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Transport providers present safety protocols and sharply different price models to Sunnybrook SD 171 board
Summary
Three student-transportation providers outlined safety training, parent-communication tools and contrasting price structures to the Sunnybrook School District 171 Board; no contract was awarded tonight.
Three companies seeking to move student routes before the next school year described their safety protocols, staffing and pricing to the Sunnybrook School District 171 Board on March 18.
A representative for NextG Transit LLC described pre-trip checks, special-needs driver training and parent communications, and presented tiered pricing that the company summarized as $95 per day for a single-student route and about $65 per student for routes carrying six students; out-of-district mileage charges were also described. Board members asked how NextG bills for short-term absences and whether multiple vehicles would be used when a route exceeds a van's seating capacity; the presenter said billing depends on driver time and notice, and that multiple vehicles would be used as needed.
Shayla Butler, representing SI Transport Services, told the board her company specializes in higher-care routes and said drivers and monitors complete autism-awareness and CPI-certified de-escalation training. "Our goal is to ensure that every student arrives safely, calmly, and ready to learn," Butler said. She listed a $250-per-student rate on slide three but said district contracts are often structured per route and that the figure is adjustable once routes are defined.
A local operator who identified himself as a transportation representative described years of experience driving special-needs and alternative-school routes, said his service has covered trips up to about 20–25 miles, and said he meets families before service begins to reduce students' anxiety.
Board members pressed presenters on several operational details: whether routes include aides or monitors and whether vehicles for special-needs students are equipped with interior cameras. SI Transport said some vehicles have forward- and interior-facing cameras and that adding a monitor would adjust pricing. NextG said drivers are trained for special-needs transport and that parent notifications are sent by text.
No procurement decision or contract award was made at the meeting. District officials will consider the presentations and pricing while developing next steps for transportation services ahead of route planning.
