In April 2023, the Alberta Government approved changes to the distance eligibility for transportation service effective for September 2024.
The eligible transportation distance criteria of 2.4 kms from the student’s primary residence to the school will be reduced. New distance criteria for eligible service is:
1.0 km or more for children in kindergarten and students in Grades 1-6; and,
2.0 kms or more for students in Grades 7-12 will qualify for transportation service.
1.0 km or more for children in kindergarten and students in Grades 1-6; and,
2.0 kms or more for students in Grades 7-12 will qualify for transportation service.
As a phased approach to implementing the new service criteria, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division is moving to implement the changes for September 2023. Families who qualify for eligible service under the new distance criteria are invited to register for busing as soon as possible. The Division will try to accommodate as many newly eligible riders as possible. Registrations received after June 30, 2023, are subject to seat availability.
FEE-BASED SERVICES: INELIGIBLE AND ALTERNATE (SECOND) SEAT REQUESTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2023
Requests for ineligible bus service should also register by the June 30 deadline; however, please note that eligible students will have priority on all routes. Based on increased eligible riders, ineligible riders may not receive confirmation of a seat until after September 30, 2023. Additionally, requests for alternate (second) seats on other bus routes may not be confirmed until after September 30, 2023.
Requests for ineligible bus service should also register by the June 30 deadline; however, please note that eligible students will have priority on all routes. Based on increased eligible riders, ineligible riders may not receive confirmation of a seat until after September 30, 2023. Additionally, requests for alternate (second) seats on other bus routes may not be confirmed until after September 30, 2023.
The Division is currently looking to recruit and train new bus drivers in anticipation of increases to eligible student ridership once the mandatory service requirement comes into effect in 2024. Please visit the Careers page on the Division’s website at www.gypsd.ca/working-at-gypsd. Parents are asked to email Transportation Services at [email protected] for more information on bus registration and access to fee-based services for the 2023/24 school year.