During a recent government meeting, Dennis Ryan, the coordinator of transportation, provided an update on the bus patrol program, emphasizing its importance for student safety and detailing its financial structure. The program utilizes cameras mounted on school buses to capture violations when motorists illegally pass stopped buses with extended stop arms.

Ryan explained that when a violation is recorded, it is reviewed by the bus patrol vendor and, if deemed legitimate, forwarded to local municipalities for enforcement. The financial penalties for these violations are set at $300, with a revenue split of 60% going to bus patrol to cover operational costs and technology fees, while the remaining 40% is allocated to local municipalities and a safety grant through PennDOT.

The statistics presented were significant, revealing a total of 1,458 violations recorded since the start of the school year, with 606 tickets issued in September and 852 in October. This trend indicates a growing concern for student safety as the number of violations is expected to rise further with the upcoming November report.

In terms of revenue, Ryan noted that while the gross revenue from violations reached approximately $437,000, actual funds received depend on the payment of fines by violators. For instance, in September, the district collected $21,900 from fines, which was distributed according to the established split. The financial model ensures that the district incurs no upfront costs for the program, as bus patrol covers the installation and maintenance of the camera systems.

Ryan concluded by stating that monthly reports will continue to provide insights into violations and revenue, allowing for ongoing assessment of the program's effectiveness in enhancing student safety on the roads.