March 13, 2014
Investing in the Safety of Students
Province to Purchase School Transportation Management Software
In response to a key recommendation contained in the recent School Transportation Review, a formal Request for Proposals will be issued before summer for the purchase of school transportation management software designed to help ensure the province’s school busing system is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible.
“Providing a safe, reliable, efficient school transportation system is, and always has been, a top government priority. Since the independent review was completed, the department has been investigating potential bus route management software that will meet the unique needs of this province. We are now preparing to issue a formal Request for Proposals, through the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, to purchase this software. This is an important step in our ongoing efforts to implement recommendations which came out of the review, and provide the best school transportation system possible.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education
In December 2012, the Provincial Government commissioned Deloitte to conduct a review that would suggest ways the Provincial Government might enhance the school transportation service – within existing budgets. Following a consultation process, the review was completed and released in August 2013.
Minister Jackman noted that since that time, the Provincial Government has been following-up on the recommendations, including the ongoing development of new contract templates for private bus operators; undertaking an in-depth, cross-jurisdictional review of school transportation policies, reviewing driver training programs across the country, and investigating school bus monitoring systems. The key recommendation, however, was that the Provincial Government purchase and utilize school transportation management software which has the capability to gauge the efficiency of the current routes before making any major decisions around school bus eligibility zones and other policies.
The Deloitte review is posted online at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/busing/index.html. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
- A Request for Proposals will be issued before summer for the purchase of school transportation management software designed to help ensure the provincial school transportation system is operating as efficiently as possible.
- This action is in response to a key recommendation contained in the School Transportation Review, completed in August 2013, and released at that time.
- The review noted that more than 47,000 students are transported about seven million kilometres each year – the equivalent of nine round trips to the moon.
- In 2013, the Provincial Government allocated $49.4 million annually on school transportation.
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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2014 03 13 12:45 p.m.