Members of a local education council expressed surprise upon learning of recent alterations to the province’s school bus repair services policy. Dominic Vautour, chair of the Moncton region’s Anglophone East District Education Council, disclosed that under the new policy, spare buses will not be dispatched if a bus breaks down during its route. Additionally, mechanics will no longer be available outside of reduced business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The province’s Vehicle Management Agency initiated these changes on Nov. 4, but Vautour’s council only became aware of the modifications on Nov. 18, without receiving any prior written notice. Vautour criticized the lack of communication, stating that the sudden implementation was problematic for the functioning of their system.
Vautour raised concerns about the implications of breakdowns occurring beyond 4 p.m., as some buses in the district operate past that time. He emphasized the importance of having support available, especially in adverse weather conditions, to prevent students from being left stranded.
The decision follows criticism from the province’s auditor general about deficiencies in ensuring school bus safety. When questioned about the changes, Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson attributed them to a shortage of licensed mechanics. He mentioned a recent agreement with the union to improve mechanic pay rates to address recruitment challenges.
Despite the challenges, Vautour mentioned that his district has devised a contingency plan by hiring a fleet manager and runners to manage breakdown situations. However, due to budget constraints, reimbursement from the Department of Education will be sought in the future.
Assuring families of continued service levels, Vautour emphasized that student safety remains a top priority. The impact of reduced services has been felt in some districts, leading to longer response times and potential delays. While some districts reported minimal disruptions, ensuring student safety during transportation remains a shared concern among all stakeholders.