Just in time for winter Peace Wapiti School Division is reminding parents to watch for bus cancellations. One regional cancellation was already declared back on October 25.
Ted Gobin, PWSD’s Director of Transportation, makes the call each morning after consulting weather reports and Alberta 511. Him and an employee will also drive roads testing their conditions as well. They will cover approximately 150 to 200 kilometers each. Gobin oversees a total of 104 routes that cover an area of 16,000 square kilometers. Superintendent Sheldon Rowe says their drivers can make the call too.
“A bus driver who has made a reasonable attempt may cancel their specific route, under consultation with PWSD’s Director of Transportation.” He continued, “According to the American School Bus Council, school buses are the safest methos for transporting children to and from school. However, the final decision regarding whether a child rides the bus during times of inclement weather remains with parents.”
Varying weather conditions around such a large region can make it challenging and can lead to the cancellation of some routes and not others. The call is usually made by 6 a.m. and then any necessary updates are posted online and to social media. Families are encouraged to sign up for email notifications.
