All of the school buses assigned to regular routes in the Plymouth School Corporation are now equipped with both stop-arm cameras and interior cameras. Superintendent Andy Hartley informed the board members at the school board meeting on January 7, that they were able to have stop-arm cameras installed on the 15 buses that were not already equipped. According to Hartley, Transportation Director Brandon Berger had been conservative within the transportation budget in 2019 and there were funds to purchase the new cameras.
Prior to the meeting, Berger said the cost per bus to purchase the cameras and have them outfitted was approximately $3,400. He said they realized a savings for purchasing several cameras on the same order. As buses are replaced in the future, the cameras equipment from them will be transferred to the three additional buses in the fleet that are used backups. Berger said the new cameras provide videos that can be viewed and heard clearly.
If bus drivers observe a vehicle passing the bus when the stop-arm is out, they are to notify the transportation office and the information is then forwarded to law enforcement via a 911 call.
Carol Anders Correspondent
