Families in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $244,630 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district will use the new funding to:

• Provide enhanced bus services for students. Students within walking distance limits will now have the option to take the bus.
• Support the Active Transportation Program. The program encourages students to walk, cycle and rollerblade to school.

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:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“We are working to offer our families and students healthy transportation options and encouraging people to walk, bike, or take the bus whenever possible. This latest investment makes these options easier for our students and also promotes a healthy lifestyle.”

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