NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
School Bussing Now Available to all K-12 Students

The start of the 2024-25 school year also signals the final phaseout of the 1.6-kilometre bussing policy in Newfoundland and Labrador. All students in Newfoundland and Labrador who attend schools with bus services can now avail of school bus transportation to their zoned school.

The policy change highlights the Provincial Government's commitment to creating a learning environment that removes barriers and focuses directly on students and their well-being, as ensuring that all K-12 students have access to safe and reliable transportation will improve accessibility to education and ease pressures on families.

In August 2023, the Provincial Government announced the phasing out of the decades old 1.6-kilometre rule to access school bus services in the K-12 school system. At that time, the change came into effect in areas where the existing school bus capacity permitted the transportation of the additional students. With the start of this school year, the change now applies to all other areas where the 1.6-kilometre had remained in place.

Aside from the 33 new buses purchased by the Provincial Government this year for general replacement of its school bus fleet, 45 new buses were also added to accommodate the additional eligible students resulting from the elimination of the 1.6-kilometre policy. The Provincial Government also entered into new contracts which facilitated the purchase of more busses by contractors.

With a focus on ensuring students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school, Budget 2024 included close to $20 million for these measures to eliminate the 1.6-kilometre policy to access school bus services.

Quotes

"Families and students will all benefit from improved accessibility to schools. From bringing the school district into government to streamline operations, to revitalizing the educational environment, to improving transportation to schools, our government is steadfast in achieving our goals of creating a more positive learning environment, and ultimately improving the well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"The safe transportation of students throughout our province is of paramount importance, and the final phase of the elimination of the 1.6 kilometre rule aligns with our commitment to that safety. An additional 45 new buses have been added to our fleet for this initiative, aside from the 33 new replacement buses in our fleet, as well as ones purchased by our contractors and paid for by government. All of our investments are investments in the success of our province's students."
Honourable Fred Hutton

Minister of Transportation and Works, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"Ensuring students can safely get to school each day is a key part of supporting a positive educational experience. Thousands of students and families throughout the province will benefit from this improvement. I am pleased that our government was able to fully implement this change and set the foundation for a great school year ahead."

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education