It appears winter is here to stay and it is a great time to review how decisions are made about whether or not school buses will run when the weather is bad. Keep in mind that our schools will be open whether or not buses are cancelled. 

Who decides if school buses will run in bad weather?

Our drivers are directed not to operate their bus when the temperature is minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°C), or colder, at the start of a route. This temperature does not take windchill into account. Our drivers also follow specific rules about stopping or crossing lanes in reduced visibility. You can read more details in the Administrative Procedure 70-101.

Our school buses travel approximately 11,000 kilometres each day. Because weather and road conditions can vary greatly from region to region, decisions about whether or not to cancel school buses are made as close to the local community as possible.

On a route-by-route basis

Your bus driver will decide whether or not the school bus will run. Our drivers are the most familiar with the weather and road conditions on their routes. When a bus is delayed, or the bus driver decides to cancel because it’s too cold or it’s not safe to drive, the driver will notify:

• parents of students on their route
• the Transportation Office

The Transportation Office will contact the appropriate school principal(s) and will update the bus status report on the division and school websites. Look for this button in the top right corner of these websites:

On a division-wide basis

If a big storm is brewing, our Transportation Department will gather reports from school bus drivers regarding local conditions and monitor information from various weather forecast sources. A decision on whether school buses will run or not will be made before 6 a.m. the day the route is running.  For safety reasons, even when buses are cancelled, schools will be open for students who can safely travel to and from school.

On the rare occasion when all bus routes are cancelled for the division:

• We will contact parents via phone, email and/or text message through SchoolMessenger.
• Bus drivers will contact the parents of students on their route.
• We will update the bus status report.
• Notices will be posted on the school/division websites and the division’s Facebook page.

Sign up for SchoolMessenger

Text messages through SchoolMessenger can only be sent to parents and staff who have opted-in to the service. If you have not yet opted-in to receive text messages, text “Y” or “YES” to 978338 (standard text message and data rates apply). You must also ensure that your child’s school has your cell phone number on file to receive text messages.

What can parents do?

Make sure your child is dressed for the weather — and be prepared for unexpected or changing severe weather conditions. Students should always wear or carry appropriate winter footwear and outerwear including headgear and gloves or mitts. Students inadequately prepared for winter conditions may be reported to the parents and the school principal by the bus driver.

If you are concerned about sending your child to the bus stop or school because of bad weather or roads – even if our buses are running – you can always keep your child home.

For more information contact the Transportation Office at 780-674-8510 or refer to this guide: