New Brunswick’s auditor general, Paul Martin, has revealed significant lapses in school bus driver licensing, training, and criminal record checks, putting students at risk. The audit, covering Jan. 1, 2022 to Feb. 1, 2024, also found 63 buses overdue for inspections and 311 overdue for maintenance. Of the 107,000 children in the public school system, 78% rely on buses. A review of 65 drivers’ files showed 46% lacked proper licensing, 20% had no criminal record check, and 37% lacked driver training. Additionally, 311 defects were found in 150 bus inspections, including leaking air brakes and malfunctioning emergency exits. Martin’s report highlights the Education Department’s lack of oversight and calls for immediate improvements. The government has pledged to implement Martin’s 12 recommendations by year-end.
SOURCE: Canadian Press
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