SMART Tag
We are committed to student safety, and starting January 13, 2025, all students will be required to have their ID badge to ride the bus. This new policy, “No Badge, No Ride,” ensures students can securely badge on and off the bus, giving parents peace of mind through the Smart Tag app.
SMARTer and Safer Bus Transportation
The SMART Tag system records when students load and unload the bus, providing real-time information to the District transportation department, and you, the parent.
In just three easy steps, the SMART Tag electronic bus transportation system ensures that students get on the right bus and get off at the right stop.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video explaining how Smart tag will work in COCISD.
1. Students eligible for transportation service are issued a SMART tag equipped with an RFID chip. The chip does not transmit a signal, students swipe the card over the RFID reader when they enter and exit the bus.
2. Your student’s SMART tag is required each time your child enters and exits the bus. (Only the student’s name and barcode associated with the student ID number will be printed on the SMART tag.)
3. Students place their SMART tag on the tablet’s sensor when loading and unloading their bus.
Introducing the SMART tag™ Parent App!
After implementation, parents in COCISD will have access to the mobile app by the end of February, 2025.
Our mobile app lets you keep track of your student’s bus-riding activity and receive SMART Alerts on the go.
Available for Android and iOS.
App registration begins with the Primary Parent – the parent associated with the student in the school district’s system. The primary parent must complete their app registration and confirm their student before any co-parent can register for them.
Co-parents who wish to register for a student must submit a request to the primary parent within the app. In cases where there’s no response from the primary parent, the school district can review and approve.
Privacy and Data:
Our student ID cards are safe and secure. We use PVC cards with a passive RFID chip containing only a unique identification (UID) number. The UID in the chip is read by our card reader, and our system uses it to reference student information. The latest cloud technology, encryption, and security protocols ensure your child’s information is secure.
SMART Tag FAQs
- What is SMART tag?
- How does SMART tag benefit transportation departments and school administrators?
- How does SMART tag benefit drivers?
- How does SMART tag benefit parents?
- What information will the bus driver be able to view when the student swipes his/her card?
- Is student information stored on the SMART tag?
- Are students required to use their SMART tag to ride the bus?
- Who should be contacted if a student loses his/her SMART tag?
- Will students receive a new SMART tag every year?
- If my child currently does not ride the bus, can I register my child for transportation services at any time during the school year?
- How will SMART tag determine the correct route/bus for students with multiple and/or alternating destinations?
- Can students get off at another stop in an emergency situation?
- Is there a SMART tag app available?
- Are notifications through SMART tag available?
- Can a parent see when his/her child gets on/off the bus?
- Is the information regarding a student’s bus location in real time or is it delayed?
- How do I link my students together on the SMART Tag Parent Portal?
- Will I receive an alert regarding inclement weather, bus accidents other emergency notification through the SMART tag system?
- What are SMART alerts?
- Will I receive a notification if the bus is late?
- Why am I not receiving SMART alerts?
What is SMART tag?
How does SMART tag benefit transportation departments and school administrators?
How does SMART tag benefit drivers?
How does SMART tag benefit parents?
What information will the bus driver be able to view when the student swipes his/her card?
Is student information stored on the SMART tag?
Are students required to use their SMART tag to ride the bus?
Who should be contacted if a student loses his/her SMART tag?
Will students receive a new SMART tag every year?
If my child currently does not ride the bus, can I register my child for transportation services at any time during the school year?
How will SMART tag determine the correct route/bus for students with multiple and/or alternating destinations?
Can students get off at another stop in an emergency situation?
Is there a SMART tag app available?
Are notifications through SMART tag available?
Can a parent see when his/her child gets on/off the bus?
Is the information regarding a student’s bus location in real time or is it delayed?
How do I link my students together on the SMART Tag Parent Portal?
Will I receive an alert regarding inclement weather, bus accidents other emergency notification through the SMART tag system?
What are SMART alerts?
Will I receive a notification if the bus is late?
Why am I not receiving SMART alerts?
SMART tag Helpline - (281) 891-6550
Need assistance with your SMART tag? Our dedicated helpline is here to help! Whether you have questions about registering, using the parent app, or understanding the benefits, our team is ready to provide the support you need.
Parent Resources
The District’s purpose for implementing the Smart tag program is to ensure authorized riders board our buses and improve the safety and security of students who utilize our bus transportation services. Every effort has been made to offer the most current and accurate information possible on our transportation website. The information on our website has been reviewed and updated using a variety of resources. Please note that information is subject to change. There will be updates made on our website as we continue to gather data and update information.