Austin ISD installing new video cameras to deter illegal bus passing
In an effort to address the issue of illegal passing of school buses, Austin ISD is implementing a new initiative to install video cameras on all 555 of their buses. The cameras will be placed on the exterior of the buses to capture vehicles and drivers who pass when the bus’s stop sign arm is out and the red lights are flashing. At the moment, only 294 out of the 555 buses in the district have cameras installed, but the plan is to equip all buses, including both general and special education vehicles, with this technology.
During the previous academic year, there were over 9,100 violations of illegal passing in 2023-24, with more than 6,100 of those violations being paid. So far in the current academic year, there have been over 3,100 violations, with 1,500 being paid, according to agenda documents. The fines for passing a stop arm vary depending on whether the violation was caught on camera or in person. Offenders caught on camera face a $300 fine according to a city ordinance passed in 2015, while those caught by a police officer in person can face fines ranging from $500 to $1,250. Repeat offenders may even have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to six months.
Despite the installation of cameras on 294 buses, the number of violations has not decreased significantly, although repeat offenders remain minimal. During a board meeting, member Candace Hunter emphasized the importance of drivers paying their fines promptly to help ensure the safety of students. She highlighted the need for community members to take responsibility for keeping students safe and expressed her hope that improvements will be made in this regard.
AISD police and Austin officers will handle criminal citations through the Austin Municipal Court, while the district will manage civil citations based on recorded video evidence from the stop arm camera systems. This process, overseen by licensed police officers employed by AISD, will involve issuing citations, collecting fines, conducting administrative hearings, and approving violations. The costs associated with the camera installation project will be covered by general funds and the student transportation budget, with funds generated from enforcement and violation fees earmarked for costs such as legal services, police officer overtime, and the stop arm system lease. The program aims to operate on a budget-neutral level or even generate revenue in excess of its expenses to help reduce the district’s budget deficit.