Brighton Central School District has joined the Monroe County School Bus Safety program. This partnership with stop-arm enforcement technology provider BusPatrol and Brighton’s transportation provider First Student will equip school buses with stop-arm cameras to capture and enforce violations when motorists illegally pass stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing red lights.

“Every day, the families of our District put their children on buses and entrust us with their safety,” Brighton Superintendent Dr. Kevin McGowan said. “Our 47 drivers are transporting more than 2,800 children to and from school each day — the most precious cargo there is. Our drivers from First Student are amazing people and do an outstanding job driving throughout our Town. However, they cannot control what the other drivers on the road are doing. We hope that these cameras can act as a deterrent to drivers taking risks and making bad choices that could put our students in danger, particularly around bus stops.”

Brighton and Pittsford join West Irondequoit, Spencerport, Hilton, East Irondequoit, Webster, and Greece Central School Districts in the program. So far this school year, the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program issued more than 2,600 citations to vehicle owners in participating school districts. In total, more than 16,000 citations have been issued since the program’s inception in October 2023. Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must stop for school buses that display flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm, regardless of whether they are approaching from the front or rear, and regardless of the type of roadway.

“The safety of our students and staff is non-negotiable — it is our highest priority,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “By utilizing this technology, we are significantly strengthening public safety: Improving school bus safety, holding reckless drivers accountable, and helping prevent tragedies before they occur. I commend the Brighton, and Pittsford Central School Districts, along with each of the districts already enrolled, their Boards of Education and their superintendents for demonstrating leadership and making student safety their top priority.”

Brighton is officially in a 30-day “warning period.” During this time, violators will receive warning letters without fines. After the warning period, drivers caught illegally passing a stopped school bus will face a $250 fine for a first offense, with escalating penalties for repeat violations within 18 months. Citations and fines will begin being issued to violators starting Feb. 9.

“This technology allows our officers to focus on proactive policing while ensuring dangerous behavior doesn't go unchecked,” Brighton Police Chief David Catholdi said. “It's not about revenue — it's about prevention, compliance, and saving lives. If these cameras prevent even one child from being injured, they are worth it. The message is simple: When the bus stops, so do you.”