Families in the Kamloops/Thompson school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $666,817 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson Todd Stone announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier that the Kamloops/Thompson school district will use funding to introduce new bus routes, including a route for students with disabilities. The funding will also help provide enhanced bus driver training programs, hire a new staff member to help with safety training and supply safety equipment and new GPS devices on all buses. The district will also be able to fund extra-curricular bus trips and continue to ensure students get to and from school safely. As a result of this funding, the district will no longer have to charge bus fees.

School districts must submit a plan to the Ministry of Education outlining how they will use the funding to enhance transportation services for students and families.

The amount of funding a district is eligible for is based on a formula tied to the Ministry of Education’s student location factor, which is used to determine the rural makeup of a school district. Districts are required to report back on the outcomes and benefits they achieve as a result of the funding.

The new $14.7-million Student Transportation Fund was announced in August to help school districts provide affordable and accessible transportation for B.C. families.

As a result of B.C.'s strong economic growth and fiscal discipline, government is able to support and fund projects that make a real difference in the lives of British Columbians.

Quotes:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“This funding is ensuring parents have more money in their pockets for family priorities instead of paying bus fees. Parents can take comfort that their children are receiving safe, reliable school transportation, and kids can keep making school memories on their extra-curricular road trips.”

Quick Facts:

The Student Transportation Fund builds on government’s recent investments to further strengthen B.C.’s education system and support student learning, including:

• $25 million of administrative savings returned to school districts to invest in students;
• $2 million Rural Education Enhancement Fund to help keep schools open;
• $28 million to ensure enrolment increases and labour settlements are covered; and,
• $6 million to train teachers on coding and new curriculum and to buy computers.

Learn More:

Read the Student Transportation Fund news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016EDUC0076-001429