Families in the North Vancouver school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $40,566 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLAs Naomi Yamamoto and Jane Thornthwaite announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the North Vancouver school district will use the new funding to increase overall bus service levels and improve transportation services for students with complex needs.

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:

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

“Inclusivity is a priority in our society and particularly in our schools. This money will help accommodate students with complex needs, allowing them to fully participate with their peers.”

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

“It is important to make sure that bus rides are quicker and safer each year to give students more time to spend on their school work and after school programs.”

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano –

“Taking the bus should be a positive experience for our students and that means we need to always look at improving the bus network whenever we can. This new fund is great help for our school district in meeting the transportation needs of our students.”

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