School bus inspections for Fall 2020, conducted by Digital Government and Service NL, continue to show high pass ratings for bus operators again this year, maintaining the industry’s high safety standard.
From July to mid-November, over 90 per cent of school buses inspected received a ‘pass’ rating. This means on the date of inspection the bus was found to be free of defects, or had minor defects that did not preclude the safe operation of the vehicle, either with or without passengers.
Buses that do not pass inspection must be repaired and proof of the repair must be verified by Digital Government and Service NL before the bus can be returned to service.
As part of government’s commitment to safety, all school buses registered in Newfoundland and Labrador are inspected a minimum of three times per year to ensure they continue to meet all provincial and federal safety standards:
- In December and again in July, 100 per cent of buses are subject to mandatory inspections at an Official Inspection Station.
- Highway Enforcement officers inspect 100 per cent of all school buses registered in the Province between August 1 and October 31 annually.
- Beginning in March, Highway Enforcement Officers conduct an inspection, at random, of a minimum of 30 per cent of each school bus owner’s fleet again.
At any time throughout the year, Digital Government and Service NL may choose to do additional inspections of an operator’s fleet, especially in cases where a complaint has been received. All complaints against school buses are investigated as soon as they are received.
Mandatory school bus inspection results are published online.
Quotes
“Transporting children to and from school safely every day is of utmost importance. When parents or caregivers place the safety of their children in our hands, we work to ensure that school buses are meeting or exceeding national and provincial standards.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“The continued high compliance to safety standards within our province’s student transportation system should be a source of confidence for families and students. With additional buses pushed into service this year, district staff in all regions and contracted service providers continue to ensure our students are transported to and from school safely. In a year that has had more than its fair share of challenges, let’s all ensure safety remains at the forefront of our minds throughout the winter months and drive with care and attention.”
Tony Stack
CEO/ Director of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca