Education Council Outraged by Cuts to School Bus Services

Members of the Anglophone East District Education Council expressed shock over a recent decision by the provincial government in New Brunswick to alter its school bus repair services. Starting November 4, 2023, the province’s Vehicle Management Agency announced that it will no longer send replacement buses to assist when a bus breaks down during its route. Additionally, mechanics will not be available to provide assistance outside of reduced business hours, which are now limited to 08:00 to 16:00.

Dominic Vautour, chairperson of the Anglophone East District Education Council, stated that the council learned about these significant changes only on November 18, leaving them no time to prepare or respond effectively. “We didn’t hear about it. You know, we didn’t have time to plan, we didn’t have time to mitigate the circumstances to ensure that our system continues to function,” Vautour said, labeling the policy shift as “outrageous.”

Concerns Over Student Safety

The implications of this decision are concerning, particularly during harsh winter conditions. Vautour questioned how the district would manage if a breakdown occurred after 16:00 when some buses are still operational. He highlighted the risks of leaving students unattended in potentially dangerous weather conditions, stating, “[The department] is no longer sending mechanics on the side of the road. It’s -20 [degrees], it’s a snowstorm. We don’t know what the circumstances could be. We cannot leave those students there.”

This announcement follows criticism from the province’s auditor general, who previously condemned the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for lacking an effective system to ensure school bus safety. In response to inquiries at the legislature, Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson attributed the policy changes to a shortage of licensed mechanics. He noted that the department has taken steps to address this issue by increasing wages for bus mechanics, which he hopes will help with recruitment and retention efforts.

Work-Around Plans Amid Budget Constraints

Vautour mentioned that the school district is exploring alternatives to mitigate the impact of these changes. The district plans to hire a fleet manager and deploy runners who can bring replacement buses to breakdown sites as needed. However, Vautour emphasized that there is no budget allocated for these additional services, prompting the district to seek reimbursement from the Department of Education in the future.

Despite these challenges, Vautour assured families that the district is committed to maintaining service levels. “There is nothing to worry about. Your children are being taken care of,” he stated, reassuring parents of their children’s safety.

The Anglophone West School District has also acknowledged the effects of the new policy. Spokesperson Paul MacIntosh indicated that delays are already being experienced, with longer response times leading to students waiting on the roadside or at school for extended periods. “Breakdowns are not uncommon — we typically see a few each day — and without timely support, even routine issues can disrupt routes and create delays across the system,” MacIntosh explained.

As the situation unfolds, both school districts are grappling with the implications of this policy change and are working to ensure that student safety remains a top priority despite the challenges posed by reduced services.