Quebec’s Education Ministry is stopping the operation of 1,200 Lion school buses due to a possible defect that could have caused a recent fire incident. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the fire as the bus driver successfully evacuated the five children on board.
Following the incident, Transport Canada has initiated an investigation into the matter. This situation has raised concerns about the safety of school buses in Quebec, prompting calls for additional inspections in other provinces.
In response to the safety issue, Quebec’s Education Minister Sonia Lebel and Transport Minister Jonatan Julien have instructed school service centers to take necessary steps to minimize the impact of halting these buses on students. They emphasized that student safety is their top priority and announced that inspections will be conducted over the weekend to ensure the swift resumption of normal school transportation services.
SYRUS, speaking on behalf of Lion, acknowledged the government’s decision and mentioned sharing inspection procedures with affected operators. Lion is collaborating with Transport Canada to verify the safety of their vehicles and facilitate the prompt resumption of school transportation services.
Chantale Dugas, president of the Fédération des transporteurs par autobus, expressed surprise at the decision to withdraw the buses, emphasizing the importance of safety while acknowledging the challenge of removing such a large fleet from operation.
Transport Canada disclosed that there have been three fires and one thermal incident involving LionC buses to date. The agency is investigating these incidents as they strive to determine the cause of the fires and ensure the safety of school transportation.
Concerns over school bus safety have extended to other provinces, with Lion diesel buses also being withdrawn from service in Ontario. In Prince Edward Island, calls for inspections of Lion buses have been made to guarantee student safety during transportation.
The disruption has led to the cancellation of some classes in various regions, prompting parents to make alternative transportation arrangements. While the situation is inconvenient, many recognize the importance of prioritizing student safety above all else.
The impact of the bus fleet withdrawal varies across different school service centers, with some canceling classes while others remain open and provide alternative transportation solutions. Efforts are being made to address the situation promptly and ensure the safety and well-being of students.
