The bus driver shortage has been chronic in Halton for years. As you can read in the news release below, it is now a crisis affecting almost every school in Halton. Each day, the clogged streets in front of our schools become more congested as more parents are loading up their minivans to get kids to class on time. The news release outlines steps the board and the bus companies are taking to fix the problem and to get through the crisis (you can find more details at www.hdsb.ca).
In the winter, bikes and roller blades aren’t a transportation option. What alternative solutions are you using or considering, knowing that the crisis will persist for weeks? Any “green” ideas? What are your thoughts on solutions for the crisis? More money for bus companies? Earlier and later bell times for schools? Partnerships with the municipalities? Amalgamation of public and Catholic school bus runs?
News Release February 20, 2008
Halton District School Board experiencing critical shortage of school bus drivers
School board working with bus companies to encourage interested individuals to apply
A shortage of school bus drivers is having an impact on the Halton District School Board, and the board is working with bus companies to inform students, parents and guardians of this issue affecting all areas of Halton Region. The Burlington and Oakville communities are the most severely affected by the shortage.
While the Halton District School Board is working with school bus companies to try to minimize the impact on students, with such a severe shortage, the situation will be difficult to resolve quickly.
“The school bus operators are doing everything they can to minimize the impact on students,” says Steve Parfeniuk, Superintendent of Business Services for the Halton District School Board. “The bus companies we contract with are combining school bus routes where possible, and are working together to help in this critical situation. Some companies have brought in bus drivers from nearby Ontario communities to provide service.” We’re asking for parent and student understanding as we get through this critical shortage situation,” adds Parfeniuk. “The driver shortage situation in Halton is exacerbated by the strong local economy and competition for part-time jobs.”
Bus companies are focusing their recruitment efforts on the Halton area with advertisements on radio and television. The Halton District School Board is assisting in this recruitment effort by placing advertisements on board and school websites and in all school newsletters.
The school bus driver shortage has been intensified by the cold and flu season in recent weeks. “There are literally no spare drivers to fill in when bus drivers call in sick,” adds Parfeniuk.
School bus companies encourage all interested applicants to contact them about job requirements:
- First Student Canada (formerly Laidlaw), Burlington and Oakville – 905-335-7010
- First Student Canada (formerly Laidlaw), Milton and Halton Hills – 905-877-2251
- Attridge Transportation Inc. – 905-333-4047
- Stock Transportation Ltd. – 905-829-2040
- Tyler Transportation Ltd. – 519-853-1550
Halton Transportation Services is a consortium of the four public schools boards in Halton that contracts with the school bus companies listed above.
For additional information, contact:
Steven Parfeniuk, Superintendent of Business Services
Halton District School Board
(905) 335-3663, (905) 842-3014, (905) 878-8451
I was recently sent a newsletter from Abbey Park High School and we loved the idea of their anti-idling week for their parking lot.
We are hoping to copy the same initiative to help increase the awareness of driving to and from school/sitting in your car waiting for your children – with your car running.
Last year Linbrook School did a similar campaign whereby kids handed out fake ‘tickets’ wearing face masks. I kept the article from the Oakville Beaver. We may add this touch as well.
It is a great idea and it could go much bigger than a few schools here and there, just like the “Walk to School Month” of October.
Our latest green idea, thanks to Abbey Park and others.
Wonderful idea! This should be adopted everyday!