Here Comes The Bus

Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is a bus-tracking app that allows parents to view the real-time location of their child's school bus using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Most school buses are now equipped with GPS trackers, and the app uses this data to display an easy-to-follow, customizable map showing where the bus is and how close it is to your home. The app is available at no cost to our families.

After registering through the app, parents can customize settings such as the alert radius, frequency of notifications, and other preferences.

Please remember the app tracks the bus number for alerts. If your child is not riding the bus one day, you will still receive alerts about the location of the bus. 

New Student ID Cards Beginning in September 2025!

We are excited to introduce Student Ridership, a new safety feature in the HCTB mobile app. With this system, students will use a card to scan on and off the bus each morning and afternoon. Each time your child scans, you will receive a notification through the HCTB app. 
New Student ID Cards

Student Cards 

  • Middle and high school students began receiving cards in late August. Students who already have a card will begin scanning on September 3, 2025. Others will receive theirs as soon as they are ready. All students, regardless if they ride a bus to or from school, will receive a card.
  • Elementary students will also receive cards later this year. We will notify families before scanning begins at the elementary level. 
  • Students should carry their card daily on a lanyard, backpack, or in a wallet. 

 

Lost or Forgotten Cards 

  • During this initial rollout phase, if a student forgets or misplaces their card, they will still be permitted to board the bus in the morning and afternoon.
  • Parents will not receive an alert if students do not scan on and off the bus.
  • Replacement cards are $5.00 each. Please contact your child’s school if a replacement card is needed.  

 

Privacy & Safety 
Only parents/guardians connected through the secure HCTB app will see scan alerts. This tool is designed to improve student safety and keep families informed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here Comes the Bus uses HTTPS, just like a bank or online store, which means that all communications between your web browser and the site are encrypted and secure.  (That's what the S in "HTTPS" stands for - secure).

In order to register for the app, someone must know the child's last name and school ID number.

The code for all schools in Houston County is 29158. 
At this time, the card will be used for scanning on and off the bus.  In the future, all students will use it for other items within the school. It's important all students keep up with the card.

Some students did not receive a card in the initial rollout of this feature.  We are working to make sure that all students have a card with a goal of October 15.  In the meantime, they will still be able to ride their bus.  

Please contact your child’s school. 

No. The card follows the child, not the school.  As long as the student stays in Houston County, the card will still work.  

For questions or concerns, please contact Transportation at hctb@hcbe.net.

For additional information on the app, visit https://herecomesthebus.com/parents/. 


  App Installation Instructions for New Users:

  1. Student must be registered to ride the bus at school level
  2. Download Here Comes the Bus app or visit www.herecomesthebus.com online.
  3. Click the “Sign Up” button.
  4. For Regular and Special Education transportation enter the Houston County code 29158. 
  5. Click “Next” followed by “Confirm.”
  6. Complete the “User Profile” box.
  7. Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number.
  8. Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin customizing your settings.

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