Bus Patrol SY 23-24

BusPatrol's safety program combines education with enforcement to effectively change motorist behavior over time and create a culture of awareness and responsibility around school buses.

In addition to stop-arm enforcement cameras, the Methacton School District bus fleet is now fully equipped with additional features to improve safety for students and drivers.

This includes:

• 360° safety cameras inside and outside the bus
• GPS tracking
• Emergency response solutions

This technology is all included as part of the program at zero cost to the school districts and taxpayers.

• Motorists MUST stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop-arm activated.
• Motorists MUST stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus MUST also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.
• If a physical barrier separates the roadways such as grassy medians, guide rails, or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
• Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

All school buses that transport Methacton students are equipped with safety technology, including stop-arm enforcement cameras. Cameras on the side of school buses help capture violation events and vehicle license plate numbers.

Violations are reviewed by law enforcement. Once approved, a notice of violation is sent to the registered vehicle owner by mail.

In Pennsylvania, a first-time stop-arm violation witnessed by a stop-arm enforcement camera carries a fine of $300 and no points.

In addition to the financial deterrent, violators learn about the potential dangers of their actions. Offenders can call the program's toll-free number (1-800-852-7741) and speak with a representative, who can review the video evidence and help them understand the dangers of illegally passing a school bus. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.

Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98% of first-time offenders do not receive a second ticket, and 95% of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation.

To speak to a representative about a stop-arm violation, contact the AlertBus Customer Contact Center toll-free support line at 1-800-852-7741.

• The Contact Center is available Monday- Friday (8am – 5pm)
• English, Spanish, and French-speaking customer service agents are available to address your inquiries
  • Please have your Citation Number ready when you call

To view the violation video evidence online or to pay for a violation by credit card, visit www.alertbus.com and enter the following information:

• Your citation number (example: PA-777777)
• Your vehicle license plate number (no dashes or spaces)