Student Transportation
Welcome to the NLESD Student Transportation/Busing information page.
The District is excited to introduce the new Student Transportation Parent Portal. If you are a parent, please click on the Parent Portal icon above and create an account.
This Portal will let you know if your child is eligible for busing or not, and if eligible, it will provide you with your child's transportation schedule (bus route, assigned bus stop location and projected pickup/drop off times). You will also be automatically signed up to receive email notifications about routing changes applicable to your child(ren) throughout the school year.
Click on the dropdowns below to learn more.
GENERAL STATISTICS
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
All school bus operators must follow the laws and regulations that apply to the maintenance and operation of commercial vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to:
Provincial
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT & SERVICE NL
The Department of Digital Government & Service NL is responsible for monitoring school bus operators throughout the province. Their Highway Enforcement Division conducts school bus inspections, spot checks, investigations and facility audits to ensure operators comply with the highly regulated school bus requirements. This department also manages school bus registration, driver licensing and a carrier safety rating system that evaluates operator overall performance.
HOW THE STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WORKS
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Department of Education) funds the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (the "District") to provide student transportation in accordance with their policies and guidelines.
The area of a school zone that is less than 1.6km from the school is considered the Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ). The Department of Education defines a student as eligible for transportation if they live 1.6 kilometres or farther from their zoned school (i.e. residing outside of the FRZ). This means that if you reside within 1.6km of your zoned school or outside of the school zone itself, your child is not eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
If your child meets certain criteria outlined in the Department of Education's Alternate Transportation Policy, they could qualify for alternate transportation.
Bus routes are determined by the District based on the geographic location of all eligible students' civic addresses. This is done effectively and efficiently through the use of specialized school bus routing software. Eligible students are then assigned to a specific route based on their civic address. Therefore, a student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address (proof of address may be required by the school).
For more information, please review the District's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
Service is provided with a combination of District-owned school buses (and District-employed bus drivers) and 3rd party contracted student transportation operators. Service is predominantly provided with school buses however in certain circumstances private vehicles can be used in accordance with Department of Education guidelines.
The District offers a supplemental service called courtesy seating. For more information on this, please review the District's Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
SAFETY
Safety is an integral component of any successful student transportation system. The main factors of maintaining a safe student transportation system are:
- Over 62,000 students
- Over 210 schools receiving student transportation service
- Over 65 Student Transportation Operators (NLESD + Contractors)
- Approximately 33% of bus service across the Province is completed by NLESD's District-operated service (school buses owned by NLESD and drivers employed by NLESD) and 67% by contractors (3rd party operators)
- Over 2,400 transportation runs and over 900 transportation routes (a route can have multiple runs)
- Over 10,000 bus stops
- Over 42,000 transportation-eligible students
- Over 15,000 students who reside within the Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ)
- Over 4,000 students attending school who reside out of the school's catchment
- District-operated school bus fleet of over 330
- Over 400 District-operated employees
- Contracted fleet of over 625 school buses and over 100 private vehicles
| School Year | District Operated | Contracted | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | $ 18,991,524 | $ 33,913,148 | $ 52,904,672 |
| 2015-16 | $ 22,050,022 | $ 37,491,920 | $ 59,541,942 |
| 2016-17 | $ 20,538,746 | $ 36,655,404 | $ 57,194,150 |
| 2017-18 | $ 19,901,757 | $ 37,055,751 | $ 56,957,508 |
| 2018-19 | $ 19,372,233 | $ 36,727,179 | $ 56,099,412 |
| 2019-20 | $ 18,420,122 | $ 34,876,092 | $ 53,296,214 |
| Source - note that these actuals include principal payments made on bus loans | |||
All school bus operators must follow the laws and regulations that apply to the maintenance and operation of commercial vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to:
Provincial
- Highway Traffic Act and numerous regulations, such as:
- Ambulance, Bus, School Bus, Taxi and Commercial Motor Vehicles Insurance Regulations;
- Bus Regulations - All buses must be compliant with Canadian Standards Association's D250 standards
- Cargo Securement Regulations
- Carrier Safety Regulations
- Driver Regulations
- Hours of Service Regulations
- Licensing and Equipment Regulations
- Official Inspection Station Regulations
- Trip Inspection Report Regulations
- Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Act
- Labour Standards Act
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard D250
- Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- National Safety Code
- 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety
- Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations - School Bus Safety
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT & SERVICE NL
The Department of Digital Government & Service NL is responsible for monitoring school bus operators throughout the province. Their Highway Enforcement Division conducts school bus inspections, spot checks, investigations and facility audits to ensure operators comply with the highly regulated school bus requirements. This department also manages school bus registration, driver licensing and a carrier safety rating system that evaluates operator overall performance.
