Cameras are utilized in the bus interior to provide protection for students, staff and property.  The majority of our fleet is already outfitted with cameras but a few were not due to funding shortfalls.  The video is closed circuit and loops so nothing is retained long term but if concerns are raised over conflict or vandalism within the bus, the video can be very useful.

We have had the current system of cameras in our bus fleet since 2005 however there was another system in place prior to that for over a decade. So cameras have been on our buses for a very long time.

Approximate cost to install the cameras and hardware is $6500.00 per bus. When we meet Ministry guidelines for bus replacement, the new buses come with the cameras already installed.  The funding we are using is to outfit a couple of our existing fleet that did not receive cameras.

We have 16 buses in our fleet.

As to your question regarding problems on buses being isolated – does it happen infrequently, then yes would be the correct response. Are cameras valuable or are they an asset to the resolution of concerns might be a good question and to this I would say yes, they most definitely are.  We are responsible for the safe transport of students to and from school and any and all assistance we can receive in monitoring the safety on board is appreciated.

Debby Sansome C. Tech
Director of Facilities