A new school bus company has been hired for School District No. 46 (SD46), Thirdwave Bus Services based in Richmond.
Originally SD46 was trying to pen a deal with Ohio-based school bus company First Student, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement “due to the reluctance of the proponent to sign a long-term contract without the ability to terminate for convenience,” a press release from SD46 stated.
“The process continued with the next highest ranked company and an agreement was recently signed with Thirdwave Bus Services.”
There were three companies vying for the contract with SD46 and each was rated on student safety, condition of buses, maintenance programs, quality of service, price and “other factors,” according to SD46 secretary treasurer Nicholas Weswick.
Long-time local bus service provider Sechelt School Bus was rated last out of the three.
SD46 board chair Betty Baxter said the board had to engage in a “fair process” that showed “no discrimination based on origin of the companies.”
“Our local providers had several years’ notice that this would be the case when the past contracts expired. The local providers did not submit the best bid,” Baxter said.
While the Sunshine Coast company didn’t get the contract, Baxter said SD46 did insist that Thirdwave hire as many local drivers as possible.
“We have managed to do this and it is a win-win for our community,” she said.
Thirdwave will take over school bus service on the Coast next month with one of its existing fleets of buses. The company has said it will bring in all new buses within a few months.
Students who were registered with the old school bus service provider will be automatically registered with Thirdwave. However, new students needing transportation must register at www.secheltschoolbus.ca/form.
Find out more about Thirdwave at www.thirdwavebus.com.
