It appears winter is here to stay, and with it comes the need to think about school bus safety during severe weather. Remember: schools remain open whether or not buses are running.

Who decides if buses run?

Temperature guidelines: Drivers do not operate buses when the temperature is -40°C or colder at the start of a route (wind chill is not included). Drivers also follow rules about stopping or crossing lanes in low visibility.

You can read more details in the  Administrative Procedure 70-101.

Our school buses travel thousands of 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.

Route-by-route decisions

Your bus driver knows the local weather and road conditions best. If 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 and update the bus status report on the division and school websites. Look for this button in the top right corner of these websites:

Division-wide decisions

During or when a major storm is forecasted, the Transportation Department:

• Collects reports from bus drivers about local conditions
• Monitors multiple weather forecasts

Decisions are made before 6 a.m. on the day of the route. Even if buses are cancelled, schools remain open for students who can travel safely.

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

• Parents are contacted via phone, email or text message (depending on contact preferences) 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 school/division websites and the division Facebook page.

How parents can help

• Dress children for winter weather: warm outerwear, boots, headgear, gloves/mitts
• Be prepared for sudden changes in conditions
• If you are concerned about your child’s safety, you may keep them home, even if buses are running

Students not dressed appropriately for winter conditions may be reported to parents and school administration 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: