(Image Credit: Kamloops-Thompson School District)

By Victor Kaisar

Accessible Bus

SD73 adds new accessible school bus to increase equitable field trip transportation

Jan 31, 2026 | 12:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73) has added a new accessible school bus to its fleet, which it says will help it “expand equitable field trip transportation opportunities” in the Kamloops area.

According to SD73, the full‑size, 56‑seater bus is equipped with one wheelchair space and a seating bench with two harnesses for students who require extra support.

“Students with mobility needs can now travel to field trips and learning experiences with their peers, without needing separate transportation arrangements,” said Sherry Kristjanson, SD73’s director of transportation.

District staff notes that unlike the existing accessible buses – which are only available for field trips between 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. – this new bus will be available for field trips from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

“The new accessible bus is assigned to a regularly scheduled secondary school route in Kamloops, transporting students to and from school in the morning and again at the end of the day,” Chelsea Isenor, SD73’s director of communications told CFJC via email.

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“By having the accessible bus on a secondary route, which has a later end of day pick up time than elementary schools, we’re able to offer more hours of accessible transportation during the school day.”

Wheelchair lift in the new SD73 accessible school bus. (Image Credit: Kamloops-Thompson School District)

SD73 officials say by using this new bus on a regular route, they’re also reinforcing that accessible transportation is a standard part of operations and not a separate or specialized offering.

“This approach supports the District Strategic Plan value of Equity by working to remove barriers and create environments that provide accessible and empowering opportunities for all students and staff to thrive,” the district added.