Local transportation company gears up for back-to-school

School buses will soon return to our roads. CTV’s Ashley Bacon has that story and a safety reminder for drivers.

Transdev Canada is preparing its fleet of buses ahead of the first day of school.

“We’re also so excited to get back to our kids and know that we’re providing an amazing service to the community,” said bus driver Autumn Wascher.

It takes a lot of preparation to get the vehicles ready for the road in Waterloo Region.

“The [drivers are] ensuring that all the vehicles are ready and ensuring that the pre-trip inspections are complete,” said Chris DaPonte, vice-president of student transportation. “They’re becoming familiar with their routes so that we’re ready for next week.”

There are important safety features on buses that parents, children and other drivers should be aware of.

“The yellow lights are giving you a warning that we’re going to be slowing down and coming to a stop, and then there will be children exiting the bus or entering the bus,” said Wascher. “The reds come on when we have an open door and our stop sign comes out letting you know, ‘Please stop and give some space behind and in front of the bus so children can get where they’re going.’”

Drivers could face a steep fine, and possibly jail time, if they pass a school bus with flashing red lights.

For a first offence, the fine ranges from $400 to $2,000, along with six demerit points.

Second offences could result in a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, plus six demerit points. Driver could also have to serve up to a six-month jail sentence. On top of that, insurance premium could increase after a conviction.

Transdev, meanwhile, has other methods for catching bad driving behaviour.

Any of their buses manufactured on or after Nov.1, 2027 will be required to have a perimeter video system attached to the stop sign arm. The goal would be to catch drivers who don’t stop when bus lights are activated.

For the upcoming school year, Transdev said it is important to stay alert.

“Please just be mindful,” Wascher said. “We’re just thinking about the safety of our future generations.”