Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature have introduced a resolution seeking to have GPS devices attached to any buses or vans transporting children under a contract with the County.
The resolution follows an incident earlier this month in which a van contracted by the County became stranded in Stephentown when the driver attempted to drive down a seasonal road. While there were no injuries, the van could not be located for several hours during winter conditions.
Requiring that GPS devices be attached to vans and buses providing contractual transportation services would help avoid a repeat of the incident, said Legislators Lester Goodermote and Stan Brownell.
“By requiring GPS devices on vans and buses operated by private companies providing transportation services to the County, we ensure vehicles can be located more effectively in the event of an emergency or if the vehicle is stranded or disabled,” said Goodermote.
The County is required to contract with private transportation providers to help children in the County reach various educational and counseling services. The contracts are entered into at various times of the year by the County for transport services throughout the Capital Region.
“GPS devices are readily available at a relatively low cost. This is a simple but effective way to protect children and to help keep track of the vehicles transporting kids,” said Brownell.
The resolution seeking the placement of GPS devices will be considered at the February 10 legislative meeting. The two legislators said they are considering introduction of a local law requiring the GPS devices for any transportation companies providing transport to children via a County contract. The process for a local law is longer than the introduction of the resolution sponsored by the two lawmakers for the February 10 meeting.