Saanich’s SD63 warn of possible school bus cancellations amid driver shortage

Parents with children riding the bus in Saanich’s School District 63 (SD63) are being warned that routes could be cancelled on short notice due to an ongoing shortage of drivers.

In a message sent to families this week and obtained by Victoria Buzz, the school district said it has come close to cancelling routes and expects the issue could continue through the remainder of the school year.

Families are now being asked to check their email each morning for transportation updates, with the district saying it will aim to notify parents of any cancellations by 7 a.m. on affected days.

“While we are using all available spare drivers, the pool is smaller than in previous years,” the notice reads.

The district is also encouraging anyone with a Class 2 BC driver’s licence to apply for bus driver positions.

The message also outlines concerns around student ridership, warning that some students may lose access to bus service if they are not meeting minimum usage requirements.

According to SD63, students must maintain at least 35% ridership to keep their spot. Usage is tracked through a tap-on, tap-off system, and students are responsible for scanning their bus pass each time they ride.

Students who fall below that threshold could be removed from service, with their spot offered to someone on the waitlist.

The transportation concerns come as SD63 prepares to reintroduce school bus fees beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Families will pay $200 for each of the first two children and $100 for a third, with a maximum of $500 per household. Those fees are set to double the following year.

District officials say the phased rollout is meant to ease the impact while helping address a growing financial gap. Transportation currently costs the district just over $2 million annually, and reserve funds have been used in recent years to balance the budget.

About 1,900 students in the school district rely on school bus service.

The school district says the changes are part of a broader effort to maintain transportation services despite rising costs and ongoing staffing challenges.