School’s In, But Gate Access is Down: Why Your Charter School Needs Smoother Vehicle Access

It’s 7:18 a.m. on a Tuesday, and buses are already lining up around the school’s entrance. Drivers are inching towards the entrance at a snail’s pace. One driver is stuck at the front, out of his vehicle, trying to move the physical scanner to read his vehicle tag. The RFID sensor finally beeps, and the gate opens, but the backup has already started. 

Charter Schools Bring Unique Challenges

Unlike neighborhood schools, charter schools often provide their own transportation, with buses coming and going on tight schedules. Most schools use traditional RFID to scan windshields on buses and vehicles. It seems foolproof - but there’s a catch. 

RFID readers need precise alignment on the windshield tag. Otherwise, buses are stopping, backing up, and going back and forth to get the tag to register. This translates into stalled buses, impatient students, anxious staff, and a dangerously backed-up street. 

Consequences of Traditional RFID Readers

•     • Security concerns: Unpredictable delays force drivers to bypass safety protocols or, worse, let in unverified vehicles just for the sake of keeping the line moving. The entire point of RFID readers is to verify not just vehicles, but the people behind the wheel, ensuring only approved personnel make it onto school grounds. 
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•     • Traffic jams: Stalled buses mean impatient students, anxious staff, and a dangerously backed-up street. 
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Why Most Pedestals Miss the Mark

Standard pedestals aren’t designed for a driveway’s unique angle. It’s typically a one-size-fits-all mounting bracket with no consideration for taller buses or a curved access lane. 

Traditional reader heads are usually set at a standard 90 or 45-degree angle because that’s how the pedestal is made. It’s an easy cut for the installer, but not always for the driver. 

If the angle is wrong, the sensor might miss the bus’s windshield tag. Suddenly, a smooth process turns into a hassle: drivers stop, roll down windows, reach out, and a calm morning quickly becomes chaos.

A Smarter Solution: Precision-Angled, Modular Pedestals

Imagine a reader head that can be set, not just at 45° or 90°, but at any angle, dialed in within a single degree. That’s what a custom, modular pedestal system with Pedestal PRO brings to your charter school’s gate.

Every windshield RFID tag is aimed squarely at the reader, every time. No more guessing, no more stretching. With a modular head, each pedestal is uniquely designed for your drive lane, your bus height, and your traffic flow. Plus, customized colors, heights, reaches, face plates, and base plates are available. 

The result? Buses glide through, IDs are instantly verified, and the only thing the driver has to do is drive. With Pedestal PRO custom vehicle access solutions, secure your automatic gate entry and exit, parking lot, and perimeter access locations. 

Staff focus on students, and parents and board members notice that drop-off and pick-up are calm and seamless. Most importantly, security is never sacrificed for convenience. Only approved vehicles make it in, and you have a verified record of every entry.

Custom Design Pedestals for Vehicle Access

Your school’s first line of defense and the best chance at a smooth morning starts with a pedestal designed for real-world needs, not just for easy installation. Choose a pedestal that truly fits your needs with aesthetic, secure, and flexible custom mounting solutions. It’s how you keep students safe and buses moving.  

Call us at 1-800-660-3072 today.