The Ontario School Bus Association reported that the Ministry of Education there plans to again increase the cost benchmarks in the Student Transportation Grant by 2 percent in response to higher fuel, capital and other operating costs.

School boards with a transportation surplus in the previous year that is equal to or greater than this 2 percent cost benchmark increase will not be eligible for the enhancement.

The ministry will update the pegged price of fuel in the Fuel Escalator and De-escalator Allocation as part of the cost benchmark increase. This update will help ensure funding stability for boards in the event of fuel price market volatility. And reviews of school boards will continue in an effort to reform and adjust transportation funding.

Meanwhile, OSBA said the annual 1 percent reduction in the Student Transportation Grant to boards will continue next school year, though this will not apply to school boards that receive a "high" rating on routing and technology from the Ministry's reviews.