Minister comments on busing issues

In light of concerns regarding the busing of children to select schools on the north east Avalon, Education Minister Gerry Reid today clarified government�s position on various transportation and safety issues.

Some parents in Torbay have voiced their concerns about the width of the shoulders of the road known locally as Piperstock Hill. "I understand the concerns of these parents and was happy to meet with them last week," Minister Reid said. "They were correct in noting that since the road had been increased to three-lanes this past year, there was a narrow shoulder for school children and other pedestrians. In light of this, my colleague, the Honourable Jim Walsh, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, has agreed to install a walking shoulder. Work should begin shortly on this addition, and until it is complete, the Department of Education will provide busing to those students who use Piperstock Hill to walk to school."

A second concern which has been raised centres around government�s busing policy which states that transportation will be provided to pupils who reside 1.6 kilometres or more from their designated school.

"This policy has been in place since 1975," Minister Reid noted. "For 28 years, children who live within 1.6 kilometres from their assigned school have walked to school. This is not a new policy. What has been happening over the years, however, is that if there was capacity on the school bus, drivers had the option of offering courtesy rides to students who lived less than1.6 kilometres from school.

"Unfortunately with the renewal of our busing contracts this year, these courtesy rides were no longer available to all students who in previous years had access to them. This year saw the re-tendering of some of our busing contracts. As a result of declining enrolment and in accordance with our busing policy, we needed fewer buses on the roads this school year. Enrolment is declining at a rate of approximately 2,500 students every year. This means there are fewer students to ride the buses. That said, I note that even with fewer buses this year, because of rising costs our expenditure on school busing increased by seven per cent to approximately $33 million. If we reduce the 1.6 designation to 0.5 kilometres, as was suggested in our meeting with concerned citizens last week, the estimated cost would be in the $8 million range.

"While the 1.6 kilometre designation will not be altered in the coming year, as always government is very concerned about the safety of our students. Many of the issues raised by parents in recent days cannot be solved by the Department of Education on its own. I am encouraging the town councils in affected areas, the RCMP, RNC, and the Avalon East School District to work with us in ensuring all students arrive at school safely. We want to ensure all crosswalks are clearly marked, that emergency walking lights are functioning and that drivers are obeying speed limits. Our students� safety is a community responsibility."

Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906

2003 09 23                                       12:20 p.m.