HOW THE STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WORKS
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Department of Education) funds the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (the "District") to provide student transportation in accordance with their policies and guidelines.
The area of a school zone that is less than 1.6km from the school is considered the Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ). The Department of Education defines a student as eligible for transportation if they live 1.6 kilometres or farther from their zoned school (i.e. residing outside of the FRZ). This means that if you reside within 1.6km of your zoned school or outside of the school zone itself, your child is not eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
If your child meets certain criteria outlined in the Department of Education's Alternate Transportation Policy, they could qualify for alternate transportation.
Bus routes are determined by the District based on the geographic location of all eligible students' civic addresses. This is done effectively and efficiently through the use of specialized school bus routing software. Eligible students are then assigned to a specific route based on their civic address. Therefore, a student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address (proof of address may be required by the school).
For more information, please review the District's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
Service is provided with a combination of District-owned school buses (and District-employed bus drivers) and 3rd party contracted student transportation operators. Service is predominantly provided with school buses however in certain circumstances private vehicles can be used in accordance with Department of Education guidelines.
The District offers a supplemental service called courtesy seating. For more information on this, please review the District's Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
SAFETY
Safety is an integral component of any successful student transportation system. The main factors of maintaining a safe student transportation system are:
- Safe Buses
School buses are required by law to meet the Canadian Standards Association's D250 school bus standards, a prescriptive manufacturing standard that school buses must be built and maintained to throughout the service life of a school bus.
To give an illustration of how safe school buses are, here is a quote from the 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety:
Children traveling to school by school bus are 72 times safer than those traveling to school by car, and 45 times safer than those walking and cycling to school.
For more information on why school buses are so safe, please go here.
School bus operators are required by law to arrange for the completion of two Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections every year by an Official Inspection Station (a business licensed to inspect school buses). These inspections must be completed by a certified journeyperson mechanic. These two inspections are completed over the summer and in December. Additionally, Highway Enforcement Officers from the Department of Digital Government & Service NL complete an inspection of every school bus in the Fall of each year as well as a random inspection of 30% of the Province's school bus fleet on top of that at any time throughout the year. All of these inspections are very thorough.
So every year, 70% of school buses are inspected 3 times a year, and 30% of school buses are inspected 4 times a year! To give some perspective on this, you may want to ask yourself when was the last time you had your personal vehicle inspected from top to bottom?
By law, bus drivers are required to conduct, and document, a trip inspection every 24 hours and report any major defects to their supervisor immediately which need to be repaired before the school bus can return to service. If a school bus is involved in a collision, it must be inspected by a certified journeyperson mechanic before returning to service in consultation with the Highway Enforcement Division.
- Safe Drivers
School bus drivers are held to the highest standards of safety and preparedness. The District outlines its standards in its Student Transportation Driver Standards. In order to transport students using a school bus, a driver must maintain a valid Class 2 Driver Licence (or Class 4 - Commercial) for smaller school buses) from the Motor Registration Division of the Department of Digital Government & Service NL. As per Motor Registration Division protocol, drivers holding a Class 2 or 4 commercial licence require a medical to be completed every 5 years until age 45, every 3 years until age 65 and every year after age 65.
The District's Driver Standards includes driver documentation, minimum qualifications and how the District evaluates drivers. This includes regular Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector screening as well as annual Driver Record screenings.
In addition to a variety of school bus operator directed training, the District maintains a school bus driver online training system. Through this system, all drivers are given specific training assignments each year on a variety of safety topics and student transportation procedures that are required to be completed in order to be eligible to transport students.
All drivers are also required to participate in emergency school bus evacuation drills with students every Fall and maintain a valid Emergency First Aid, CPR & Epipen certificate.
- Safe Route Design & Bus Stop Locations
The District is responsible for designing safe bus routes and bus stop locations. The routes are determined by a set of criteria outlined by the Department of Education which is captured in the District's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines. Such criteria includes, but is not limited to, distances between stops, line of sight, posted speed limits, avoiding left turns where practical, widths of roads, grade of roads, intersections, traffic lanes and number of students.
The District is responsible for the safety of students from the moment they step onto the bus in the morning and until the moment they disembark the bus in the afternoon. However, it is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to ensure their child gets to and from their assigned bus stop safely.
- Policy, Procedures & Laws - Safety Focus
The school bus industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in Canada. The following entities have laws or policies and procedures that regulate the school bus industry in order to maintain the highest degree of safety as possible:
- Federal Government (noted above)
- Provincial Government
- Legislation (particularly the Highway Traffic Act)
- Department of Education
- Department of Digital Government & Service NL
- The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
- Policies
- Procedures (some of which are located on this website)
- Includes the District's School Bus Safety Program
- Classroom Instruction
- Emergency School Evacuation & Loading/Unloading Drills
- Driver Training
- Policies & Procedures
- Periodic School Safety Campaigns
- Includes the District's School Bus Safety Program
- All Stakeholders On Board
Student transportation safety requires all stakeholders fulfilling their responsibilities within the student transportation system. The District's Student Transportation Handbook outlines the responsibilities of the main stakeholders. Here is a non-comprehensive table that provides a glimpse at the various stakeholders the safety of the system relies upon:
STAKEHOLDER ROLE STAKEHOLDER ROLE Federal Government Safety Laws and Regulations Department of Digital Government and Service NL Safety Laws, Regulations (and Enforcement), Monitor Operators Department of Education Safety Laws, Regulations (and Enforcement), Policies and Guidelines. Road Maintenance Parents/Guardians Follow Parent/Guardian Student Transportation Expectations. Follow Parking Lot Rules NLESD Follow Federal and Provincial Requirements. Create Safety Policies and Procedures + Monitor Operators Students Follow Safety Rules School Bus Operators Follow Laws & Regulations. Follow Safety Procedures and Contract Agreements. Ensure Drivers are Properly Trained Municipalities & Department of Transportation & Works Road Maintenance & Pedestrian Infrastructure. Notifying the District of Detours Drivers Follow Laws & Regulations. Follow Safety Procedures Law Enforcement Enforce Traffic Laws, such as Speeding and Vehicles Passing School Buses when Stop Arm is Engaged Principals & Teachers Follow Safety Procedures and School Bus Safety Program in Schools The Public Follow Traffic Laws
Below are some of the frequently asked questions we receive. Please click on a question to scroll down to the answer.
- How is student transportation eligibility determined?
- My child is attending french immersion at a school other than the one that they are zoned for because their zoned school does not offer french immersion; is there busing for students in this situation?
- How is the 1.6km Family Responsibility Zone measured?
- How are bus routes and bus stops designed?
- Google Maps says I am less than 1.6kms from the school but the school is telling me that I am not eligible; why is that?
- How do I register my child for busing?
- I witnessed a school bus speeding; who do I make a complaint with?
- I feel it is not safe for my child to walk alone to their bus stop; why can't it be closer to my home?
- I do not feel my child's bus stop is in a safe location; how do I place a request for it to be moved?
- How do I find out my child's transportation schedule?
- I just moved and need my child's bus stop/route changed; how do I do this?
- Why can't my child bring a hockey bag or large instrument on the bus?
- How safe are school buses?
- Why aren't there seat belts on school buses?
- What is my responsibility as a parent?
- My child alternates weeks at Mom's house and Dad's house; will they get a seat on both buses?
- I live less than 1.6km from my child's school; do I have any options for transportation?
- What is Courtesy Seating?
- I applied for a courtesy seat on a bus but got denied. I see the bus driving around half full; why can I not get a seat on the bus?
- Where do I go if I am having issues with my Parent Portal account?
1. How is student transportation eligibility determined?
The area of a school zone that is less than 1.6km from the school is considered the Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ).
The Department of Education defines a student as eligible for transportation if they live 1.6 kilometres or farther from their zoned school (outside of the FRZ). This means that if you reside within 1.6km of your zoned school or outside of the school zone itself, your child is not eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
If your child meets certain criteria outlined in the Department of Education's Alternate Transportation Policy, they could qualify for alternate transportation.
A student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address.
The area of a school zone that is less than 1.6km from the school is considered the Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ).
The Department of Education defines a student as eligible for transportation if they live 1.6 kilometres or farther from their zoned school (outside of the FRZ). This means that if you reside within 1.6km of your zoned school or outside of the school zone itself, your child is not eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
If your child meets certain criteria outlined in the Department of Education's Alternate Transportation Policy, they could qualify for alternate transportation.
A student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address.
2. My child is attending french immersion at a school other than the one that they are zoned for because their zoned school does not offer french immersion; is there busing for students in this situation?
French immersion is considered an elective program and therefore there is no french program transportation services provided. If a parent chooses to have their child attend a school other than the one that they are zoned for then they will not be eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
French immersion is considered an elective program and therefore there is no french program transportation services provided. If a parent chooses to have their child attend a school other than the one that they are zoned for then they will not be eligible for transportation.
You can find school zone information here and find out what school your address is zoned for here.
3. How is the 1.6km Family Responsibility Zone measured?
The distance to a school is defined as the shortest route by a publicly maintained roadway from the very end of the student's driveway where it meets a publicly maintained roadway to the beginning of the nearest school access point (roadway or walkway) via a publicly maintained road.
An access point is considered a vehicle entrance, vehicle exit or walkway to an entrance to the school facility. Traffic flow signage is NOT considered as the measurement is based on general access, not exclusively vehicular access; therefore, it is not restricted by traffic direction requirements.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
The distance to a school is defined as the shortest route by a publicly maintained roadway from the very end of the student's driveway where it meets a publicly maintained roadway to the beginning of the nearest school access point (roadway or walkway) via a publicly maintained road.
An access point is considered a vehicle entrance, vehicle exit or walkway to an entrance to the school facility. Traffic flow signage is NOT considered as the measurement is based on general access, not exclusively vehicular access; therefore, it is not restricted by traffic direction requirements.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
4. How are bus routes and bus stops designed?
Bus routes are determined by the District based on the geographic location of all eligible students' civic address. Eligible students are then assigned to a specific route based on their civic address. Therefore, a student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address (proof of address may be required by the school).
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
Bus routes are determined by the District based on the geographic location of all eligible students' civic address. Eligible students are then assigned to a specific route based on their civic address. Therefore, a student is only eligible for transportation on their assigned route to and from their civic address (proof of address may be required by the school).
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
5. Google Maps says I am less than 1.6kms from the school but the school is telling me that I am not eligible; why is that?
The distance to a school is defined as the shortest route by a publicly maintained roadway from the very end of the student's driveway where it meets a publicly maintained roadway to the beginning of the nearest school access point (roadway or walkway) via a publicly maintained road.
An access point is considered a vehicle entrance, vehicle exit or walkway to an entrance to the school facility. Traffic flow signage is NOT considered as the measurement is based on general access, not specifically vehicular access; therefore, it is not restricted by traffic direction requirements.
Google Maps's default distance measurement is by vehicle whereas the distance for transportation eligibility is measured by shortest distance by publicly maintained roadway.
Also, the road network that Google Maps uses is not always accurate and therefore could be incorrectly plotting your address on the map thereby incorrectly measuring the distance from your child's school from your house.
Google Maps is also not considering walkway access points of the school when measuring distances.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
The distance to a school is defined as the shortest route by a publicly maintained roadway from the very end of the student's driveway where it meets a publicly maintained roadway to the beginning of the nearest school access point (roadway or walkway) via a publicly maintained road.
An access point is considered a vehicle entrance, vehicle exit or walkway to an entrance to the school facility. Traffic flow signage is NOT considered as the measurement is based on general access, not specifically vehicular access; therefore, it is not restricted by traffic direction requirements.
Google Maps's default distance measurement is by vehicle whereas the distance for transportation eligibility is measured by shortest distance by publicly maintained roadway.
Also, the road network that Google Maps uses is not always accurate and therefore could be incorrectly plotting your address on the map thereby incorrectly measuring the distance from your child's school from your house.
Google Maps is also not considering walkway access points of the school when measuring distances.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
6. How do I register my child for busing?
There is no registration process. Based on the location of a student's address, if eligible, once the student is registered with the school and their address uploaded into the District's Student Information System (Powerschool), they are automatically assigned a seat on the appropriate bus route.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
There is no registration process. Based on the location of a student's address, if eligible, once the student is registered with the school and their address uploaded into the District's Student Information System (Powerschool), they are automatically assigned a seat on the appropriate bus route.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
7. I witnessed a school bus speeding; how do I report this?
Local law enforcement are the authority responsible for enforcing speed limits on roadways therefore it is recommended for anyone who witnesses a school bus speeding to make a complaint with them.
It is important to note the name of the company on the side of the bus (located on both sides) as well as the licence plate number so it can be easily identified.
If this occurs between the hours 7:00-9:00am or 2:00-4:00pm (timeframe when school buses are providing transportation service to the District), please also submit a Public Inquiry here:
Local law enforcement are the authority responsible for enforcing speed limits on roadways therefore it is recommended for anyone who witnesses a school bus speeding to make a complaint with them.
