New county program aims to protect kids getting on and off the school bus

A new countywide program to help keep your kids safe when getting on and off their school bus launched this week, and I’m proud to have played a part in it.

I joined government leaders and school district officials at the ESM Transportation Center on Monday to announce the initial rollout of the Onondaga County School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Program.  I sponsored the local law establishing the program when it came through the Legislature late last year so it’s exciting to see that it’s now launching in six school districts.

The program allows for fines for vehicle which pass stopped school buses while its red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended. Cameras were installed on more than 500 buses countywide which will capture video, including license plates, of offenders. Then, the registered owner of that vehicle will be fined – $250 the first time, with higher fines for additional violations.

East Syracuse Minoa is one of the participating districts, and on Monday, I thought Superintendent Donna DeSiato summed it up perfectly when she said “This is not about the tickets. This is about saving a child’s life.”

We’ve seen too many videos of vehicles passing stopped school buses and nearly hitting students getting on or off. Most of us remember the one just last year in Manlius. Drivers are distracted, or just reckless, and our kids’ lives are in danger. This program will help ensure the safety of every child that rides a bus and will hold vehicle owners responsible.

In addition to ESM, participating districts include Liverpool, Baldwinsville, North Syracuse, Jamesville-DeWitt and Fabius-Pompey. Others have already signed on to be part of the program’s second phase.

The company chosen to run the program locally, Verra Mobility, shared data with us that the cameras have already reduced violations in other areas of the country by more than half and that more than 98% of drivers cited once never pass a stopped bus again. I know it’s going to be just as successful here in Onondaga County.

I invite you to learn more about the program by clicking here.