The provincial government purchased 42 new school buses this year at a cost of $4.4 million.
Safety equipment on the new 70-passenger buses includes two stop arms and new rooftop strobe lights that make it easier to see from a distance and especially in rain, fog or snow. Unlike the stop lights that turn off when the bus moves, the strobe lights will stay on when there are children on the bus.
The new buses are powered by gasoline, which is a first for the province. The gas-powered buses will put out 7.2 per cent fewer emissions than the current diesel buses, and less exhaust.
After an inspection of the bus fleet earlier this summer, government decided to accelerate the replacement of some older buses by purchasing an additional 22 buses this year.
Drivers are reminded when they see a yellow light flashing on a school bus they must prepare to stop, and they must stop when they see the red lights flashing. Drivers who pass a school bus when its lights are flashing will lose their license and pay a fine of up to $5,000.
“With more than 300 school buses on the road every school day, we have to take every opportunity to create a safer, greener school bus fleet,” said Education Minister Brad Trivers. “The new buses will improve air quality for students on or near the bus, reduce carbon emissions, increase the visibility of buses and increase access to regular and spare buses.”
Islanders are asked to drive with extra care next week when school buses are back on the roads and students are walking to school.
“More than 15,000 Island students take the bus each school day. Their safety is our collective responsibility,” said Trivers. “We can all keep our children safe by slowing down in school zones and stopping until the red lights on a school bus stop flashing.”
Drivers are reminded when they see a yellow light flashing on a school bus they must prepare to stop, and they must stop when they see the red lights flashing. Drivers who pass a school bus when its lights are flashing will lose their license and pay a fine of up to $5,000.
For more back to school information visit www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/back-to-school.
