School buses. (File photo)
PHILIPSBURG-- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Inspectorate, School Busing Section, reminds bus drivers that the annual school bus inspection will take place opposite the Bluepoint store on Walter J. Nisbeth Road from July 30 to August 2.
School bus owners are asked to contact the department at 520-4064 to make an appointment to have their buses inspected. Buses will be inspected by appointment only. Owners are also asked to be present and are required to have their valid documents available during the inspections.
These documents are valid drivers’ licences for all drivers, valid insurance and valid inspection card. The fire extinguisher inspection card must also be valid and in its proper place on the bus. The first aid kit must be in good condition.
The School Busing Section thanked students, parents and teachers for another cooperative school year 2017/2018.
This past school year was challenging and emotional with the passing of Hurricane Irma. Approximately 50 per cent of the school bus fleet was damaged and 30 per cent was not ready to operate when school resumed post-Irma.
The department and the ministry will continue to work together to bring school bus transportation to a more organised structure. The department’s goal for school busing continues to be safety, comfort and reliability when it comes to the transportation of schoolchildren.
Parents are urged to continue to talk to their children about their behaviour on the bus.
Bus owners are encouraged to speak to their employees about their dress code and the need to obey the rules of the road, in particular adhering to posted speed limits.
The School Bus Section congratulated students and wished them happy holidays and much success when the new school year 2018/2019 starts mid-August.
