The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) has informed parents that approximately 75 school bus routes will be canceled on Friday morning due to the removal of their electric fleet for a thorough inspection by the transport company. The decision follows a recent incident where an electric school bus, operated by the same company, caught fire in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. All passengers were safely evacuated from the bus.
The affected bus routes, operated by Transco, include numbers 101, 102, 104, 105, and many more. While electric buses are temporarily out of service, diesel buses will continue to operate without interruption.
Transco has not yet responded to queries from CityNews regarding the situation. The EMSB expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and appreciated parents’ understanding and support during this time.
Some parents expressed frustration about the short notice of the cancellations, highlighting the challenges of making alternate arrangements at such late hours. Others supported the decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety for students.
The Montreal Fire department clarified that the bus fire was not caused by the battery and was not specific to electric vehicles. The bus involved was identified as a Lion Electric bus operated by Transco. The Center for Montreal School Services emphasized that student safety remains their top priority and assured ongoing inspections for carrier vehicles.
