School bus sales are booming in Alberta as the province continues to see a boom in the oil and gas industry. This natural resource powerhouse is also home to a robust agriculture sector, with many remote work sites that need reliable vehicles that can safely transport workers to and from the site, no matter what the weather might be like.
As the demand for school buses has continued to rise, companies that specialize in this type of vehicle have taken notice. School bus manufacturers such as Blue Bird have increased production to meet the demand, with their manufacturing plants specializing in providing vehicles that are safe and reliable for students and workers alike.
The company that specializes in school buses is known for its dedication to quality and safety, with all of their facilities being ISO certified. They provide a wide range of models, including ADA compliant buses for those with special needs. In addition to the safety features, they offer an extensive selection of options that make it possible for a bus to be customized for the unique needs of the operator.
According to the Association of School Bus Contractors https://thebuscentre.com/school-bus-sales-alberta/ of Alberta ASBCA, there is currently a shortage of school bus drivers across the province, with some regions seeing up to 30 per cent fewer buses than they need. The ASBCA says the largest barrier to getting new drivers is the high cost of mandatory training. In a statement to Postmedia, an assistant to Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the government understands the issue and is working to help by encouraging school boards to become licenced training providers in order to reduce costs and increase the number of available drivers.
The government has also announced funding increases and eligibility changes in the latest budget to address the challenges facing student transportation. The changes are based on the recommendations of a task force that brought together education system, transportation industry representatives and MLAs to examine the future of student transportation in Alberta. The changes will help with ongoing costs for school authorities and ensure that they continue to provide safe and affordable service to eligible students.
This includes continuing the Fuel Price Contingency Program, which protects school authority transportation services when fuel prices are high. It will save school authorities an estimated $8.5 million this year, $16.5 million next year and $23.5 million in 2023-24.
In the future, the province will focus on investing in green transit options, such as electric buses. This will help improve the air quality near schools and communities, and provide a safer, quieter ride for students. St. Albert Public School Division recently purchased five new e-buses, which are expected to be deployed by 2028. They will serve 15 of the division’s 18 schools and are able to reduce emissions, provide a safer environment for students and their drivers and offer a smoother ride, reports Edmonton Journal News.
The school bus specialist offers a variety of different types from various brands, such as Thomas Built Buses, Diamond Coach, Starcraft, Collins and Malley. The team can offer guidance at every stage of the process, helping with customization and finding the perfect vehicle for the individual needs of a buyer.
The Bus Centre
11461 Hayes Crescent
Acheson, AB
T7X 6C6
Canada