School bus transportation in Quebec has experienced significant disruptions this week due to issues with Lion Electric buses, impacting numerous school routes across the province.
The Bus Carriers Federation (FTA) informed CityNews that 80 percent of the affected Lion buses are now back in service, following a temporary withdrawal of 1,200 buses after a fire incident last week.
According to the FTA, the return to full school transport service is expected by Friday as parts supply challenges are being addressed, particularly for carriers with a large fleet of Lion buses.
First Student (Transco), a major operator of Lion buses in Quebec, reported a gradual increase in the number of buses cleared for service with the collective efforts of engineers, technicians, and parts suppliers.
While the restoration of bus services progresses, strict safety checks are being conducted before each vehicle is put back on the road, ensuring compliance with the highest safety standards.
The disruptions have caused inconvenience for students and families, leading to increased traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. School boards, such as the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), are providing regular updates on the status of Lion buses and alternative transportation arrangements.
Parents are advised to monitor their school board’s communication channels for the latest updates as the province works towards resuming normal school bus operations.
