A bus service between Queensborough and New Westminster Secondary School won’t be possible without a significant subsidy from the school district, according to a recent report.
In February, the school district sent Queensborough families with kids attending New West secondary school or Grade 8 at Queensborough Middle School surveys regarding transportation to and from the high school. The majority of people said their children used or intended to use transit to get to and from the high school, according to the report.
A total of 273 surveys were sent out and, while 47 were completed, less than half indicated they were interested in a paid bus service.
There were also multiple comments about the potential cost of a paid bus service, noting it shouldn’t cost more than $52, the current price of a TransLink concession pass.
But this would require a hefty investment by the school district, according to the report.
“The district would not be able to provide busing for students at the same cost as a concession pass without significantly subsidizing the total cost of the service,” read the report.
How much of a subsidy would be required is unclear. The final price tag would depend on how many students signed up as well as other factors, according to the school district.
As an alternative, the district also asked for feedback regarding carpooling. While only 11 people said they’d be interested in arranging such a service with other parents, the report noted the district could help connect parents through the parent advisory councils or school newsletter – and there would be no significant costs to the district.
It’s now up to the New Westminster board of education to decide how it wants to proceed.
Trustees are expected to discuss the paid bus service at their next board meeting on April 25.
