MEDIA RELEASE

January 26, 2018

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Northern Input Needed on Future of Student Transportation
The Chair of the Board for District School Board Ontario North East thinks that
Northerners should have a say when it comes to the future of student
transportation in Ontario.
Bob Brush is drawing attention to a Ministry of Education discussion paper
released on December 15th, titled, “A New Vision for Student Transportation”. The
paper supports a thorough review of student transportation services in the
province, considering the perspectives of students, families, communities,
educators, school boards and their partners.
The document can be accessed here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/discussionpaper-
new-vision-student-transportation.
“Transportation options are not equal across the province,” says Brush. “We have
a unique set of circumstances in Northern Ontario compared to the larger centres
in the South. Walking distances, before and after school program access, and the
sheer length of time students are on bus runs are all factors here. Our Northern
weather and road conditions also play a huge role in bussing.”  “We need a level playing field in Ontario,” adds Brush. “The Ministry needs to
review our funding formula. When it comes to delivering safe student
transportation, it is more expensive here in Northern Ontario.”
Brush is asking that Northerners have their voices heard and send any feedback
regarding student bussing to ST.newvision@ontario.ca