Friday, July 2, 2010

MAX104.9 FM Bathurst: VAN BAN LOOKING GOOD

The feds are reaping the early rewards for their decision to take a careful look at the use of 15-passenger vans for student transportation.

Click here to listen to original story on MAX104.9 FM in Bathurst

Federal Transport Minister John Baird announced this week that the DOT will review the vans, and increase awareness of passenger safety among the school board authorities.
Isabelle Hains who became a leading safety advocate following the 2008 Boys in Red tragedy, called the announcement a "huge step forward."

Acadie-Bathurst MP, Yvon Godin, also deserves his share of the kudos for bringing forth a private members bill aimed at banning the vans for student travel nationally.
When the testing is said and done Transport Canada will undertake a safety awareness campaign to boost the knowledge of the safe use of the vans.

In addition to the study, Baird also announced that the issue of 15-passenger vans will be raised at the transport ministers' conference in Halifax in September.