Premier Pat Binns announced today the Government's plan to commission a feasibility study on re-fitting school buses. The feasibility study was announced after a pilot project to re-fit one school bus was recently completed by Quinn's Marine and Machine Shop in Cardigan. The school bus was re-fitted with a new engine, significant work was done to the interior and exterior sheet metal, and other parts were replaced or repaired, in order to ensure the long-term safety of the bus.
Premier Binns, Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works and MLA for District 3, Georgetown-Baldwin's Road, and shop owner Gavin Quinn met today at Quinn's Marine and Machine Shop to tour the finished project.
"A feasibility study will be conducted that will determine if re-fitting school buses is a cost-effective and efficient method for doing major preventative maintenance, which would ensure the long-term safety of our buses," said Premier Binns. "This process will involve extensive research and consultations with transportation and mechanical experts."
Premier Binns added the feasibility study will look at the potential the bus project has for contributing to the Island economy.
Minister Gillan noted that the feasibility study will also examine the safety concerns of re-fitting school buses. "We are exploring this project further because we want to ensure our school children are transported to school in safe, reliable and properly maintained buses," said Minister Gillan.
Upon completion of the feasibility study, government will meet with all stakeholders to discuss the results.