Brantford, ON – In partnership, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) and the Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie) are pleased to share that Student Transportation Services Brant Haldimand Norfolk (STSBHN) is piloting new safety technology designed to improve school bus visibility across the district. STSBHN is partnering with First Light to pilot their Fully Illuminated Stop Arm (TM) and Illuminated School Bus Signs (TM), improving visibility and giving motorists more time to identify an active school bus.
Four buses have been equipped with the sign upgrades on both the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as the improved stop arm. These bright visual indicators replace traditional decals and back‑lit signs. The enhanced lighting is especially effective in low‑light conditions, helping the bus stand out on dim or poorly lit roads. Through the partnership, the new school bus safety technology pilot is being implemented at no cost to the school districts or STSBHN.
“Student safety is the foundation of our services, and this pilot reflects our commitment to strengthen that priority. We are eager to see how this technology can further elevate safety for students across our district,” said STSBHN Senior Manager of Transportation, Philip Kuckyt.
The goal of this technology is to increase driver awareness, reduce illegal passing, and enhance student safety as they board and exit the bus.
“Student safety remains a shared priority across our school communities, and we’re grateful for the leadership of STSBHN in advancing this important work,” said Mike McDonald, Director of Education for BHNCDSB. “As partners, we value opportunities like this pilot that explore innovative ways to enhance visibility and promote safer behaviours on our roads, helping to ensure students can travel to and from school safely each day.”
“The safety of students is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the school walls and onto our roads and sidewalks,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education for Grand Erie. “This technology provides a real-time signal to our community that student safety is a top priority. We’re excited to work with our partners and leaders in transportation at STSBHN to experience this practical and innovative solution integrated into the system to enhance road safety for all road users.”
The pilot project will continue through the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Pilot busses will have Illuminated School Bus Signs (TM) on both the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as a Fully Illuminated Stop Arm (TM) (Image provided by First Light)
MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
Phil Kuckyt | Senior Manager of Transportation Services
Student Transportation Services Brant Haldimand Norfolk
Phone: 519-751-7532 Ext. 5 | Email: pkuckyt@stsbhn.ca
BHNCDSB CONTACT
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communications and Community Relations | Privacy Officer
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
P: 519.756.6505 Ext. 11234 | E: communications@bhncdsb.ca
GEDSB CONTACT
Ryan Strang | Senior Manager, Communications and Community Relations
Grand Erie District School Board
P: 519-756-6301 Ext. 281147 | E: ryan.strang@granderie.ca
