Regulation - Other
Ontario Regulation 612, School Buses
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 612, School Buses
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Other
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act
Summary of Decision:
Approved
Further Information:
Highway Traffic Act- Regulation 612, School Buses
Proposal Number:
09-MTO008
Posting Date:
October 19, 2009
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Transportation is proposing to amend the regulation for school buses (O. Reg. 612) by repealing many of the regulatory requirements that closely reflect requirements captured by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) D250 manufacturing standards. This will eliminate duplication and out of date requirements within the regulation.
At the same time, the ministry is also proposing to adopt the most recent CSA-D250 standard for newer buses, ensuring that new school buses operating in Ontario are equipped with the latest safety features.
Historically, Ontario and most other provinces have adopted the CSA D250 Standard for school buses. This standard is amended every few years and the changes typically affect school bus operators, school bus manufacturers, and passengers who ride in these vehicles.
Some of the features in the new standard:
• Improved access to the rear emergency door.
• System to prevent the operation of the bus when the emergency door is locked.
• New roof hatch performance standard that specifies minimum strength required to open the hatch, which is intended to minimize the possibility of a passenger ejection during a collision in which the vehicle rolls over.
• New exit lamp above service door to improve visibility of pedestrians in the danger zone on the right side of the bus during stops.
• New requirements for floor covering that specify a minimum level of traction to reduce the risk of passengers slipping and/or falling.
• New specifications for roof-mounted strobe lamps in buses that are equipped with this type of lamp.
The CSA committee that develops and amends the standard consists of school bus operators, end users, manufacturers and technical experts from a variety of jurisdictions.
The adoption of the new standard will impact only new school buses, and there will be no requirement for bus operators to retrofit their vehicles to this standard. Manufacturers have indicated that the additional costs related to the new standard are approximately $1,000 for each new bus.
At the same time, the ministry is also proposing to adopt the most recent CSA-D250 standard for newer buses, ensuring that new school buses operating in Ontario are equipped with the latest safety features.
Historically, Ontario and most other provinces have adopted the CSA D250 Standard for school buses. This standard is amended every few years and the changes typically affect school bus operators, school bus manufacturers, and passengers who ride in these vehicles.
Some of the features in the new standard:
• Improved access to the rear emergency door.
• System to prevent the operation of the bus when the emergency door is locked.
• New roof hatch performance standard that specifies minimum strength required to open the hatch, which is intended to minimize the possibility of a passenger ejection during a collision in which the vehicle rolls over.
• New exit lamp above service door to improve visibility of pedestrians in the danger zone on the right side of the bus during stops.
• New requirements for floor covering that specify a minimum level of traction to reduce the risk of passengers slipping and/or falling.
• New specifications for roof-mounted strobe lamps in buses that are equipped with this type of lamp.
The CSA committee that develops and amends the standard consists of school bus operators, end users, manufacturers and technical experts from a variety of jurisdictions.
The adoption of the new standard will impact only new school buses, and there will be no requirement for bus operators to retrofit their vehicles to this standard. Manufacturers have indicated that the additional costs related to the new standard are approximately $1,000 for each new bus.
Contact Address:
Carrier Safety Policy Office
Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch
3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 7R4
Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch
3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 7R4
Effective Date:
October 1, 2010
Decision:
Approved