Education Council Outraged by Cuts to School Bus Repair Services

Members of the Anglophone East District Education Council were taken aback by recent changes to the province’s policy regarding school bus repair services, implemented by the Vehicle Management Agency. Starting on November 4, 2023, the agency announced it would no longer send replacement buses to the scene of breakdowns during routes, nor would mechanics be available outside standard business hours, which are now reduced to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Council chairperson Dominic Vautour expressed his disappointment, stating that the council learned of the policy change only on November 18 and received no prior written notice. “We didn’t hear about it. You know, we didn’t have time to plan or mitigate the circumstances to ensure that our system continues to function,” Vautour remarked, labeling the decision as “outrageous.”

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of students, especially if a bus were to break down during adverse weather conditions. “What happens if a bus breaks down past 4 p.m.?” Vautour questioned, highlighting that some routes continue beyond business hours. He emphasized the potential dangers, noting, “It’s -20 degrees during a snowstorm. We cannot leave those students there.”

The changes come on the heels of criticism directed at the province’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) from the provincial auditor general, who previously indicated that the department lacked an effective system to ensure school bus safety. In response to reporters at the legislature, Minister of Transportation Chuck Chiasson explained that the adjustments were primarily due to a shortage of licensed mechanics. “We have a lack of licensed mechanics in our shops,” he stated, adding that recent agreements to increase pay for bus mechanics aim to address recruitment and retention challenges.

Despite the province’s assurances, Vautour remains concerned about the practical implications of the policy. “We’re certainly not going to leave any children stranded on the side of the road,” Chiasson assured, promising to collaborate with the district to find solutions in case of breakdowns.

In an effort to adapt to the new reality, Vautour mentioned that the school district is devising a workaround. This plan includes hiring a fleet manager and employing runners to transport replacement buses to breakdown sites. However, Vautour pointed out that there is no budgetary provision for these measures, leading the district to seek reimbursement from the Department of Education. He reassured families that service levels would remain intact, stating, “There is nothing to worry about. Your children are being taken care of.”

The Anglophone West School District acknowledged the impact of the reduced services, with spokesperson Paul MacIntosh noting that longer response times during breakdowns could leave students waiting for extended periods. MacIntosh indicated that breakdowns are frequent, with several occurring daily, and that timely support is critical to maintaining operational efficiency.

The ongoing situation highlights concerns regarding student safety and the adequacy of transportation resources in the region. As the province works to address mechanic shortages and service levels, the education council continues to advocate for reliable transportation solutions to ensure the safety of all students.