It is important to note the name of the company on the side of the bus (located on both sides) as well as the licence plate number so it can be easily identified.
If this occurs between the hours 7:00-9:00am or 2:00-4:00pm (timeframe when school buses are providing transportation service to the District), please also submit a Public Inquiry here:
8. I feel it is not safe for my child to walk alone to their bus stop; why can't it be closer to my home?
The District is responsible to make sure bus stops are in safe locations. The District is also responsible for the safety of students from the moment they step onto the bus in the morning and until the moment they disembark the bus in the afternoon.
However, it is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to ensure their child gets to and from their assigned bus stop safely. Department of Education guidelines state that routes should remain on main roads and only permitted to travel on side roads if students live more than 500 metres from the main road.
If the concern is regarding unsafe walking paths or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure from your home to the bus stop, please direct these concerns to the municipality or organization that is responsible for road maintenance in your area.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
The District is responsible to make sure bus stops are in safe locations. The District is also responsible for the safety of students from the moment they step onto the bus in the morning and until the moment they disembark the bus in the afternoon.
However, it is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to ensure their child gets to and from their assigned bus stop safely. Department of Education guidelines state that routes should remain on main roads and only permitted to travel on side roads if students live more than 500 metres from the main road.
If the concern is regarding unsafe walking paths or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure from your home to the bus stop, please direct these concerns to the municipality or organization that is responsible for road maintenance in your area.
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
9. I do not feel my child's bus stop is in a safe location; how do I place a request for it to be moved?
The District takes student safety very seriously and, in conjunction with transportation operators, is responsible to ensure bus stops are in safe locations. Each bus stop should be evaluated for safety and efficiency. In areas where Contractors provide transportation service, the Contractor is responsible to review all routes and bus stops provided by the District before the beginning of the school year and report any safety concerns to the District.
The following is a list of some of the factors that are considered when assessing the safety of a bus stop location:
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
Please note that concerns regarding safe walking paths or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure to and from the bus stop should be brought to the municipality or organization responsible for road maintenance for the area. These factors are not considered when identifying bus stop locations as it is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to ensure their child's safety to and from the bus stop.
Please feel free to submit a Public Inquiry Form if you are requesting a bus stop be moved due to safety concerns:
The District takes student safety very seriously and, in conjunction with transportation operators, is responsible to ensure bus stops are in safe locations. Each bus stop should be evaluated for safety and efficiency. In areas where Contractors provide transportation service, the Contractor is responsible to review all routes and bus stops provided by the District before the beginning of the school year and report any safety concerns to the District.
The following is a list of some of the factors that are considered when assessing the safety of a bus stop location:
- Line of Sight
- Speed Limits
- Traffic Lanes
- Intersections
- Number of Students
- Crosswalks
For more information, please review the NLESD's Bus Route & Stop Guidelines.
Please note that concerns regarding safe walking paths or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure to and from the bus stop should be brought to the municipality or organization responsible for road maintenance for the area. These factors are not considered when identifying bus stop locations as it is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to ensure their child's safety to and from the bus stop.
Please feel free to submit a Public Inquiry Form if you are requesting a bus stop be moved due to safety concerns:
10. How do I find out my child's transportation schedule?
By creating a Student Transportation Parent Portal account here. The Parent Portal will let you know if your child is eligible for transportation and, if eligible, it will provide you with the route, bus stop as well as the projected pick up and drop off times.
The Parent Portal will also automatically provide you with an email notification if your child's transportation schedule changes throughout the school year (for example:. if NLESD needs to adjust the routes to balance loads mid-year or if there is a road blockage requiring a detour which changes your child's route and/or stop).
Bus route information can also be found here on the right hand side of each school (under the Quick Links section).
By creating a Student Transportation Parent Portal account here. The Parent Portal will let you know if your child is eligible for transportation and, if eligible, it will provide you with the route, bus stop as well as the projected pick up and drop off times.
The Parent Portal will also automatically provide you with an email notification if your child's transportation schedule changes throughout the school year (for example:. if NLESD needs to adjust the routes to balance loads mid-year or if there is a road blockage requiring a detour which changes your child's route and/or stop).
Bus route information can also be found here on the right hand side of each school (under the Quick Links section).
11. I just moved and need my child's bus stop/route changed; how do I do this?
The first thing you need to do is notify your child's school of the updated address (proof of address may be required). Once this is done your child will be automatically assigned to the appropriate bus stop (if eligible) according to their civic address.
