Toward Sustainable Smart Cities in Bahrain: A Novel IoT-Based Smart School Bus Solution for Enhanced Children's Transportation Safety and Smart City Integration

In response to rapid urbanization and the escalating demand for efficient and secure transportation systems, the need to establish sustainable and eco-friendly smart cities has become paramount. A critical aspect within this framework is the sustainability and safety of school transportation, which remains a concern for parents, school administrators, and policymakers. This paper explores the utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT) in bolstering the safety of children's transportation via a Smart School Bus initiative, integrating this solution into the broader context of Smart Cities in Bahrain. The proposed Smart School Bus system integrates various IoT elements, including smoke sensors, distance sensors, GPS location tracking, and automated window regulators. Smoke sensors monitor the air quality within the school bus, triggering an alert if hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide, exceed predetermined thresholds. Distance sensors detect the presence and seating arrangement of children, ensuring no child is inadvertently left on the bus. Real-time tracking of the bus's location is facilitated by the GPS component, thereby enhancing child safety during transit. Moreover, automated window regulators, activated by high smoke levels, ensure adequate ventilation, further bolstering safety. The amalgamation of these technologies into a cohesive system offers numerous advantages. It enables real-time monitoring and management of school buses, augments child safety, and ensures a prompt response in emergency situations. Additionally, it provides parents with the reassurance of being able to track their children's location and receive notifications about potential concerns. This paper, therefore, elucidates the potential of IoT in enhancing school transportation safety, contributing towards the broader goal of developing Smart Cities. The significance of the developed solutions is also highlighted in the study to overcome the challenge and maintain safe and secure pupils' transportation.