The results of Service NL’s spring 2019 school bus inspections show consistent results, with 92.6 per cent of buses having passed their mandatory annual inspections by the department’s highway enforcement officers.

Over the same period last year, 92.5 per cent of buses received a ‘pass’ rating. To receive a pass rating means the vehicle must meet specific requirements such as for brakes, steering, lamps and suspension, as outlined by Motor Registration Division. 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.

All school buses in the province must comply with applicable standards and are thoroughly inspected several times a year. Under the current inspection program school buses are required to be inspected at an Official Inspections Station twice annually, in July and December.

Highway Enforcement Officers from the Motor Registration Division inspect 100 per cent of school buses between September and December. In the spring, Highway Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of a minimum of 30 per cent of the fleet again.

Also, as part of its Enforcement Program, Motor Registration Division conducts both announced and unannounced inspections, especially in cases where a complaint has been received. All complaints against school buses are investigated as soon as the complaint is received.

The results of Service NL 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 priority for the Provincial Government, especially when it comes to the safety of children on school buses. This year’s results show that busing companies are continuing to maintain the industry’s high safety standards.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“District staff, administrators and partners in student transportation remain diligent in ensuring vehicles transporting our students meet the standards for safe operation. The safety of our province’s children is a community responsibility and we are pleased to see the level of inspection compliance maintained year over year. With schools set to break for summer in the coming days and students about to start enjoying free time throughout our communities, we urge all drivers to keep community safety top of mind.”
Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

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Learn more
School Bus Inspections

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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, 697-5856
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca