The Syracuse Common Council held a joint committee meeting Monday to learn more about what's being done about school bus safety.

The city is pushing forward three new programs after the council unanimously approved a plan a year ago add cameras to school zones and district buses.

Those start next month with automated school bus stop arm cameras, installed and contracted by the company Jenoptik North America. The contract is set for five years with a renewal option that must be approved by the mayor and the Common Council.

Cameras attached to stop-sign arms on school buses would capture images of vehicles that fail to stop for buses loading and unloading students. Vehicles that are observed speeding, failing to stop for red lights in school zones or passing a school bus stop arm, once verified by law enforcement, will receive a ticket issued by mail to the registered owner of the car.

"When a car goes in front of or passes a school bus, it automatically takes a picture and sends a ticket for that violation," Conor Muldoon, chief operating officer for the city of Syracuse, said.

Per state law, those who are caught passing a school bus face a fine for a first offense of $250. A second violation within 18 months costs $275. A third violation costs $300.

School zones will also be getting automated red light and speed enforcement systems before the beginning of next school year.