Back to School: Buses Start Rolling July 31, New Stop Arm Cameras and More

Gwinnett County Public Schools begins on August 7. Here's a few things parents -- and the community -- should know regarding school buses and safety.

Buses Start Running July 31:

The public will begin seeing school buses roll through neighborhoods on July 31. Bus drivers will run their assigned routes during actual drive times in the morning and afternoon. Parents and students should look for their school’s name on the buses. It will be posted on a placard in the bus window.

New Stop Arm Cameras:

At its July meeting, Gwinnett County Board of Education approved placing stop arm cameras on school buses. When the school bus stop arm is activated, the new system detects vehicles passing illegally. The system photographs the violation, including capturing the vehicle's license plate. Initially, 300 school buses will have the cameras.

Bus Delays First Week:

In the first week of school, parents are asked to have children at the bus stop approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled bus arrival. To help with new, young riders, bus drivers will go through additional procedures. This will make some buses run behind schedule, especially in the afternoon.

Back-to-School Bus Tips:

• Take children to their assigned stop before the first day of school. Information is available at the local school.
• Drive children in the area of their bus stop, so they are familiar with the neighborhood, landmarks, etc.
• Remind children if they are uncertain about a bus stop to not get off.
• Resist driving them on the first day if the child will normally be riding the bus. Officials say being consistent helps children become familiar with others and the bus route.
• Plan with other trusted adults and parents in the neighborhood to have an adult supervise bus stops in the morning and afternoon.