Operation, maintenance and inspection

School bus safety is taken very seriously in Alberta.

Alberta school buses must undergo a "bumper-to-bumper" safety inspection every six months. This semi-annual inspection has been required in Alberta since 1978. School bus inspection procedures and performance standards review everything from the bus exterior, body, doors and seat conditions, to fuel systems, brakes, fire extinguishers and contents for first aid kits.

A driver of a school bus must inform the carrier responsible for the vehicle if any defect or deficiency that would affect the safe operation of the vehicle is detected. The driver must also check to ensure appropriate repairs are made.

Alberta Transportation transport officers, and enforcement agencies, carry out random roadside inspections to ensure regular school bus safety inspections and maintenance plans are effective.

In addition to federal and provincial safety equipment standards, the province and school boards work jointly on specific school bus driver licensing, qualifications and training to keep children safe.