Rockland County officials this week outlined key operational details and oversight measures of the County’s School Bus Safety Program, pointing to a significant reduction in violations during the 2024–25 school year as evidence that the initiative is improving roadway safety for students.
According to County officials, Notices of Liability (NOLs) issued for illegally passing stopped school buses declined by more than 30 percent over the course of the school year, with a 23 percent year-over-year reduction. In addition, more than 90 percent of motorists who received a citation did not commit a second offense.
“The School Bus Safety Program is not designed to generate revenue, but to deter dangerous behavior and prevent tragedy,” said Ed Day, Rockland County Executive. “Those critical of the revenue being generated should direct that frustration to drivers putting children in harm’s way.”
County officials emphasized that civil penalties are mandated by New York State law and are not set locally. The fines are $250 for a first offense, $275 for a second offense, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. Counties do not have discretion to alter these amounts.
“The fine reflects the serious risk posed to children when motorists illegally pass stopped school buses,” said Louis Falco, Rockland County Sheriff.
Data released by the County shows that approximately 25,000 Notices of Violation were issued in 2024, compared to about 20,000 in 2025 to date. Officials say the steady decline over the school year indicates increased compliance by drivers as awareness grows.
As of this month, 1,179 in-service school buses across Rockland County are equipped with stop-arm safety cameras operated by BusPatrol, up from 1,109 buses at the end of 2024. Each potential violation is reviewed by BusPatrol staff and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and not every recorded event results in enforcement action.
After accounting for technology, installation, maintenance, data processing, and administrative fees paid to BusPatrol, Rockland County generated approximately $1 million in revenue from the program in 2024. County officials noted that this figure does not reflect additional costs associated with law enforcement, legal services, and program administration.
County leaders reiterated their commitment to working with school districts, law enforcement, BusPatrol, and the courts to ensure the program operates fairly, transparently, and in full compliance with state law, while keeping student safety as the top priority.
Motorists who receive a citation can view video evidence, pay the fine, or contest the violation online at alertbus.com. Payments can also be made by phone, and questions may be directed to BusPatrol at 1-877-504-7080.
That 877 number is a phony number. No questions may be directed to that number. It’s a lie that everyone tells you just to get you off their back. I know someone who’s called that number and it’s useless.. bus drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings before they open up their stop signs. Drivers obviously also can’t pass the stop signs but bus drivers are horrible, horrible drivers and very dangerous as everyone knows from reading news about Rockland County.. like how does a boy fall out of the back of a bus? Obviously the bus driver is distracted and why are the kids jumping around? Drivers are also speeding down like 40 miles an hour, making turns like animals and passing stop signs. Rockland County, Ed Day, Aaron Wieder, please do better.
@rachel totally agree. My wife and I are pretty safe good drivers. We were “caught” 2 times both because the bus drivers keep their orange lights on constantly. I recently slowed down on college Rd because a bus had orange lights on for a few blocks and passed right by me.
Also I witnessed a near fatal accident in the summer because 2 busses were trying to catch a yellow at full speed short stopping just before impact