“They play a big part (in the community),” owner and operator of R&L Bus Lines in Bancroft Laurie Evans says.
While some might see them as the easiest way to get to school in the morning and home at night, Evans says often the drivers are involved with other activities at the school likes sports. “Our bus drivers are good cheerleaders and they are very community involved,” he says.
“They’re the first person the student sees in the morning and at night – it’s a good morning and a good night,” Evans says as school bus safety week is underway across the country. He says that while drivers are who most will be giving thanks to, the monitors of the bus, mechanics, dispatchers and office staff all deserve praise for the work they do as well to make sure the wheels on the bus go round and round.
“The conditions that they have to travel on in the wintertime can be challenging at times,” Evans says. He notes how many drivers in the north have to use side roads, which can make winter driving even more difficult.
Wednesday night R&L Bus Lines will be honouring their drivers and the others that work with them. “It’s a reminder that they’re not just in the bus getting the kids to school,” he says.