Families in the Conseil scolaire francophone school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $150,415 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Richmond East MLA Linda Reid announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Conseil scolaire francophone school district will use the new funding to add new bus routes.

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.

Quote:

Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East –

“By expanding the current bus system by two routes means students will have shorter more direct rides, meaning they can spend less time on the bus and more time focusing on their school work and extra-curricular activities.”

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