Superintendent Message - School Bus Stop-arm Cameras

Dear White Plains Community,

The White Plains City School District is excited to announce our partnership with the City of White Plains and their School Bus Safety Program run through Bus Patrol. As part of the program, all buses that transport White Plains City School District students will be equipped with stop-arm cameras to protect our students and deter motorists from illegally passing. This program aligns with NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law 1174-A to help to keep our students safe during the school day.
 
Stop-arm enforcement cameras are designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign and red lights are engaged. So, if you see a school bus with its lights flashing, please be sure to stop whether you are on school grounds or not.

The first violation will carry a $250 fine, with an additional $25 for each subsequent violation in 18 months, up to $300. Drivers will receive a warning until October 5, but tickets will be issued for each violation starting on October 6.  All fines are issued and collected by the City of White Plains, not the school district. 
 
The safety of our children is our utmost priority, and the implementation of stop-arm cameras will help us ensure that they are protected on their way to and from school. About 50,000 drivers illegally pass school buses in New York State each day. That is a staggering number, and data from BusPatrol show up to a 30% reduction in offenses year-to-year when camera enforcement is utilized. 

We are also excited to announce that the stop-arm cameras were added to buses at zero cost to the school district, as the program is entirely funded by violations.

Buses are outfitted with other safety features such as interior cameras to keep students safe onboard the bus and a Z pass scanner that will allow bus drivers to keep track of who is on the bus. Parents will also be able to track where their child’s bus is using the BusZone app.

For more information on your child’s transportation, visit our transportation webpage. 

Respectfully,

Joseph L. Ricca, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools