The spring 2018 school bus inspections, conducted by Service NL, continue to show high pass ratings for bus operators again this year. Highway enforcement officers conduct mandatory inspections throughout the year to ensure high safety standards are being upheld.

From January to May, 92.5 per cent of school busses inspected received a ‘pass’ rating, maintaining the industry’s high safety standard. A ‘pass’ means on the date of inspection, the bus was found to be free of defects, or had minor defects that did not preclude the safe operation of the vehicle, either with or without passengers. 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.

As part of government’s commitment to safety, 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. In July each year, and again in December, 100 per cent of buses are subject to mandatory inspection at an Official Inspection Station. Beginning in September, highway enforcement officers conduct an inspection, at random, of a minimum of 30 per cent of the fleet again.

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.

The results of Service NL’s mandatory school bus inspections are published online at www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/bus_inspections.

Quotes
“Protecting the public with high standards of safety is a top priority for the Provincial Government, especially when it comes to the safety of children on school buses. As part of our commitment to safety, all school buses in the province must comply with national and provincial standards, and are thoroughly inspected several times a year. We continue to work to ensure that all school bus owners are as committed as we are to transporting children safely to and from school each day and I am pleased with this year’s results.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“These vehicles carry some of our province’s most precious cargo – our children – to school and home every day, which is why we must remain diligent in ensuring these buses meet the standard for safe operation. The district is pleased to see a continued trend of strong enforcement and compliance among these inspection results. We remain committed to working with our government and law enforcement partners to ensure everyone is confident in the safety and security of our students while on the province’s roadways.”
Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

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Learn more

School Bus Inspections – www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/bus_inspections

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ServiceNL

Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032
cherylgullage@esdnl.ca