New School Bus Camera Program Starts in New Haven

Drivers who pass stopped school buses will face $250 fines starting in March

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Starting Friday, January 30th, drivers in New Haven, Connecticut who pass stopped school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms will receive a warning notice. Beginning March 2nd, those drivers will face $250 fines as part of a new automated enforcement program using cameras installed on school buses.

Why it matters

The new school bus camera program aims to improve safety for the over 17,000 New Haven public school students who are transported by bus each day. Roughly 40% of the city's 330 school buses are already equipped with the monitoring technology, with the goal of having all buses outfitted by the end of the 30-day warning period.

The details

The school bus camera program is being operated by contractor Bus Patrol in partnership with the city and school bus company First Student. Bus Patrol will collect video, imagery, and vehicle registration evidence of violations, which the city will then review before deciding whether to issue a $250 fine that can be appealed. Mayor Justin Elicker said the program has no upfront cost to the city, with installation and administrative fees covered by Bus Patrol and the city paying a subscription fee and per-ticket fee that should be offset by fine revenue.

  • The 30-day warning period starts on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • The $250 fines for passing stopped school buses will begin on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven, Connecticut who announced the new school bus camera program.

Sandeep Aysola

The transportation director for the city of New Haven.

Madeline Negron

The superintendent of New Haven Public Schools.

Ryan Monell

The executive vice president of Bus Patrol, the contractor operating the school bus camera program.

Michael McDaniel

A representative of First Student, the school bus company partnering with the city on the program.

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What they’re saying

“We don't want to fine people, but we will, if drivers endanger kids by illegally driving past parked school buses.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor

“School bus driving is a difficult job. This camera program represents one more layer of protection to make sure that children are getting on the bus safely, getting off the bus safely, and crossing the street in front of a parked bus.”

— Michael McDaniel, First Student representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new school bus camera program in New Haven aims to improve safety for students by holding drivers accountable for illegally passing stopped school buses. The 30-day warning period provides time for drivers to adjust to the new enforcement, but the city is prepared to issue $250 fines starting in March to deter this dangerous behavior and protect children.