If you are looking for what the new route/bus stop/pick up/drop off times are for your new address, please login to your Parent Portal account (go here to register if you haven't created an account yet). Alternatively, you can ask your child's school for this information or submit an NLESD Public Inquiry Form:
The first thing you need to do is notify your child's school of the updated address (proof of address may be required). Once this is done your child will be automatically assigned to the appropriate bus stop (if eligible) according to their civic address.
If you are looking for what the new route/bus stop/pick up/drop off times are for your new address, please login to your Parent Portal account (go here to register if you haven't created an account yet). Alternatively, you can ask your child's school for this information or submit an NLESD Public Inquiry Form:
12. Why can't my child bring a hockey bag or large instrument on the bus?
The Highway Traffic Act's (HTA) Bus Regulations states the following:
9. Articles on bus
The Highway Traffic Act's (HTA) Bus Regulations states the following:
9. Articles on bus
- A person or article shall not be carried in a bus in a position that is likely to obstruct the driver.
- The interior and exterior of every bus shall be free of all unnecessary projections which are likely to injure passengers.
- Luggage must be properly secured on all buses, school buses and disabled passenger vehicles in a manner so that it is separated from the passenger compartment or cannot come in contact with passengers in an accident.
- For the purpose of this section, luggage is defined as the travelling bags and personal belongings of passengers but excludes small hand held baggage that is normally carried by or with the passenger.
13. How safe are school buses?
Quotes from the 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety:
Children traveling to school by school bus are 72 times safer than those traveling to school by car, and 45 times safer than those walking and cycling to school.
School buses are the safest way to transport children to and from school, more so than any other means of transportation. That is because school buses are built - inside and out - to protect children. They are painted a distinctive shade of yellow, and are equipped with flashing red lights and a stop arm designed to help children get on and off the bus safely. Governed by some 40 federal regulations and a robust set of standards, school buses also have a series of structural safety features built in that are specifically designed to safeguard children in the event of a collision. For example, they are mandated to have reinforced joints, high roof crush standards, electronic stability control to help prevent rollovers, window retention to mitigate ejection, emergency exit requirements, and a highly effective seat design referred to as compartmentalization.
For more information on why school buses are so safe, please go here. You can also review the District's policies and procedures that all revolve around student safety.
Quotes from the 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety:
Children traveling to school by school bus are 72 times safer than those traveling to school by car, and 45 times safer than those walking and cycling to school.
School buses are the safest way to transport children to and from school, more so than any other means of transportation. That is because school buses are built - inside and out - to protect children. They are painted a distinctive shade of yellow, and are equipped with flashing red lights and a stop arm designed to help children get on and off the bus safely. Governed by some 40 federal regulations and a robust set of standards, school buses also have a series of structural safety features built in that are specifically designed to safeguard children in the event of a collision. For example, they are mandated to have reinforced joints, high roof crush standards, electronic stability control to help prevent rollovers, window retention to mitigate ejection, emergency exit requirements, and a highly effective seat design referred to as compartmentalization.
For more information on why school buses are so safe, please go here. You can also review the District's policies and procedures that all revolve around student safety.
14. Why aren't there seat belts on school buses?
Quotes from the 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety:
Notably, school buses have a strong occupant protection record, owing largely to the extensive suite of protective safety features built into the bus. At the same time, there is acknowledgement that three-point seatbelts on school buses, when they are installed correctly and worn properly, can offer an additional layer of safety by reducing the risk of ejection and lowering the risk of serious injury, particularly in the context of collisions involving rollover, side-impact, or vertical lift scenarios. That is why a July 2018 regulatory requirement now governs how three-point seatbelts are installed on school buses. At present, such installation remains optional in recognition of the strong safety record of school buses and the considerations associated with seatbelt installation and use (e.g. consequences of misuse, emergency evacuations, liability). In view of the Task Force's ongoing efforts to work through these considerations (e.g. development of draft Guidelines for the Use of Seatbelts on School Buses, to be validated by way of a pilot with interested jurisdictions), there is merit in further exploring whether to move toward future mandatory seatbelt requirements, and in encouraging the development by manufacturers of other occupant protection features, such as energy-absorbing side-structure padding and inflatable 'curtain' airbags.
Please go here for more information on this topic.
