More school districts in Onondaga County will soon be able to better protect students on buses. 

County lawmakers have approved a pilot program to install school bus stop-arm cameras in six districts: Baldwinsville, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Jamesville-DeWitt, Fabius-Pompey and East Syracuse Minoa. The cameras are expected to be in place by next school year. 

For those who are caught passing a school bus, the fine for a first offense is $250. A second violation within 18 months costs $275. A third violation costs $300.

Meanwhile, a proposal to provide Onondaga Central School District schools two electric school buses has been voted down by taxpayers. Proposition one, for two 66-passenger EV buses, failed 211-135. Instead, proposition two, for three gasoline buses, passed 274-67.

The cost for the two EV buses would have been covered through grant funding.

In 2027, districts will no longer be allowed to purchase diesel buses. Fleets have to be fully transitioned to electric by 2035.