BusPatrol
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Methacton School District and BusPatrol kick off a new stage in their partnership to make children’s travels to and from school safer!
All Methacton School District school buses have ACTIVE safety technology cameras, including AI-enabled stop-arm enforcement cameras. The safety technology is designed to capture school bus violation events and vehicle license plate numbers. Stop-arm enforcement begins on Tuesday, September 6th 2022. Violations are confirmed by local law enforcement. A first-time stop-arm violation will carry a fine of $300.
BusPatrol’s technology, installation, and maintenance have been provided at zero cost to the district or taxpayers thanks to their violator-funded business model.
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Stop Arm Violations Chart 23-24
Bus Patrol SY 23-24
Category Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May June Citations Sent for Review 88 Citations Approved 24 Month's Approval Rate 27.3% YTD Citations Sent for Review 88 YTD Citations Approved 24 Approval Rate 27.3% Tickets Mailed 16 YTD Tickets Mailed 16 Hearings Requested 0 YTD Hearings Requested 0 YTD Hearings Request Rate 0.0% 2022-2023 YTD Tickets Approved 55 Change (31) -
How Does the Safety Program Work?
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.
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When Should I Stop for a School Bus in Pennsylvania?
- 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or traveling alongside a school bus MUST also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.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.
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What Happens If You Illegally Pass a Stopped Methacton School Bus?
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.
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Who Can I Contact for Assistance?
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)