencing challenges in the past.
In response to parent feedback regarding the original FirstView app launched in 2020, CCSD has made these updates with the primary goal of re-establishing trust in the district’s transportation services. The upgraded app is set to resolve previous issues related to bus delays and mismanagement of stops, which have caused frustration among parents and guardians.
James Lynch, the district’s executive director of transportation, emphasized that the app’s purpose is to give parents peace of mind concerning their child’s location while commuting. This new platform will enable parents to receive real-time updates, allowing them to stay informed throughout the day.
In addition to the app improvements, CCSD is also focusing on enhancing the reliability of its bus services through staffing improvements. The district has taken steps to ensure that it offers competitive wages for bus drivers, aiming to attract quality staff. Currently, Charleston County provides the highest pay for bus drivers in South Carolina, with a revised pay scale duration shortened from 13 years to just five years.
As of the start of the 2023-2024 school year, CCSD has achieved 92% staffing for bus driver positions and has set a goal of reaching full capacity by the next academic year. This effort is part of a broader initiative to ensure that students have safe and dependable transportation to and from school.
The release of the upgraded app means that parents must delete the previous version of FirstView, as it will no longer be functional. The new app is available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Parents should also note that while the app does not include a feature for reporting bus-related issues, they can still submit complaints through CCSD’s transportation complaint form.
To enhance safety measures, First Student, the transportation company managing CCSD’s buses, conducts regular monitoring of driver behavior through comprehensive training and a driver score tool. Despite the previous year seeing a number of bus-related accidents, most were classified as non-preventable, often involving interactions with other vehicles.
By the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, parents will be able to track their children’s buses in real-time, making school transportation more transparent and effective. Overall, the upgraded FirstView app is one step towards improving the reliability and efficiency of bus transportation within the district.
FAQ
What features does the upgraded FirstView app offer?
The upgraded FirstView app provides 24/7 GPS tracking, real-time delay notifications, updates on modified routes and schedules, and the ability to track multiple buses and add family members for notifications.
How can parents download the new FirstView app?
Parents must delete the previous version of the FirstView app and download the new version from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
How does CCSD plan to improve bus driver staffing?
CCSD aims to improve bus driver staffing by offering the highest pay in South Carolina and reducing the pay scale period from 13 years to five years, with a goal of achieving 100% staffing by the upcoming school year.
Can parents report bus-related issues through the new app?
No, the new app does not include a feature for reporting bus-related issues. Parents can submit complaints through CCSD’s transportation complaint form instead.
Key Features of the Upgraded FirstView App
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | 24/7 real-time tracking of school buses |
| Delay Notifications | Instant notifications about delays on bus routes |
| Route Alerts | Updates regarding modified routes and schedules |
| Multiple Buses | Ability to track multiple buses and manage family notifications |
| Download Instructions | Delete old version and download the new app from app stores |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School District Buses Get New Tracking App
- Post and Courier: Charleston County School District Bus Tracking
- ABC News 4: School Bus and Vehicle Crash in North Charleston
- Count on 2: Charleston County School Bus Struck in Hit-and-Run
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
