Busing is still posing a challenge for Yukon students.

More than a month ago, Standard Busing, which provides the bulk of transportation services for Yukon schools, said it was having trouble filling driver positions.

The business was nine drivers short of a full complement at the time, but that shortfall was expected to be rectified in the near future.

However, it appears the problems have continued.

Yukon Party MLA Scott Kent broached the subject earlier this week in the legislature.

During a question period session, Kent said, “We have been hearing a number of complaints from families about school bus cancellations. In fact, there are only a few days so far this school year that haven’t seen bus cancellations in the Whitehorse area.

“One of the problems that we have been hearing about is around communications,” Kent told the House.

“Often the notices are at the last minute – and students are already at the bus stop. Parents are then forced to adjust their schedules to ensure that their kids can get to school,” he pointed out.

“So, what work is the minister doing with the contractor to improve communications around bus cancellations to make them more timely and more accessible?” Kent asked.

Education Minister Jeanie McLean said her department “provides school busing, city transit passes, and transportation subsidies to families to support students travelling safely and effectively to and from school.”

“Standard Bus is responsible for notifying schools and families when there are bus route cancellations,” McLean said.

“We are working with Standard Bus to ensure that notifications are sent out as early as possible.

“In some instances, routes may be cancelled for the day due to extreme weather conditions, unsafe road conditions, or driver shortages. We acknowledge the impact that cancelled bus rotes can have on families and we are working with Standard Bus to find solutions wherever possible,” the minister said.

The Yukon is facing driver shortages, she added.

Kent didn’t let her off that easily.

“As the minister mentioned, one of the factors contributing to the cancellations is the recruitment and retention of school bus drivers,” he said.

“The contractor has been advertising for additional drivers using social media and more traditional means of advertising. So, can the minister tell us how many school bus driver positions are currently vacant in Whitehorse and rural communities?

“Exactly what assistance is her department giving to the contractor to recruit new drivers?”

McLean responded, “All Whitehorse routes were staffed for the start of the 2023-24 school year, while the two routes in Dawson City were combined and the route in Mayo was not operational due to lack of drivers.

“Both Dawson and Mayo routes are now staffed and operational. The month of September saw many cancellations in Whitehorse as Standard experienced unforeseen driver shortages.

“Standard Bus continues to recruit and is optimistic that they will be entering a period that is more conducive to retaining and recruiting staff,” the minister said.

“Efforts will be made to limit any service disruptions in Whitehorse.”

Contingency plans may include bringing in out-of-territory drivers and combining routes where possible, she added.

Kent continued to question McLean on department policies as they pertain to getting to school.

“When there are cancellations, some students, as the minister has mentioned, can use Whitehorse city transit.

“Secondary school students are provided with a city transit pass as an alternative to the school bus. However, officials from the Department of Education informed one family that students cannot have both a city transit pass and a school bus pass at the same time,” Kent noted.

“This, of course, presents challenges when school buses are cancelled with little or no warning.”

If families live more than 3.2 kilometres from the nearest school bus stop and the student goes to the catchment area school, McLean pointed out, they may apply for a transportation subsidy to offset the cost of driving.

“We will be reviewing the student transportation program to ensure that it supports the needs of families and those eligible for transportation allowances,” she told the legislature.

“We recognize that students with exceptional needs may need additional support. We make best efforts to accommodate students’ transportation needs.”

A spokesperson for the Education department clarified the situation.

“Yukoners have multiple options for student transportation. Students are eligible for one of the following options if they live more than 3.2 km from their attendance area school:

• riding the school bus;

• free Whitehorse Transit pass (students are eligible for either the school bus or a transit pass); and

• student transportation allowance (if your child lives more than 3.2 km from the nearest school bus stop and goes to the catchment area school, you may apply for a transportation subsidy.)