Rockland Writes: Transparency Needed in Rockland’s Stop-Arm Camera Enforcement

To the Editor:

A private company operating school bus stop-arm cameras is now facing growing scrutiny in multiple states, and that development should matter here in Rockland County, because we use the same vendor and enforcement model.

BusPatrol installs cameras on school buses designed to capture vehicles that pass stopped buses while red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended. The system is reportedly currently under review in states including Pennsylvania and Florida, as well as parts of Long Island, where media investigations and government officials have raised concerns about ticket accuracy, high fines, long delays for hearings, and the role of private vendors in enforcement programs.

Rockland County partnered with BusPatrol in 2023 to equip school buses countywide with stop-arm cameras. Violations captured by the system result in civil citations issued to vehicle owners, with fines starting at $250. The citations do not add points to a driver’s license and do not affect insurance.

Since the program began, more than 45,000 citations have been issued in Rockland County, according to reported figures. Some motorists have questioned the accuracy of tickets, particularly on wide or high-speed roadways, while others say they were unaware they had the option to contest the citation. In several cases, tickets have been dismissed due to technical issues, according to county officials.

Under the program’s revenue-sharing agreement, approximately 55 percent of collected fines goes to BusPatrol, with the remaining portion going to the county, which adds to the scrutiny of the company’s motives. The county also covers costs related to administration and court proceedings. Requests for detailed data showing how many video submissions result in citations versus rejections have not been publicly released.

Similar programs in other states have faced audits, investigations, or temporary shutdowns after errors were identified, adding to the national attention on stop-arm camera enforcement. 

Everyone wants stronger protections for children around school buses. But residents also deserve transparency, timely hearings, and public reporting that proves this program is accurate and fair. Rockland County should increase oversight and release more detailed data so the public can be confident the system is working as intended.

Sincerely,

Miriam H.