Boards, Bus Operators to Receive Safety Awards
School boards and bus operators will be recognized for a year-long record of achievement at an annual pupil transportation conference.
The 1998 Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee 28th annual pupil transportation conference runs from today, May 4, to Wednesday, May 6. This year's theme is School Bus Safety Requires Commitment.
The advisory committee evaluated operators and boards from across Nova Scotia during the past year in areas such as student and driver training, preventative maintenance, safe driving, and compliance with regulations under the Motor Carrier Act. Twenty operators will receive Awards of Achievement at a banquet May 5.
The conference brings together 135 delegates from across the Maritimes to share a wealth of student transportation knowledge. Delegates representing school boards, transportation companies, safety organizations and industry suppliers are attending. The meeting is being held at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel, Dartmouth.
Among those officially opening the conference at 9 a.m. today were Reg Rankin, deputy mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality; Heather Robertson, chair of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board; a representative of the Department of Education and Culture; and Ann Bell, chair of the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee.
"Student transportation is a complicated business, always on the move," said Ms. Bell. "It is important for delegates to have the opportunity to continually evaluate new concepts and ideas for safety, equipment, technology, software and customer service."
During the conference, delegates will attend workshops on student safety education, management techniques, personal development, industry updates and training programs.
The Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Achievement Awards will be the highlight of the Tuesday evening banquet. School boards and school bus operators from across Nova Scotia have been evaluated throughout the past year in 11 categories.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews with award winners can be arranged by contacting Ann Bell at 902-464-2228. Photos from the awards banquet will also be available.