Niskayuna adds stop-arm cameras to school buses

Niskayuna is the latest school district to join the growing list of those cracking down on drivers who illegally pass school buses.

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Niskayuna is the latest school district to join the growing list of those cracking down on drivers who illegally pass school buses.

“I believe BusPatrol is one way of having our drivers--who are properly trained--train the public, so they can bring more awareness to the safety of the students that we transport,” said Richard Kirk, Niskayuna Central School District's Transportation Director.

BusPatrol's stop-arm enforcement program has partnered with several Capital Region districts over the past couple of years, including South Colonie, Rensselaer, and Bethlehem. Most recently, Watervliet announced it will add the cameras to its buses this school year.

The AI-powered technology detects license plates of drivers who violate traffic laws, which the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation says has reached an “epidemic level.”

If you live in Niskayuna: heads up. The police department is putting you on notice before the program officially kicks in.

“There’s a 30-day warning period where we’re giving people a chance to correct their behavior, and thereafter, there will be fines assessed,” said Niskayuna Police Chief Jordan Kochan.

Starting March 25th, violators will receive fine notices. The fine for a first-time violation is $250. That money will fund the program, which will not rely on taxpayer money from the district or town.