Families in the Fraser-Cascade school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $184,576 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLA for Chilliwack-Hope Laurie Throness announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier that the Fraser-Cascade school district will use the new funding to increase wheelchair capacity on buses, install video cameras on buses to increase safety and add GPS devices with the funding. The district will also be able to provide buses to transport students to curricular and extra-curricular activities.

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:

Laurie Throness, MLA for Chilliwack-Hope –

“This is good news for parents in my riding. The new funding ensures safe and inclusive transportation services to ensure our most precious cargo, our children, get to their classrooms.”

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