#United States #New York #Verra Mobility #Onondaga County #School Bus Safety

Enhancing Student Safety: Onondaga County's New Initiative

In a significant move towards improving the safety of schoolchildren during their daily commutes, Onondaga County, New York, has partnered with Verra Mobility Corporation, a notable provider of smart mobility technology solutions. This collaboration aims to implement one of the most comprehensive school bus safety programs in the state, utilizing advanced technology to mitigate the risks associated with drivers illegally passing halted school buses.

The initiative will kick off with the installation of over 500 school buses equipped with state-of-the-art stop arm safety camera technology. This innovative system is designed to automatically document and report instances of vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses, hence collecting crucial evidence that law enforcement can use to enforce traffic laws effectively.

According to New York State Assemblyman William Magnarelli, the safety of students is a priority that cannot be overlooked. A recent survey conducted by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation revealed that motorists pass stopped school buses an alarming average of five times per day for each bus. The introduction of stop arm cameras is expected to serve as a critical deterrent and help save lives.

This extensive program will encompass six school districts that together serve more than 20,000 students across more than 40 schools in the region. The participating districts include:

• - Baldwinsville School District
• - East Syracuse Minoa School District
• - Fabius-Pompey School District
• - Jamesville-Dewitt School District
• - Liverpool School District
• - North Syracuse School District

Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with Verra Mobility, emphasizing the importance of holding drivers accountable for their actions and ensuring safer travel routes for students.

Verra Mobility’s advanced AI integration will not only enhance the performance of the camera technology under various weather conditions typical of the Syracuse area but will also roll out a comprehensive public education campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus. This multi-faceted approach is centered around creating a safer environment for the most vulnerable road users—children.

As part of the legal framework in New York, passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended carries significant penalties, starting at fines of $250 and escalating with each subsequent violation. Once an illegal passing is documented, the evidence will be packaged, verified, and approved by the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office before citations are issued to vehicle owners.

The program boasts a no-upfront-cost model for Onondaga County or the involved school districts, as the financing for implementing the initiative will stem from the citations generated due to illegal passing incidents. Any remaining funds will be retained by the county.

In previous iterations of Verra Mobility’s stop arm camera programs, it has been shown that 98% of drivers cited for illegally passing school buses do not repeat their violations. Through increased community awareness and preventative measures, these programs have led to a decline of over 50% in issued citations.

To ensure the successful implementation of the stop arm safety program, Verra Mobility will offer comprehensive training to district personnel and local law enforcement. The target date for the program rollout aligns with the commencement of the 2025/2026 school year, with a concerted awareness campaign set to precede the issuance of citations by 30 days.

Support from superintendents across the participating school districts has been overwhelmingly positive. Leaders like Joseph M. DeBarbieri, Superintendent of Baldwinsville Central School District, stress that the safety of their students is paramount, and the new initiative will enhance existing safety protocols around school bus transportation while sending a strong message to road users about compliance with school bus safety regulations.

As Dr. Donna DeSiato, Superintendent of East Syracuse Minoa Central School District, put it, this partnership represents a vital step in safeguarding students and the broader community by deploying proven technology that enhances accountability and reduces hazards on the road.

The proactive stance taken by the Onondaga County administration in collaboration with Verra Mobility sets a benchmark for other regions and highlights a commitment to prioritizing safety in the transportation of students. With these advancements, Onondaga County is well on its way to making a meaningful impact on student safety during school commutes.