New Bus Light Pilot Program Begins in 10 School Districts

A two-week pilot program to see if school buses in the state should have more lights warning drivers a bus is stopped begins Monday in 10 school districts.

The new lights will illuminate the words, “Stop Do Not Pass,” on the back of the bus.

State Representative Holly Hughes is behind the idea and says the brightly lit up words should make it clear to drivers that they shouldn’t pass the bus – which some are doing.

The pilot-program will also have bus drivers log how many people pass their bus while the new lights are flashing.

Hughes is eying a measure to require the lights on school buses statewide.

The districts taking part in the pilot program include: Ravenna, Traverse City, Zeeland, Forest Hills, West Ottawa, Lansing, Mason, Saginaw Township, Novi and Van Buren County ISD.