Families in the Prince George school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $687,663 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLAs Mike Morris and Shirley Bond announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Prince George school district will use the new funding to:

• Ensure that the district does not have to charge fees for eligible student bus riders.
• Provide more buses for students to use to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities.
• Make safety improvements to school parking lots, reducing traffic congestion.
• Reimburse funding to schools for bus supervisors.

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:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“In a large rural school district like School District No 57 busing is essential for many students and families. The additional funds being provided will eliminate concerns about potential fees and ensure that our district can utilize resources for actual classroom support.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“When we improve the commute to and from school for students we make it easier for them to concentrate on the things that they enjoy doing at school. This funding will help students participate in extra-curricular activities, helping them get the most out of their school experience.”

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