Bus safety enforcement program coming to Carlynton

A new, technology-based bus safety program in the Carlynton School District aims to reduce or eliminate the illegal passing of stopped school buses.

The school board in December approved an agreement with BusPatrol.

Through the agreement, all Carlynton buses will be equipped with automated stop-arm enforcement cameras. The cameras are activated when a bus stops, and its red lights and stop-arm are deployed.

If a driver passes the stopped school bus, the system records the violation and creates an evidence package for police to review. Once verified by police, a citation is issued to the driver.

The program will launch in early 2026.

“This is about protecting our students as they travel to and from school,” said John Kreider, Carlynton superintendent. “This technology helps reinforce what the law already requires: when a school bus is stopped with its lights flashing, drivers must stop.

“One illegal pass is too many.”

State law outlines the fine for passing a stopped school bus at $300. From those fines, $250 is directed to the school district, $25 to the local police department, and $25 to the state’s school bus safety grant program.

The initiative is at no cost to Carlynton. It is fully funded through the revenue generated by citations, according to the district. BusPatrol covers installation, equipment, maintenance and processing costs.

“Our goal isn’t to issue tickets, it’s to create safer streets and safer bus stops,” Kreider said. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners and Monark for helping us take this important step.”