Students in the Saanich School District will arrive in style thanks to the province’s $10.5 million-plan to replace school buses across B.C.
Saanich was one of 32 districts to receive the funding, which will be applied to one 48-passenger diesel bus at a cost of $100,889.
Saanich Board of Education Chair Wayne Hunter calls the additional funding a godsend.
“Because of fuel costs and some of the repair costs and inflation, getting a new bus through this process will be excellent for us with regard to our financial constraints,” Hunter said.
For the first time, the Ministry of Education and the Association of Student Transportation negotiated fixed prices on the 100 buses.
By purchasing so many of the transport vehicles, the province was able to negotiate a savings of about 15 per cent.
The new buses will be due for replacement in 12 years or when the odometer hits 325,000 kilometres.
Under the provincial program, the Sooke School District received four 84-passenger buses valued at $504,438.
The Greater Victoria School District does not operate buses.