County to vote on proposal to install stop-arm cameras on school buses

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that the Legislature’s Rules, Enactments and Intergovernmental Relations Committee has approved his proposal that would install stop-arm cameras on school buses in Orange County.

The resolution will move forward for vote at the Legislature’s next full meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7. Upon passing the Legislature, a public hearing will be scheduled so members of the community can voice their support or any concerns regarding the plan.

“As County Executive and a parent of four, I want to do all we can to protect students when they are riding on the school bus, and this proposal makes perfect sense,” Neuhaus said. “These cameras provide Orange County school districts with the capability to hold reckless drivers accountable. I look forward to collaborating with the Legislature, law enforcement and Orange County school districts on implementing this important initiative.”

The program would begin with the option for individual school districts to opt into.

Buses equipped with the technology would have seven cameras which would record during every ride. When the red stop arm is activated, the video is flagged and if someone illegally passes a bus, the municipality will send a ticket. The money collected in fines will be used to pay for the cameras and GPS units to be mounted on the buses.

A pilot program conducted last year in East Meadow, Long Island, conducted by BusPatrol, one of the companies behind the technology, and the Logan Bus Company, captured a total of 70 violations in a week, with cameras affixed to nine buses. According to New York State data, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses every day.

“This measure will provide the tools necessary to help protect our kids on buses," said Tom Faggione, Chairman of the Rules, Enactments and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, "and to hold responsible those guilty of this reckless and dangerous action.”