SMS Notifications

RouteBot includes SMS notification features to keep parents and passengers informed about transportation. Send automated alerts or manual messages directly from the platform.

Overview

SMS notifications help you:

  • Notify parents when the bus is approaching
  • Send updates about delays or changes
  • Communicate important information to passengers
  • Keep everyone informed about their transportation

Accessing SMS Features

SMS features are available from route and service management:

  1. Open a Vehicle Route or Personnel Service
  2. Click on the SMS Management tab
  3. You'll see SMS options and history

Types of SMS Notifications

Automated Notifications

These are sent automatically based on settings:

Notification Type When It's Sent
Approach Alert When vehicle is approaching pickup location
Pickup Confirmation When passenger boards the vehicle
Drop-off Confirmation When passenger is dropped off
Delay Notification When service is running behind schedule

Manual Notifications

You can send custom messages:

  • One-time announcements
  • Schedule changes
  • Important updates
  • Emergency communications

Setting Up Automated Notifications

Parent/Passenger Requirements

For notifications to work:

  1. Parent/passenger must have a valid phone number
  2. Phone number must be in the correct format
  3. They must be linked to a student (for school transport)
  4. Notification settings must be enabled

Route/Service Settings

Enable notifications at the route level:

  1. Open the route or service
  2. Ensure it's set to Active
  3. Verify passengers have valid phone numbers

Distance-Based Alerts

For approach notifications:

  • Set the notification distance in passenger settings
  • Default is typically 2 km
  • Can be customized per passenger

Sending Manual SMS

From a Route

  1. Open the route
  2. Go to the SMS Management tab
  3. You'll see a list of recipients (parents of students on route)
  4. Compose your message
  5. Select recipients
  6. Click Send

Message Content

When composing messages, you can include:

  • Custom text
  • Driver information
  • Vehicle details
  • Route-specific information

Recipient Selection

Choose who receives the message:

  • All passengers/parents on the route
  • Selected individuals only
  • Filter by specific criteria

SMS Message Content

Approach Notifications

Typical content includes:

  • "The bus is approaching"
  • Estimated arrival time
  • Driver name and contact

Confirmation Messages

When passengers board or exit:

  • Timestamp of the action
  • Vehicle/route identification
  • Next stop information

Custom Messages

For manual notifications:

  • Keep messages clear and concise
  • Include relevant details
  • Provide contact information if needed

Viewing SMS History

Route SMS History

  1. Open the route
  2. Go to SMS Management tab
  3. View sent messages with:
    • Date and time
    • Recipients
    • Message content
    • Delivery status

Tracking Delivery

SMS history shows:

  • Sent messages
  • Delivery confirmations
  • Any failed deliveries

Best Practices

Phone Number Accuracy

  • Verify all phone numbers are correct
  • Use the international format
  • Update numbers when they change

Message Timing

  • Send alerts at appropriate times
  • Don't send late at night
  • Consider time zones if applicable

Message Content

  • Keep messages brief and clear
  • Include essential information only
  • Use professional language

Testing

  • Test notifications with a few recipients first
  • Verify delivery before full rollout
  • Check message formatting

Troubleshooting

"Recipient didn't receive SMS"

Check the following:

  1. Phone number is correct and valid
  2. Phone number includes country code
  3. The recipient's phone can receive SMS
  4. Check SMS history for delivery status

"SMS shows as failed"

Possible causes:

  • Invalid phone number format
  • Phone number doesn't exist
  • Carrier issues
  • SMS credits exhausted (if applicable)

"Automated SMS not sending"

Verify:

  1. Route/service is Active
  2. Passenger has valid phone number
  3. Notification settings are enabled
  4. Distance thresholds are set correctly

SMS Credits and Limits

Depending on your plan:

  • SMS may be included or charged separately
  • Check your subscription for SMS allowance
  • Monitor usage to avoid overages
  • Contact support for additional SMS credits

Privacy Considerations

When using SMS notifications:

  • Only send to verified contacts
  • Respect opt-out requests
  • Don't share personal information
  • Use for transportation purposes only

Next Steps:

Last updated: March 23, 2026