Transportation

Transportation, a branch of operations, ensures that the division is equipped with a safe and efficient transportation system. Garden Valley School Division is committed to providing safe and well-maintained vehicles to transport students, and to hire qualified, trained, and concerned individuals to drive the vehicles. GVSD constantly monitors the busing system with an emphasis on improving safety by providing in-service training for all personnel involved.

The safety of students travelling on school buses is a prime concern to all drivers. Whenever approaching a school bus with flashing lights or other warning devices, whether approaching it from the front or rear, there are traffic laws that must be obeyed. Read more here.

Occasionally, your bus may be delayed due to road or weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors. In such cases, you will receive a notification via text, email, or phone call through SchoolMessenger. If you are not yet set up to use SchoolMessenger, please opt in by following these instructions.

In the event of an emergency closing of schools due to poor weather (e.g., winter storms), the GVSD board policy on the emergency closing of schools due to poor weather and road conditions will be in effect. See Policy: Weather Closures.

 

Eligibility for Busing

Transportation will be provided for students who need to walk more than 1.6 kilometers to reach their school. With approval from Senior Administration, transportation from home to school will be provided for students who are unable to walk due to mobility or other challenges, regardless of distance.

Student who are attending a GVSD school as a school of choice are responsible for their own transportation to and from school.

 

Guidelines used to establish school bus routes

Bus routing may seem simple, especially when you look at a route in isolation, they are in fact complex. While it is our goal to plan a safe, efficient, and timely route for each and every bus rider, we have many variables to consider. Below is a list of variables, in no particular order, that are considered, if applicable, for each and every routing decision. If you require further information or have questions regarding your student’s bus route, please contact your Driver, your principal, or the GVSD Transportation Department.

  • Catchment boundaries
  • School start time
  • School dismissal time
  • Number of schools serviced by bus
  • Ride Time (1 hour each way) as per provincial
    guidelines/regulations
  • Number of passengers on bus
  • Number of students at bus stop
  • Walking distance to bus stop
  • Location of bus stop
  • Safety of bus stop location
  • Inclusive Education – Personal Transportation Plans
  • Location of bus at beginning or end of bus route
  • Location of driver at beginning or end of bus route
  • All weather roads - condition
  • Turnarounds – quantity, quality (condition of roads)
  • Speed of bus
  • Loading /unloading factor for each student
  • Traffic conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Other bus traffic
  • Additional students move into catchment throughout the year
  • Students move out of catchment throughout the year