Service NL
December 18, 2017

Fall School Bus Inspections Show Service Providers are Committed to Safe Student Transportation

The results of Service NL’s fall 2017 school bus inspections show a significant increase in the number of buses that passed their mandatory annual inspections by the department’s highway enforcement officers.

Of the 979 inspections completed from August to November 2017, 93.5 per cent resulted in a ‘pass’ rating. Over a similar period in 2016, 84.4 per cent of inspections resulted in a ‘pass’ rating. Buses that do not pass inspection must be repaired and proof of the repair must be verified by Service NL before the bus can be returned to service.

In the fall of 2016, Service NL also began publishing the results of the spring and fall inspections on the department’s website. The fall 2017 results can be found at: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca.

In December 2016, changes were made to the Official Inspection Station Regulations to provide officials with stronger enforcement and reporting tools to ensure that the school buses on the province’s roads are safe.

Service NL also made changes to ensure that the fall inspections of the school bus fleet are completed sooner. This year, 99.7 per cent of the fleet had been inspected by October 31. In 2016, approximately 59 per cent had been inspected by October 31.

As part of Service NL’s commercial vehicle inspection program, all school buses registered in Newfoundland and Labrador are inspected a minimum of three times per year to ensure they continue to meet all provincial and federal safety standards.

At the beginning of each school year, 100 per cent of school buses are subject to mandatory inspections by Service NL highway enforcement officers. This year’s fall inspections began in August and were completed in October.

Also, beginning in January each year, a minimum of 30 per cent of each operator’s fleet is selected at random for additional inspections by Service NL highway enforcement officers.

At any time throughout the year, Service NL may choose to do additional inspections of an operator’s fleet, especially in cases where a complaint has been received.

Quotes
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been diligent in ensuring school buses meet rigorous national and provincial safety standards. We continue to strengthen and enforce school bus inspection regulations. The results of this year’s fall inspections show that the majority of companies have an improved commitment to safety.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District is pleased to see this data indicating strong enforcement and compliance with school bus safety regulations. It takes the commitment of everyone involved in student transportation to ensure our students arrive at school and at home in a safe manner.”
Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education (Interim)
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

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Learn More
School Bus Inspections -
www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/bus_inspections/index.html

Provincial Government Announces Changes to Official Inspection Station Regulations - gov.nl.ca/releases/2016/servicenl/1220n03.aspx

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ServiceNL_

Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Service NL
729-4748, 730-297
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-2371, 730-0798
kenmorrissey@esdnl.ca

2017 12 18                              3:50 p.m.