JCPS partners with BusPatrol to install stop-arm cameras across bus fleet

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Public Schools has chosen a vendor to install cameras aimed at catching drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

JCPS announced Thursday it is partnering with BusPatrol America to install automated stop-arm camera technology across its bus fleet.

The district had already been looking for a vendor to install the cameras after Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 7 earlier this year.

The new law requires drivers to stop when a school or church bus has its signal lights on and stop arm out on most roadways. It also allows school districts to install cameras on buses to catch drivers who illegally pass them.

BusPatrol technology specifically uses artificial intelligence to detect any vehicle passing school bus when its stop arm is deployed and red lights are flashing. The cameras can record a vehicle's license plate along with the time, date and location of the violation.

To ensure accuracy, JCPS said all AI-captured footage will be reviewed by human operators before that evidence is sent to police.

Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can receive a $300 civil penalty for a first offense and $500 for additional violations within three years.

Police would review the footage, confirm a violation and contact the driver, who would have 60 days to appeal.

JCPS will receive 45% of the revenue from the collected fines. Because the program is funded by those fines, the district said it will come at no cost to taxpayers.

"Student safety is our single highest priority," said superintendent Brian Yearwood. "We have worked closely with our transportation and legal teams over the past several months to ensure this system is reliable, protects student privacy, and holds reckless drivers accountable without spending additional district funds."

The technology is already being used in other Kentucky school districts. As of March, 70% of Hardin County Schools' buses had cameras already on their buses to catch reckless drivers.

While the cameras will be new to JCPS, the stricter rules for drivers are already in effect, and some violations have already been reported this school year.

In one southeast Louisville neighborhood, parents captured three drivers on three separate occasions passing a bus that was stopped and actively dropping students off.

LMPD said it was aware of those violations.

JCPS said it aims to have the cameras installed on all buses this school year.