Zona Systems, a Seattle-based company, has developed an RFID-based system that aims to enhance security for children making bus trips to and from school. Using RFID technology, the new ZPass system makes it possible to identify when a student boards or exits the school bus. Each student is issued a unique RFID card. A special reader on the bus recognizes the card, even if it’s kept in the student’s wallet or backpack. No waiving or swiping of the card is required. The system provides parents and school officials with peace of mind by tracking each child’s daily journey.

Here’s how the ZPass system works: As the student enters the school bus, a card reader captures the time, date, and location, then transmits that information to a secure database. Authorized school personnel can then access the information remotely using a standard Web browser. This allows them to keep better track of children from the time they first board the bus in the morning to the moment they’re dropped off after school.