Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program

The Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program (ASBEGP) is a competitive funding initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and established in 2024 under section 3345.1 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. §3345.1. The program is funded through fines collected via Automated School Bus Enforcement (ASBE) systems, which automatically record motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses with flashing red lights and stop arms deployed. A portion of each $300 fine—specifically $25—is allocated to support this grant program. The program aims to enhance school bus safety, increase public awareness, and expand the pool of qualified commercial drivers through financial support for targeted safety and mobility projects. The ASBEGP supports a range of projects throughout Pennsylvania that directly promote school bus safety and driver qualification. Priority is given to projects that facilitate the issuance of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) with school bus endorsements. Eligible activities include obtaining commercial learner’s permits, CDLs, and endorsements, as well as continuing education for existing drivers. Other allowable uses include installation, maintenance, and replacement of side stop signal arm enforcement systems, acquisition of school bus signage, and safety programming targeted at elementary-aged students. The program is reimbursement-based, and while no matching funds are required, applications including cost-sharing or in-kind services are encouraged and may score higher during evaluation. Eligible applicants include independent school bus contractors, school entities (including public school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units), and Pennsylvania municipalities such as counties, cities, boroughs, and townships. Regional collaborations are allowed, provided a lead sponsor is designated for the application. Ineligible entities or uses include highway projects unrelated to school bus safety, maintenance not directly tied to ASBE systems, and administrative costs such as grant writing or lobbying. The program offers up to $100,000 per applicant in grant funding for each cycle. For the 2026 application year, a total of $1.2 million is available. Funds must be used for eligible expenses incurred after the execution of a Grant Reimbursement Agreement with PennDOT. Grantees are required to manage their own projects, designate an employee to oversee implementation, and maintain appropriate records for auditing purposes. The performance period begins on the date of contract execution and may not exceed one year, with final invoicing due within 18 months or upon final payment, whichever comes first. Applications must be submitted electronically through Pennsylvania’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance (ESA) system, which requires registration via a Keystone Login. The application window opens March 2, 2026, and closes at 12:00 AM on April 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to complete all forms fully and upload necessary documentation, including cost estimates, project schedules, and proof of additional funding if applicable. Final submissions require a legally binding electronic signature from an authorized official. Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria including project safety impact, cost effectiveness, potential for increasing CDL-certified drivers, local or regional significance, and alignment with PennDOT’s traffic safety and education priorities. Though PennDOT reserves discretion over final funding decisions, projects that meet the program’s objectives and provide clear implementation plans are prioritized. Award notifications will be issued after PennDOT’s review and scoring process concludes. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program directly at [email protected].

Clearly tie your project to increasing CDL-certified drivers and school bus safety; upload complete cost documentation for higher scores.