HISD Transportation Services began distributing personalized badges this week to HISD student bus riders as part of the district’s Student Badge Program.

Badge distribution began Thursday, Oct. 18 and Friday, Oct. 19 for a 22-school pilot group with general distribution across the district set to begin on Monday, Oct. 22.

The 22-school pilot group includes: Elmore, Herod, Lockhart, Parker, and River Oaks elementary schools; Woodson PK-5; Fondren, Pershing and West Briar middle schools; Carnegie Vanguard, Chavez, Lamar, Waltrip, Westbury, and Westside high schools; DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School; Houston Academy for International Studies, Gregory-Lincoln Educational Center, Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan; Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men; and High School for Law and Justice.

A phased rollout of the Student Badge program allows Transportation Services to refine the program and address any unforeseen issues before implementing it districtwide to all campuses. Parents will be notified as their child’s school is set to be added to the program.

After a complete rollout of the program, replacement badges can be ordered through the Transportation Services website: www.houstonisd.org/transportation.

The Student Badge Program is designed to help the district track ridership and utilization of buses and routes, while also allowing parents to track when their child gets on and off the bus — enhancing efficiency and safety across the system.

Students must scan their badges as load and unload the bus each morning and afternoon. Parents who sign up for the service can receive real-time notifications via text or email alerting them of their child’s route activity.

For more information on the Student Badge Program or to learn how to sign up for real-time notifications, contact Customer Care at 713-556-9400 or visit www.houstonisd.org/transportation.