Norristown 'Smart' School Buses Will Be Able To Track Offending Cars

NORRISTOWN, PA — The bus ride to school should be a little bit safer for children in Norristown starting in 2023, officials hope, thanks to a special new security technology.

The school district's entire fleet of yellow buses will be outfitted with a new automated enforcement program that detects the license plate of vehicles that illegally pass it. It's part of a partnership between the school district, Norristown police, and a company that specializes in the tech called BusPatrol.

"Through these partnerships, we are working to make Pennsylvania safer for students while helping to make our roads safer," Jean Souliere, CEO and Founder at BusPatrol said in a statement. "We are committed to educating motorists on the rules of the road, reminding drivers to slow down, and protecting our children getting on and off the bus."

Once gathered, video evidence is shared with police, who review it before issuing a citation.

“Norristown Area School District is proud to be part of a program that works to better protect our students on their journey to and from school," Norristown Superintendent Christopher Dormer said in a statement, adding that the program "(furthers) our commitment to health and safety in this great community."

The East Norriton and West Norriton police departments are also a part of the Norristown initiative.

It's a type of safety precaution that is gaining some traction in Pennsylvania. Locally, Chichester and Southeastern Delco school districts have entered into the same partnership with Norristown to use the BusPatrol technology.

The program will go into effect when students return after winter break, starting on Jan. 3, 2023.