Duval Schools recently partnered with BusPatrol America to issue $225 tickets to drivers who fail to stop when a school bus extends its stop arm. This initiative aims to enhance student safety while boarding or exiting buses.

Revenue Split

According to the contract between Duval Schools and BusPatrol America, the district and the operator split the revenue from ticket sales 50-50. In May, approximately 4,000 cases were reviewed, and 3,192 citations were issued, resulting in nearly $720,000 in ticket revenue.

Laureen Ricks, a district spokesperson, stated that the Duval Schools police carefully review all recorded violations before issuing a ticket to ensure accuracy and fairness. Drivers who receive tickets can appeal through Florida’s Department of Administrative Hearings.

Ricks noted that Florida law specifies how districts can use revenue from these tickets, primarily for operating the program or related expenses like safety initiatives and driver recruitment and retention stipends. Although the exact use of the funds is not specified, Duval Schools has launched a public safety campaign called ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ to educate drivers and students about traffic safety.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.