Quebec’s Education Ministry has decided to stop the operation of 1,200 Lion school buses due to a potential “defect” that could have caused a fire earlier in the week. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident as the bus driver successfully evacuated the five children on board before the fire spread.
Following the fire incident, Transport Canada has initiated an investigation into the matter. This safety concern has not only impacted Quebec but has also raised alarms in other provinces, prompting calls for additional inspections by elected officials.
In response to the situation, Quebec’s Education Minister Sonia Lebel and Transport Minister Jonatan Julien have jointly instructed school service centers to take necessary actions to mitigate the impact of halting these buses on students. The decision to pause the service of the buses is a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, with inspections being conducted over the weekend to resume normal school transportation promptly.
SYRUS, representing Lion, has acknowledged the government’s decision and is working in collaboration with affected operators and Transport Canada to verify the safety of Lion vehicles and expedite the restoration of school transportation services.
The move to withdraw the bus fleet has been described as a first-time experience by Chantale Dugas, president of the Fédération des transporteurs par autobus. While safety remains a top priority, the decision has posed challenges for bus carriers, raising questions about the extent of the action taken.
Transport Canada has reported multiple incidents involving LionC school buses, including fires and thermal events in various locations. As investigations continue, concerns about school bus safety have extended to other provinces, leading to the suspension of services in Ontario and calls for inspections in Prince Edward Island.
Parents in Quebec have been alerted about disruptions to bus routes, urging them to make alternative arrangements for student transportation. Despite the inconvenience caused, safety concerns have been paramount. The situation has prompted reactions from parents and officials emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of students during their commute to school.
Some school service centers have canceled classes in certain regions, while others have maintained regular operations with alternative transport arrangements. The impact of the bus fleet withdrawal on students and the duration of the disruption are being closely monitored to prioritize student safety.