Classes start on September 4th in the London area but getting the kids to class could be a huge hassle for parents who rely on busing. Contract talks between the  Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services – (the organization that negotiates for the school board) and the  local school bus companies are going so badly that at this point the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic Boards are suggesting parents plan ahead for alternate transportation arrangements just in case.  The sticking point for the new deal is funding.

The full stoppage of all school bus service has never happened in London however, the boards the school boards say they have offered the bus operators a 10 per cent increase, even though the provincial government has increased transportation funding by only four per cent. She said any further cuts to find cash for the buses would be felt in the classroom. The school bus operators say London area bus drivers have fallen far behind in wages when compared to neighboring cities and some bus companies already are losing money. Many school bus drivers in London make minimum wage where those in Windsor and Kitchener -Waterloo make $17-$19/hr

has your family developed an alternate transportation plan?