AI-Powered Cameras Turn School Buses Into Traffic Ticket Machines

AI cameras installed on school buses are generating millions of dollars in fines by catching drivers who fail to stop, but investigations question whether the technology is actually making roads safer.

Manufacturers say the systems protect children without costing taxpayers money. An investigation by Bloomberg Businessweek and Type Investigations found that one major supplier, BusPatrol, has equipped about 35,000 buses across 24 states.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, the setup led to more than 375,000 tickets and $92 million in issued fines. Despite those large figures, research found little reduction in traffic violations and no evidence of fewer collisions near stopped buses.

Between fiscal years 2019 and 2024, the county kept about $18.5 million from collected fines while setting aside roughly $40 million for BusPatrol. The company states that its financial agreements cover the costs of installation and operation. BusPatrol also notes that it absorbs shortfalls when the expenses of the cameras are higher than the revenue brought in by violations.

The technology involves more than just taking pictures of license plates. For example, the Allentown School District uses a process that combines video footage, GPS coordinates, and timestamps. Artificial intelligence filters the incidents before a trained specialist builds an evidence package for the police. All parties involved state that human review remains a part of the process, meaning software does not simply mail out fines automatically.

Other suppliers are also expanding their reach. In Florida, the Osceola County school board approved a contract with Verra Mobility that had no upfront cost for the district. The company and the district split the program revenue equally, and law enforcement confirms any suspected violations.

Verra claims that 98% of drivers who receive a citation do not commit the offense again, and that citations fall by about 70% over the course of a school year. However, these are the company's own claims, and a low repeat-offender rate alone does not show how much safer a bus stop actually becomes.

The technology is spreading to new areas as well. In southeast Idaho, Teton Stage Lines is working with a company called AngelTrax to use AI detection for drivers who pass stopped school buses. These organizations are working with local lawmakers to allow the technology to be used statewide.

Summary

AI cameras on school buses are quickly expanding across the United States, turning everyday traffic enforcement into a multi-million-dollar business. While manufacturers argue the tools protect children and lower violation rates, investigations reveal that these systems generate massive amounts of fines without clear proof that they reduce traffic accidents near bus stops.

Disclosure: This article was made with the help of AI.