Relief from school bus fees on hold as education minister defers decision

Families hoping for a break on the fees they pay for their children’s school bus service will have to wait at least another year to find out if relief will come.

On Friday, Alberta’s education minister said he’s delaying regulatory changes to student transportation to do more consultation, including a provincewide parent survey.

“We know school boards will need ample time to implement operational adjustments to support such changes, and parents and families need time to adjust to transportation changes that may impact their schedules,” Education Minister David Eggen said in an email to school board chairpersons.

New legislation Eggen introduced last fall eliminated from the School Act an oft-debated student walk limit.

When the government moved to reduce school fees last year, only students who lived more than 2.4 kilometres from their designated school qualified for free yellow school bus rides or reduced-price bus passes.

Some parents and school trustees were irked when certain students were cut out of the deal. Some trustees have also said 2.4 kilometres is too far for small children to walk to school, particularly in areas without sidewalks.

Trustees frustrated by the short notice when school fees changed have also said school districts need many months to adjust to rule changes.

The education ministry was to write new transportation regulations to take effect next September.

Eggen said he now aims to have the new regulations ready by next fall to take effect in September 2019. The 2.4-kilometre walk limit is in effect until then.

In a Friday email, Edmonton Public Schools spokeswoman Carrie Rosa said the district welcomes the additional time to understand how new rules will affect staff and families.

Edmonton Catholic Schools board chairman Terry Harris said the district appreciates more opportunity for input, and is encouraged the government will give districts extra time for planning.