Quotes from the 2020 Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada report by the Federal Government's Task Force on School Bus Safety:
Notably, school buses have a strong occupant protection record, owing largely to the extensive suite of protective safety features built into the bus. At the same time, there is acknowledgement that three-point seatbelts on school buses, when they are installed correctly and worn properly, can offer an additional layer of safety by reducing the risk of ejection and lowering the risk of serious injury, particularly in the context of collisions involving rollover, side-impact, or vertical lift scenarios. That is why a July 2018 regulatory requirement now governs how three-point seatbelts are installed on school buses. At present, such installation remains optional in recognition of the strong safety record of school buses and the considerations associated with seatbelt installation and use (e.g. consequences of misuse, emergency evacuations, liability). In view of the Task Force's ongoing efforts to work through these considerations (e.g. development of draft Guidelines for the Use of Seatbelts on School Buses, to be validated by way of a pilot with interested jurisdictions), there is merit in further exploring whether to move toward future mandatory seatbelt requirements, and in encouraging the development by manufacturers of other occupant protection features, such as energy-absorbing side-structure padding and inflatable 'curtain' airbags.
Please go here for more information on this topic.
15. What is my responsibility as a parent?
- Ensure child's civic address is provided to the school as well as immediately when an address change occurs (be prepared to provide proof of address)
- Create a Student Transportation Parent Portal account (this is optional) to view your child's transportation schedule and to receive automatic change notifications
- Ensure child arrives at school by whichever means the parent/guardian deem safe
- Ensure child does not ride the school bus without a proper child car seat if weighing less than 40 pounds. In such a situation, notify the school and NLESD will ensure proper arrangements are made in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act.
- Discuss Student Responsibilities with their child (section below) and impress upon them the importance to follow these responsibilities for safety purposes
- Ensure the safety and supervision of their child prior to them boarding the bus at the beginning of the school day and upon them exiting the bus at the end of the school day (includes ensuring their safety traveling to and from the bus stop)
- Ensure child is dressed appropriately for the weather
- Ensure child has their belongings stored securely in an appropriate carry on
- Ensure child does not bring large bags, skateboards, scooters or medium/large instruments with them on the bus (Section 9 of the Highway Traffic Act does not permit these items from being transported on the bus for safety reasons)
- Ensure child is at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus
- Make the School Administrator aware of any student who is transported that may have significant medical conditions (ex. Anaphylaxis) which may require intervention
- Consider the school bus driver as a member of the school system. They are entitled to the respect and courtesy due to all school personnel
- Parents/guardians are financially responsible for any willful damage made by their child to the bus and/or equipment on the bus
- Be aware that their child can be suspended temporarily or permanently from availing of NLESD transportation if repeated behavioural issues occur that could pose a risk to school bus, and/or student safety
- Parents/Guardian of Kindergarten students must meet the student at their bus stop after school unless written authorization is provided to the school permitting another adult. This involves being present at the door of the bus to receive the student so the driver can confirm identity. For safety purposes, bus drivers are instructed to keep a Kindergarten student on the bus and return them to school after the end of their run if the parent/guardian (or authorized adult) is not at the door of the bus to receive them
- If the Kindergarten student has been returned to school, the parent/guardian is then responsible to make alternate arrangements to get them at school.
- If seeking a bus stop other than the one that has been assigned to their child based on the civic address, follow the Courtesy Seating Process by completing a Courtesy Seating Application Form
- NLESD's Vehicle Idling Policy (FIN-503) establishes NLESD properties as idle free areas; please respect this policy for the overall safety of students and your school community as a whole
16. My child alternates weeks at Mom's house and Dad's house; will they get a seat on both buses?
If a student has two residences as a result of a legal joint custody situation, and both residences are eligible for transportation but on different routes, then the student is eligible to have a seat each route.
If a student has two residences as a result of a legal joint custody situation, and both residences are eligible for transportation but on different routes, then the student is eligible to have a seat each route.
17. I live less than 1.6km from my child's school; do I have any options for transportation?
Where it is safe to do so, the District permits a single courtesy bus stop within the 1.6km Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ) per bus route. The following criteria is used to determine its location:
Where it is safe to do so, the District permits a single courtesy bus stop within the 1.6km Family Responsibility Zone (FRZ) per bus route. The following criteria is used to determine its location:
- Shall be located on an existing route;
- Shall be located around the 1.0 km mark (the stop will not change year-to-year);
- Stop shall be the last stop before arriving to school in the morning and the first drop off in the PM;
- Stop must be located within the catchment of the school; and
- The location must in a safe location in accordance with the District's Bus Route and Stop Design Guidelines
18. What is Courtesy Seating?
A courtesy seat is a seat on a bus route for a student who has not been assigned to this route based on their civic address i..e not eligible for student transportation on that route.
