FAQ

What areas are you currently serving?

Our current routes include service to East/West St. Paul, Maples/North Main Street, Sage Creek/Island Lakes, Lindenwoods, Oakbank & Beausejour and the surrounding area. 

Are you planning on adding other routes?

Each year, routes are determined based on demand and we encourage all families interested in transportation, to apply for service, regardless of home address.

Are there any school days that transportation services are not provided? 

Buses operate every day that regular classes are in session as well as exam and year-end award days.

Where will the bus pick-up my child?

In most cases we provide door-to-door service, though in some cases corner or centralized pick-up may be required. Fees are not discounted for corner or centralized pick-up. 

Can my child be picked up and dropped off at separate addresses?

Transportation students will be picked up and dropped off at a single address/location on a single route except where MBCI transportation administration has determined that route dynamics require otherwise. Requests for more than one address and/or route are at the discretion of MBCI and will only be considered where there is minimal or no impact on existing routes and the timing for other students. If it is determined that a change is reasonable within these guidelines, an additional fee of $500 will apply.   

Can my child be dropped off at a different address in order to attend after-school activities?

The transportation program is not able to accommodate requests for alternative drop off locations for after-school activities. 

When will I be notified of when and where the bus will pick-up and drop-off my child?

We will communicate estimated pick-up/drop-off times and locations before the end of the current school year at which time a non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required. Finalized times and locations will be communicated in August along with driver and vehicle information. Full payment will be required at that time and prior to service delivery.

How long will my child be on the bus?

Our goal is limit ride times to no more than one hour, though ultimate ride times will be dependent on routes and proximity to the school.

When should my child be ready for the bus?

All students should be ready for pick-up five minutes prior to their scheduled time and waiting at their pickup location. Unfortunately, in order to ensure that routes remain on schedule, buses cannot wait for students.

How can I pay my transportation fees?

We accept payment by cash, cheque, debit or credit (Mastercard or Visa) and e-transfer. Fees must be paid in full prior to service delivery.

Do you have family discounts for transportation?

Fees for the 2nd and 3rd child in a household are discounted. View the fee schedule here

Can I sign up for part-time or casual use of transportation?

The transportation program is an annual service and does not provide daily, weekly or monthly service. However, families can sign up for 1-way (AM or PM) or return service.

Are my fees discounted if I choose one-way service (AM or PM) instead of return service? 

As a seat has to be assigned to each child on the bus regardless of one-way or return service, fees are not discounted for one-way service.

Can I get a refund if I no longer need transportation services at some point during the school year?

The transportation program is an annual service and fees are non-refundable.

If I sign up later in the year, are my fees pro-rated?

Late applicants will be accommodated as best as possible, though service is not guaranteed, nor are the fees discounted.

Can my child have a friend ride along with them in order to attend a special event or to work on a project after school?

The transportation program is for registered users only, no exceptions.

How much of my fees cover the cost of the transportation program?

Fees cover approximately half of the cost of running the transportation program.

Does the school have a cancelation policy for severe weather conditions?

Yes, transportation services will be cancelled if the combined temperature and wind chill is -45°C or colder. Transportation can also be cancelled due to adverse road conditions. You can review the cancelation policy here.

What do I do if I don’t need transportation on a given day?

Text or call your driver to advise that you won’t be needing transportation.

Please note that if your child is absent from school, you also need to report that through Edsby or the school’s attendance line at (204) 667-8210. 

Provides transportation services for MBCI? 

First Student provides transportation services for MBCI. First Student is the largest provider of school transportation services in North America.

Can I track the progress of my students’ bus? 

Yes. Using First Student’s proprietary App, FirstView, families and students can monitor progress and location of their individual bus 

What types of buses do you use in the transportation program?

MBCI's bus fleet currently consists of 1 – 48 passenger school bus, 2 – 24 passenger shuttle buses and 3 – 15 passenger vans.

How often are the school buses serviced?

The school buses are serviced twice a year as well as safety-certified once or twice per year as per governmental regulations.