Families in the Vernon school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $361,094 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Vernon school district will use the new funding to:

• Ensure that the district does not have to charge fees for eligible student bus riders.
• Upgrade radio communications to help ensure buses are able to communicate with the district office.
• Enhance student safety by:
  • Developing a student bus safety program.
  • Implement a student bus pass system to monitor load and unload locations.
  • Participate in the Ministry of Education Bus Route Optimization Project.
  • Support crossing guard volunteers with equipment such as vests, flags and stop signs.

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:

Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA –

“I think a student bus pass system will give parents peace of mind with respect to the safety of their children. Parents will also welcome the news that bus fees will not be implemented, meaning one less cost strain on their wallets.”

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