Each day, Mountain View School Division (MVSD) transports approximately 1400 students between their place of residence and their school. In addition, MVSD also offers regular transportation to students for field trips and sporting activities both during and outside of regular school hours. Our division is spread over a very large geographical area and transportation is essential to offering its students quality education and experiences.
The safety of the students riding our buses is of upmost importance and could not be done without the coordinated effort of the entire Transportation Department. Currently, MVSD employs 36 regular route drivers and 16 substitute bus drivers. Bus drivers perform pre-trip inspections on their bus prior to every trip. Any mechanical or safety issues that are found will be addressed with a mechanic and/or the transportation supervisor prior to loading any students on the bus.
All MVSD buses go through vigorous safety checks, by qualified mechanics, every six months to ensure that all safety features are working properly. MVSD has 2 bus garages that service not only our own fleet of school buses, but the fleet from Frontier School Division as well. These 2 garages, located in Dauphin and Roblin are staffed by 4 qualified mechanics. Our division also offers an apprenticeship program to allow for the development of staff in the trades. We currently have 2 apprentices on staff.
Every year regular bus routes are developed, shared and updated as needed with Rural Municipalities (RM’s). This knowledge allows the RM’s the ability to ensure proper clearing and maintenance of the roads that are regularly travelled on by our buses, and ultimately improves the safety of the students and drivers.
School Bus Safety Week
The third full week of October (October 21-25 this year) is observed as School Bus Safety Week in Manitoba.
School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. School divisions throughout the province observe School Bus Safety Week every year.
Here are some important reminders on how you can play your part in keeping students safe:
School buses make frequent stops as passengers enter and leave the bus. Children getting on or off the bus may not be paying attention to the traffic around them. As a driver, it is your responsibility to pay close attention and keep children safe when you are near a school bus.
Buses are designed with a number of traffic control devices including warning lights to alert other drivers. When a bus displays flashing overhead amber lights, it is about to stop to load or unload students. You must slow down and prepare to stop.
When the bus stops and the driver opens the door, the bus displays flashing red lights and the stop arm extends from the left side. This means only one thing - that students are going to be loading or unloading. It is illegal to pass from either direction in this situation*. You must stop at least five metres from the bus. You must remain stopped until the flashing overhead red lights are turned off and the stop arm is folded in.
*You are not required to stop if travelling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway separated by a physical median or ditch. A double solid line is not considered a physical separation.
Illegally passing a school bus can result in tragedy. Further you can be charged a large fine and be moved down the Driver Safety Rating scale with Manitoba Public Insurance. Be cautious around school buses, and ALWAYS stop when a bus’s red lights are flashing.
Be a part of the Safety Team!
MVSD is currently looking for individuals to train as bus drivers. This is a great opportunity to contribute to your community, offers you flexible employment opportunities and a chance to make a difference in the lives of our students!
For further information about becoming a Bus Driver please contact Ernest Karpiak by calling 204-638-3001 or email [email protected].
MVSD Transportation Department would like to thank our school bus drivers and mechanics for the important work they do every day; keeping thousands of students safe!