School bus inspections for fall 2019 conducted by Service NL, continue to show high pass ratings for bus operators, maintaining the industry’s high safety standard.
From August to November 2019, 92.9 per cent of school busses 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 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. Each September, December and July, 100 per cent of buses are subject to mandatory inspections at an Official Inspection Station. Beginning in March, Highway Enforcement Officers conduct an inspection, at random, of a minimum of 30 per cent of the fleet again.
At any time throughout the year, 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 the complaint is received.
The results of Service NL’s mandatory school bus inspections are published online.
Quotes
“All school buses in the province are held to an extremely high standard and are subject to rigorous inspection requirements multiple times throughout the year. Ensuring that our children are transported to and from school safely is very important for our government.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
“The safety of our province’s children is a community responsibility and one that is taken extremely seriously by district staff, school administrators and partners in student transportation. We are pleased to see such a high level of compliance through Service NL school bus inspections and operators embracing their responsibility to ensure all vehicles transporting students meet the standards for safe operation. All throughout the school year, but especially during the winter months, we urge everyone to keep safety at the forefront when travelling the province’s roadways.”
Tony Stack
CEO/ Director of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
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School Bus Inspections
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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