ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The school bus camera program in Rochester is now issuing fines to drivers who illegally pass school buses. The initiative aims to enhance student safety by curbing dangerous driving behaviors.

In the past two months, the city says over 8,000 drivers have been caught passing school buses with flashing lights and stop signs out – including a school bus caught on camera!

First-time offenders face a $250 fine, while second and third offenses cost $275 and $300, respectively. The city hopes these fines will deter drivers and protect students.

Jeremiah Peterson, an RCSD fifth grader, shared his experience. “I was getting on the bus and I was crossing, and then this guy in a black all tinted car, he went right past me and I was scared because I thought I got hit, it was scary,” Peterson said.

Mayor Malik Evans highlighted the program’s impact during its warning period. “The city of Rochester has sent more than 8,000 letters to owners of vehicles that have passed, stopped school buses,” Evans said. “That means more than 8,000 drivers have prioritized their own convenience over our children’s safety.”

Judy Campbell, Peterson’s grandmother, agreed with the program’s necessity. “I definitely think it’s something that needs to be done, this is long overdue, long overdue. It’s [for] the safety of our children,” she said.

The city reported that stop-arm cameras have been installed on about 800 RCSD buses by BusPatrol America LLC. Ryan Monell from BusPatrol explained their role. “We are responsible for processing through evidence. Once a violation is captured for [it’s for] the city in joint conjunction with the county to review, to ultimately issue and make the determination to issue a notice of liability,” Monell said. “Only the city, by working with the county, have the authority to issue a notice of liability or a ticket to be issued to a registered owner.”

RCSD student Nyaziah Bedell believes the fines should be higher. “I think it should be probably just a little higher because that’s something serious,” Bedell said.

Some drivers expressed frustration with the program, claiming they received unjust warnings, though they declined to speak on camera.

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