Patience and understanding needed for Kahnawake school bus services

09/10/2021

The Daily (School Bus) Transportation Department of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is asking community members to show patience and understanding during these first weeks of the 2021-2022 school year.

With increased demand, delays in school bus service were expected; however, the ever-changing effects of the pandemic’s Fourth Wave have made this year particularly challenging – not only for the Daily Transportation Department but, especially, for students and parents, including:

• Under current seating restrictions (one student per seat), and the total population of students, there aren’t enough buses or employees to service the community’s needs
• Proper scheduling is still being developed. The challenge is that the higher number of students is causing buses that stop at multiple schools and grade levels to be systematically late
• Parents/students should expect more changes during this time, so they need to stay informed on any and all changes until permanent schedules are implemented

Some of the issues are beyond the control of the Daily Transportation department, but parents are being asked to assist where they can to help make things easier.

“Parents are being reminded of their responsibilities for bus service,” said Ratsénhaienhs Arnold Boyer, who is the Lead on the Infrastructure, Transportation & Operations Portfolio. “For example, parents/guardians should know that all students are required to be picked up and dropped off at a specific location each day. Parents must NOT alter the drop off point at a moment’s notice. This example can – and has – caused major headaches during the first week. If parents aren’t sure of their responsibilities, the Daily Transportation department will be pleased to help.”

As stated last week, any families/parents who are able to drop-off and pick-up their children from school are being asked to do so. This, especially, is greatly appreciated.