For more information on Courtesy Seating, please review the District's Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
A courtesy seat is a seat on a bus route for a student who has not been assigned to this route based on their civic address i..e not eligible for student transportation on that route.
For more information on Courtesy Seating, please review the District's Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
19. I applied for a courtesy seat on a bus but got denied. I see the bus driving around half full; why can I not get a seat on the bus?
Bus routes are allocated and designed based on the civic addresses of all eligible students, regardless of how often an eligible student rides the bus, if at all. Family circumstances can change at any time and therefore a seat is always earmarked for an eligible student unless they have rescinded their seat in writing with the school. Any available seats after all eligible students are assigned a route are available to be filled through the Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
For example, a large bus can seat 70 elementary students. Route 3 has 67 eligible students. 2 of these students have rescinded their seat leaving 5 (70-67+2) available to be assigned as per the Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form. There are 10 courtesy seat applications for this route therefore the 5 youngest students will be approved for a courtesy seat. All 70 seats are now assigned (65 eligible, 5 courtesy) however only 45 consistently ride the bus everyday giving the appearance that the bus is not full even though all seats are assigned to students.
Bus routes are allocated and designed based on the civic addresses of all eligible students, regardless of how often an eligible student rides the bus, if at all. Family circumstances can change at any time and therefore a seat is always earmarked for an eligible student unless they have rescinded their seat in writing with the school. Any available seats after all eligible students are assigned a route are available to be filled through the Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form.
For example, a large bus can seat 70 elementary students. Route 3 has 67 eligible students. 2 of these students have rescinded their seat leaving 5 (70-67+2) available to be assigned as per the Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form. There are 10 courtesy seat applications for this route therefore the 5 youngest students will be approved for a courtesy seat. All 70 seats are now assigned (65 eligible, 5 courtesy) however only 45 consistently ride the bus everyday giving the appearance that the bus is not full even though all seats are assigned to students.
20. Where do I go if I am having issues with my Parent Portal account?
If you are looking for Parent Portal support, please complete a Public Inquiry Form:
If you are looking for Parent Portal support, please complete a Public Inquiry Form:
NLESD:
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Vehicle Idling Policy (FIN-503)
- Vehicle Usage Policy (FIN-504)
- NLESD Student Transportation Handbook / Stakeholder Expectations
- Courtesy Seating Protocol/Application Form
- Courtesy Seating Application Form
- NLESD Bus Route and Stop Design Guidelines
- Emergency School Bus Evacuation Drill Protocol
- Student Transportation Driver Standards
- Field Trip Protocol
- Student Transportation Vehicle Idling Protocol
- Student Expectations on the Bus (to be posted in every bus)
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador:
BUS ROUTE DOCUMENTATION
Below is a list of all schools with updated bus routes. To view the latest Bus Route information for your school, click to open the list and select the bus route document to view. (Only schools with updated bus route documentation available will be listed.) If no bus route document is available below, you can check the School Directory for last years bus route documentation, or please contact the school or your regional office. To view a school profile page with complete school information including bus route information, click on the school name or check out the School Directory to select your school's profile page.
Below is a list of all schools with updated bus routes. To view the latest Bus Route information for your school, click to open the list and select the bus route document to view. (Only schools with updated bus route documentation available will be listed.) If no bus route document is available below, you can check the School Directory for last years bus route documentation, or please contact the school or your regional office. To view a school profile page with complete school information including bus route information, click on the school name or check out the School Directory to select your school's profile page.
Below are bus route documentation sorted by school.
Busing Operator Login Public Inquiry Form Bus Safety Tips Brochure Contract Template Location of Tenders Highway Traffic Act/Regulations Courtesy Seating Protocol/Form Courtesy Seating Fillable Form
To report an Emergency or a Bus Service Delay, please call:
- Labrador Region
Tel: (709) 896-6025 (Includes all of Labrador) - Western Region
Tel: (709) 637-4040 (Ranges from Northern Peninsula to Southwest Coast to the Baie Verte Peninsula) - Central Region
Tel: (709) 256-2547 Ext. 238 (Ranges from Badger to Arnold's Cove, including Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas) - Avalon Region
Tel: (709) 757-4664 (All the Avalon Peninsula)
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EXTERNAL LINK SYSTEM LOGIN PDF DOCUMENT
EXTERNAL LINK SYSTEM LOGIN PDF DOCUMENT