Pittsburgh Public Schools is upgrading more than 150 school buses in time for the new year

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — When Pittsburgh Public School students return to their classrooms, they’ll be doing so on a new, state-of-the-art bus fleet.

By upgrading the district’s buses, they hope to deter drivers from stopping in front of these buses on the road.

As part of the new initiative, buses will be equipped with advanced safety technology, including cameras on brake levers that will capture the license plates of drivers who illegally pass school buses. This video will be turned over to law enforcement for review before a citation is issued.

Pittsburgh Public Schools will launch the initiative this fall after a warning period and public awareness campaign.

“The safety of our students and staff is a top priority,” said Superintendent Wayne N. Walters, Ed.D. “Despite the use of advanced technology, video evidence will give us the opportunity to stop dangerous driving habits that put our students at risk when they get on and off the school bus.”

Along with the lever-delay cameras, other security features will be installed at no cost to the district or taxpayers thanks to revenue from violations.