Knowledge Base

Customized distance notifications replace the traditional time-based ETA with a distance-based ETA. This empowers users to set when they want alerts from the vehicle, rather than relying on ETA calculations derived from sometimes outdated or inaccurate route data sourced from routing software or schedules, which can be affected by frequent route changes. This new feature eliminates data constraints, giving parents greater control.

Users can select their preferred notification location, define a geofence around it, and specify the timeframe for receiving notifications. This flexibility ensures they are alerted precisely how and when they choose.

Additionally, users can set up to 3 distance-based ETAs per trip, meaning they can be notified as the vehicle is making it's way to their scheduled pick-up or drop-off location and add alternate notifications for days when the schedule may change due to weather or other factors.

FirstView is designed to provide parents with a better guideline for bus location and alerts when the bus is getting close to their stop. Students should still be at their assigned bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.

The new FirstView mobile app now uses Real-Time, Custom Distance-Based ETA instead of traditional time-based ETAs. This means you can set up to 3 notification zones based on how close your child’s bus is to a location you choose - like your home or stop - rather than waiting for an estimated arrival time. When the bus enters your defined zone, you’ll be alerted through a push notification, in-app notification and email.  

Time-based ETAs were often unreliable due to traffic, route changes, and outdated GPS or routing data. The new distance-based ETA system provides more consistent and accurate alerts by focusing on where the bus is in real time, rather than guessing its arrival time. 

Yes! You can select up to 3 custom distance zones from your chosen stop (e.g., ¼ mile, ½ mile) and receive a push notification when the bus reaches that point. 

We understand some families prefer a time-based countdown-style ETA. We are working on adding additional distance-based ETA options and developing a new version of time-based ETA for districts that qualify in the future, but the new distance-based ETA feature will remain the default moving forward. The distanced-based ETA feature is more accurate and allows families to customize their bus tracking experience. 

If you need help setting up your alerts or have questions, please reach out to our team at support@myfirstview.com.