OSBA Newsletter - August 12, 2014

The Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA) is a non-profit association providing advocacy and education services for the owners of school bus fleets across Ontario. August 12, 2014 - Issue 13

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OSBA Meets With Ministry of Education

On several occasions in the past 2 months, OSBA has met with Ministry of Education staff with discussions focussing on the upcoming competitive procurement review slated to happen this Fall, open and transparent funding that reflects the realities of transporting children safety, and updating the government’s 2007 data on the current costs of providing school bus services.

We are very pleased that the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Education staff continue to consult with OSBA. They value and appreciate the longstanding expertise, professional approach, and industry knowledge OSBA members provide them. We are confident that Premier Wynne and her staff will continue to focus their attention on delivering the initiatives committed to in their letter to OSBA in June.

OSBA recognizes that this is a challenging time for all members, regardless of size, and is continually working to ensure the long-term viability of the school bus industry in Ontario. Your opinions, perspectives and feedback are always welcome – please contact OSBA at info@osba.on.ca or 416-695-9965 Ext. 5.

Reserve Now! October P.R.I.D.E. Program Availability Going Quickly
The last scheduled P.R.I.D.E. Program of 2014 takes place October 19-24. Spots for this Program are already 50% sold out. Act now as space is limited.

For more information about the P.R.I.D.E. Program such as fees, benefits, and registration form, please visit www.osba.on.ca/programs

Get Ready for the Next Quarterly Driver Licence Status Check
Subscribers to OMCA's Driver Licence Check service are reminded that the next licence status check will occur on Tuesday August 26th and to be sure to update driver rosters on the system. The cut-off time for any last minute changes to the driver roster is 5 pm that day.

MTO Extends September 30th Deadline for Recognized Authorities to Submit DCP Training Curriculum
MTO announced this week that Recognized Authorities (RA's) under the Driver Certification Program will be given a further 6 months (until March 30, 2015) to submit their revised training curriculum based on the new curriculum standards issued to RA's in December 2013. RA's will receive a letter shortly from the Director of MTO's Program Development & Evaluation Branch (dated August 1st) announcing the extension.

For more information please contact: driver.certification.program@ontario.ca or 416-235-4323.

OSBA Webinar
Oct. 15
P.R.I.D.E. Program
Oct. 19-24
OSBA Webinar
Dec. 10