Independent School Bus Operator
Association
(Serving the Independent Operators of Ontario)
Transportation Partners at the Heart of the Community
February 12, 2016
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What would you think if a long standing family owned businesses in your constituency
was being threatened by a government policy? What if I was to tell you that this policy had
nothing to do with the performance of this business or its value or need in the region? In a
lot of cases this business has been an intricate part of the community (some over 60 years)
and a valuable, efficient and cost affordable asset to the people it serviced. The thanks the
business owners would receive for these years of service would be a policy that puts them
Out of Business.
As a Member of Provincial Parliament, I know that you are there to make sure your
constituents are represented in Toronto and that future government policies don’t unfairly
or negatively affect them. I am here to tell you that that is exactly what will happen if the
current Ministry of Education policy, of universally using Request for Proposals (RFP’s)
in School Bus Transportation, continues.
The Independent School Bus Operators Association, of which I am president, was formed
in November of 2008 as an advocacy group to promote the survival and viability of
Independent School Bus Operators in Ontario. Our association encourages the
advancement of safety and performance standards and have always prided ourselves on
being caring partners in education, with our boards, schools and parents. Our members
have cooperated with each other to ensure a smooth, safe, secure and on-time system.
Our members transport this province’s most precious cargo. Can this province afford to
put a price tag on the safety of these children? Our members agree that there need to be
standards and policies that promote excellence in this transportation delivery. This can all
be done without destabilizing the industry and totally shifting the current procurement
model. We cannot procure the safety of our children in the same fashion we do paper clips
and photocopiers!
I have enclosed a position paper that outlines our concerns and encourages alternatives to
the RFP approach that still satisfy the need for openness, transparency, accountability and
value for money that the Ministry is trying to achieve. Our position ensures that the
communities and parents that count on these operators for safe transportation will have
consistency and long term excellent value for this service.
We ask that you help support these valuable assets in your constituencies and promote
their survival in years to come. We are encouraging the various stakeholders (bus
operators, parent councils, parents and trustees) in your regions to discuss their concerns
with yourself, the Minister of Education and the Premier. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Your Partner in Safety,
Sean Payne
President