NB resolves school bus repair confusion after union talks

The New Brunswick government says the issues that recently caused delays in repairing school buses have now been resolved, but questions remain about how the situation was handled and explained.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson confirmed that the province has addressed the concerns first raised last month. At the time, the department had stated that a shortage of licensed mechanics meant that backup buses could not be sent to breakdowns and that repairs would be restricted to regular daytime business hours.

However, on Tuesday, Chiasson offered a different explanation. He acknowledged that although mechanics were available to be called in during evenings or weekends, no one was physically present at repair shops unless specifically called. He added that the department has been in discussions with the union representing school bus mechanics to ensure compensation for standby availability, guaranteeing that someone is always ready to assist.

The minister also revealed another critical change in the explanation: previously, the department did not dispatch replacement buses because legal clarity was needed about whether mechanics could drive school buses, which require a special licence. After receiving an official legal opinion confirming that mechanics are allowed to handle those vehicles, the practice has resumed, and services have returned to normal.

When pressed on whether the department’s conflicting explanations were the result of poor communication, Chiasson admitted there had been confusion and unclear messaging “all over” the issue. He stopped short of placing blame but acknowledged that the overall communication “could have been sharper.”

Despite Chiasson describing the incident as a minor matter blown out of proportion, opposition parties rejected that characterization.

Interim Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie said the government’s handling of the situation amounted to incompetence. He criticized the shifting explanations and argued that if there had been a genuine issue, families should have been informed clearly rather than misled.

Green Party MLA Megan Mitton emphasized that families need trust and certainty in the school transportation system. She said the past two weeks were troubling for parents and suggested the government now appears to be revising its narrative about what went wrong.

Meanwhile, the union representing school bus mechanics confirmed progress in discussions with the province. CUPE stated that the department had agreed to a five percent wage adjustment tied to obtaining truck and transport certification — a move aimed at retaining and recruiting qualified mechanics. Union leadership welcomed recognition of ongoing staffing issues but said more wage improvements may be necessary to fully restore service capacity.