BRIDGEWATER, Nova Scotia — The South Shore Regional School Board has received the Gold Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Achievement Award for the second year in a row from the provincial government.

The award is presented for exceptionally high scores in a number of safety and performance-related areas.

Evaluations are conducted on a points system, with inspectors looking at driver training, accident reporting and frequency, fleet preventive maintenance, fleet body maintenance, stops per mile/ luggage and passenger loads, trip inspection and hours of work, garage cleanliness and safety practices, and bus cleanliness and appearance.

“This accomplishment is only possible through the hard work and dedication of the transportation team, which includes drivers, mechanics, body technicians, dispatch, administrators, management and support staff," said Norm Stableford, transportation coordinator. “These individuals begin each day with an ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the students we transport on a daily basis.”

In addition to the Gold Award, the South Shore Regional School Board also achieved the best score for the least number of defects found during the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board mechanical inspections, which are performed twice annually on every bus.

“Achieving this prestigious award reiterates the commitment staff of the South Shore Regional School Board have to a learning environment, which includes their bus ride, for all students,” said Denise Crouse, transportation manager. “Without the dedication, professional and team work of staff, monumental achievements of this caliber would not be possible.”

The South Shore Regional School Board operates 107 buses over 90 routes and employs 108 drivers (90 routed and 18 substitute) and 15 full-time transportation staff. The district transports approximately 6,400 students on a daily basis.