THUNDER BAY – School buses in Thunder Bay could carry as many as 70 children to and from class this fall.
Student Transportation Services Thunder Bay on Friday announced it plans to follow recommendations from the Ministry of Education, noting buses may have to operate closer to capacity, between 48 and 70 students, depending on the number of eligible students and their grade level.
“Buses will be loaded based on (three) children from K1 to Grade 6 and two children to a seat from Grade 7 to Grade 12,” the release reads.
“High-touch surfaces inside school buses will be sanitized twice daily, however, due to the number and frequency of passengers families should note that school buses are not sterile environments and physical distancing will not be possible aboard the bus.”
Families will also have to ensure that students in Grade 4 to Grade 12 have a non-medical mask to wear while riding the bus, the exceptions being students who cannot wear on for medical reasons or due to special needs.
Families with children from junior kindergarten to Grade 3 should also have a non-medical mask to wear on the bus, although they will not be required to wear one in the classroom, under provincial guidelines.
Parents were reminded they don't have to send their children via a school bus and can opt out by filling out an online form.
“Eligible students who opt out will always be able to opt back in at a later date.”
Classes are scheduled to resume on Sept. 3. Schools have been closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
