BPS to install AI bus stop arm cameras; tickets will finally be issued

BUFFALO, N.Y. — When school resumes in the fall in the city of Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools will launch a new program aimed at keeping children safer while riding the bus.

The stop arm enforcement program, which was approved last year, will install school bus stop cameras on every bus in the district.

Artificial intelligence will then be used to catch drivers who illegally overtake buses when they are stopped.

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“Passing in front of a stopped school bus is extremely dangerous. Our children travel daily on these school buses. We must take every precaution to ensure students get to and from school safely,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement Thursday.

“This is a new initiative that will help keep students safe when getting on and off school buses in the City of Buffalo.

From July 1 to September 30, an awareness period will be in effect. Drivers will only receive a warning ticket during this time.

After the awareness period, tickets will be issued, and could cost drivers caught illegally passing a school bus up to $250.

“Ensuring the safety of all of our students who rely on yellow buses to get to and from school each day is a top priority for Buffalo Public Schools,” said Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Mr. Williams, in a press release. “The implementation of stop arm cameras will increase enforcement of existing traffic laws that require motorists to stop in front of school buses that have stopped to allow students to board or disembark safely .”