By Dylana Milobar

B.C Government enacts extra party bus safety measures to protect minors

Dec 1, 2018 | 9:01 AM

VANCOUVER – In response to concerns growing in the industry, the provincial government is immediately enacting more safety measures on party buses to protect minors in B.C.

In a release yesterday, the B.C Government says with new bookings made after Dec. 1, 2018, operators will be required to get consent forms from parents or guardians, so they know kids and teens are safe when getting on to a party bus.

“These changes are long overdue. Families have been waiting a long time for stricter safety standards that help boost safety every single time a minor is travelling on a party bus,” stated Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in the release. “I’m very pleased to see these new requirements start up in time for the holiday season and New Year’s Eve.”

The consent forms include information around the pickup and drop-off times, locations, procedures for the particular excursion, legal and safety requirements of party bus services, and how to report a concern or get more information about passenger safety.

Drivers will also check all passenger IDs and, before departing, confirm there is a consent form for each unaccompanied minor.

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Also outlined in the release, operators who add new vehicles to their fleets and newly licensed operators will all be required to provide safety monitors when transporting minors, effective Dec 1, 2018.

As of April 1, 2019, all party bus operators will be required to provide safety monitors.

That means, for every 15 passengers who are minors, party bus operators must provide a safety monitor who is at least 25 years of age, with appropriate training, and a background check.