Prince George, B.C. – The provincial government has announced plans to pump $14.7 million into a new School Transportation Fund.

The Province says the money can be used for transportation fee relief and improved services such as reducing ride times, boosting student safety by relocating bus stops and improving service by adding new or amended routes.

The Prince George School District is eligible for up to $687,663 of that funding though just last spring the Board decided against bringing in a small user fee for transportation.

Nevertheless, school board vice-chair Tim Bennett says “any additional money in the education system is welcome.”

“We as a district are still paying just over $5 million to provide transportation to students across the district so we’re really hoping that we’ll be able to apply and receive that money to help offset the transportation costs we do face as a district.”

To be eligible for the funding, districts must submit a plan to the Ministry of Education by the end of September outlining how they will use the money to boost transportation services.

The Province says districts will hear back shortly after to learn how much funding they will receive.

How might any funding the Prince George School District be used?

“At the May board meeting a motion was passed to start some work on reviewing transportation,” says Bennett. “That work is being done through Education Services so the committee and the work being done by senior staff will be able to look where or how best to apply for these funds.”