Verra Mobility’s Crossing Guard Video Cam, Largest School Bus Safety Program in Westchester, to Launch October 12
On Sept. 20, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced its collaboration with Verra Mobility to launch the “Yonkers Safe Stop” School Bus Safety Program. To create a safer environment, the “Yonkers Safe Stop” program will implement Verra Mobility’s CrossingGuard™ school bus stop-arm enforcement solution to effectively capture stop-arm events and reduce the number of violations and injuries caused by people who disregard the school bus stop-arm.
Nearly 200 Yonkers school district buses throughout the City will begin issuing warnings to registered vehicle owners on October 12. In the first 30 days, warnings will be issued, and no fines will be assessed. Beginning November 13, registered vehicle owners, whose vehicles are observed passing the school bus while the stop-arm is extended and lights are flashing, will receive a Notice of Liability in the mail. There will be approximately 450 school bus stop-arm safety cameras implemented in phases through the end of the year.
Approximately 12,000 students in the Yonkers School District are transported to and from school in school buses every day. This partnership aims to prioritize the safety of the District’s students ensuring every school bus stop is a safe stop.
“Ensuring the safety of our children is our top priority. The partnership with Verra Mobility and the Yonkers School District is a testament to our commitment to their well-being, reminding us that every journey to knowledge should be a safe one,” said Mayor Spano.
Melba Rivera-Irizarry, Global Director of Product Management at Verra Mobility, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At Verra Mobility, we are dedicated to creating safer streets for everyone. The ‘Yonkers Safe Stop’ Program exemplifies our commitment to protecting our most precious passengers. We are honored to work alongside the City of Yonkers on this vital initiative.”
“About 50,000 drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus daily in New York. Yonkers Safe Stop stands as an additional safeguard in our mission to protect our children as they head to and from school. We want to send a clear message to violators that they need to stop for the school bus stop-arm,” said, Dr. Luis Rodriquez, Interim Superintendent, Yonkers Public Schools.
In 2019, the New York Legislature passed legislation to permit schools to equip their buses with camera technology to catch drivers who illegally drive by school buses when they stop to pick up or drop off students. Under the law, the fine for passing a school bus ranges from $250 for a first violation, $275 if a second offense occurs within an 18-month period, and $300 for every following offense, if within an 18-month period. The registered owners of vehicles captured illegally passing a stopped school bus with the stop-arm extended and lights flashing are liable for a Notice of Liability. Points will not be assessed against vehicle owners’ driver’s licenses, information will not be sent to vehicle owners’ insurance companies, and Notices of Liability will not be reported on driving records. Violation videos and license plate images are reviewed by a City of Yonkers Parking Violations Bureau technician for approval prior to a warning or Notice of Liability being issued.
The City of Yonkers contracted Verra Mobility to administer its School Bus Safety Program. For more information on Yonkers Safe Stop, visit www.yonkersny.gov/safestop.
For more information about Verra Mobility’s CrossingGuard™ school bus enforcement solutions, visit: https://www.verramobility.com/government/crossing-guard/.
