Families in the Mission school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $188,900 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLAs Marc Dalton and Simon Gibson announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Mission school district will use the new funding to eliminate bus fees for all students in the district.

The new $14.7-million Student Transportation Fund was announced in August 2016 to help school districts provide affordable and accessible transportation for British Columbia families.

To be eligible for funding, school districts had to 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 for which a district is eligible is based on a formula tied to the ministry’s student-location factor, which is used to determine the rural makeup of a school district.

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:

Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –

“Transportation is something people often budget for each month and this fund helps relieve some budget strain by removing the bus fees for students. This is a great way of investing in our education system and helping families keep money in their wallets.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“This investment is a good example of working with our school districts to improve life for families and students. Many students rely on bus transportation and we are glad to offer this no-fee option.”

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