photo courtesy Government of Alberta

By Jeff Henson

SCHOOL BUS

Province increases funding, changes eligibility for school transportation

Mar 14, 2023 | 2:20 PM

The province has announced details of improvements it is making to school transportation.

Budget 2023 included an additional $414 million over the next three years to support improvements to school transportation.

Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange says they are also making changes to school transportation regulations to update eligibility criteria.

“Reducing the distance eligibility for students, from the current 2.4 km to 1 km for kindergarten to Grade six students, and 2 km for Grade 7-12 students. We are also reducing the maximum distance from a student’s residence to their bus route, and modifying the distance calculation, so it uses the shortest driving route, and no longer includes walking paths.”

LaGrange adds the changes will make approximately 80,000 more students across Alberta eligible to receive provincially-funded transportation.

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“Currently, about 47,000 of those students are paying a transportation fee to get to and from school. With these eligibility changes their families will save more than $20 million in future transportation costs. Additionally, more than 30,000 students who are currently not eligible for transportation services will become eligible.”

LaGrange expects an additional 250 school bus routes will be created across Alberta, to help facilitate the increased number of students eligible for transportation.

She adds the changes will not only enhance student safety, but it will also increase clarity for parents and school board officials.

“Keeping in mind that school authorities need ample time to make operational changes, and to communicate them to parents. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2024.”

The new funding includes a 32 per cent increase in transportation funding for the 2023-24 school year alone when compared to current levels.