Office of the Official Opposition

Furey’s School Bussing Failures Leave Families Struggling

St. John’s NL (September 6, 2024) – Paul Dinn, PC Shadow Minister for Education (MHA, Topsail—Paradise), is challenging the Furey Liberal government's optimism about eliminating the 1.6 km bussing policy, arguing that the reality is far less clear.

"The Furey Liberals are trying to paint a rosy picture of their school bussing changes, but the reality on the ground is far from clear," said Dinn. "For years, parents, students, and the Official Opposition have been advocating for safer transportation, especially in areas without safe walking routes. After dragging their feet, the Liberals finally began addressing this critical issue last year. But as schools open, it's clear they haven't done enough."

In June, the government assured the public that new transportation routes would be available by mid-July, with adjustments continuing until the start of the school year. But Dinn says the Furey Liberals have failed to follow through on these commitments, leaving parents scrambling.

Dinn highlighted the increasing frustration among parents and childcare centers, who face obstacles in accessing the school bussing system, even as buses pass their locations. He emphasized that the standard responses from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure about safety and efficiency in guiding stop locations are not good enough.

"I've been contacted by parents who can't get their children picked up or dropped off at neighbourhood childcare centers, even though it would only require one stop for multiple kids," explained Dinn. "I've also heard from families living on secondary streets whose children are forced to wait on main thoroughfares, even when a safer, more convenient pickup point is available."

"This isn't just a student issue – it's a working family issue. Parents are being forced to adjust work schedules or, worse, leave their jobs. It's also a deterrent for recruiting much-needed workers and young families to our communities. The Furey Liberals need to step up and fix this mess, now."

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