The Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council (ASTAC) is comprised of Bus Contractors (Alberta School Bus Contractors’ Association) along with industry members and supplier representation. We combine our efforts on a number of fronts to attain our goal of safe transportation for all students. We lobby government agencies for changes in regulations, increased funding, media awareness campaigns and increasing the recognition of the importance of school busing in Alberta. ASTAC focuses on teamwork and cooperation for the common goal of safe transportation for all students. In December 2022 the STAA Executive made a decision to no longer be members on ASTAC, attached is the letter of response from the ASBCA for additional information.
ASTAC hosts the largest school bus convention in Canada. ASTAC hosted the 2012 Canadian Conference in beautiful Lake Louise with over 400 delegates and suppliers.
ASTAC members sit on the D250 regulatory board for vehicle standards and compliance as well as the committees for implementing the 10 recommendations put forth by Alberta Education and Alberta Transportation.
ASTAC operates the ‘S’ endorsement program for school bus operators with 2 Train the Trainers hired to teach instructors of the program. We work cooperatively with Transportation Economic Corridors in maintenance and production of the program.
School Bus Safety Week falls the 3rd week in October. ASTAC organizes a website design contest for students grades 9 – 12.
ASTAC has in the past commissioned artwork for a fundraiser. We have prints available of artwork titled, Our Children, Our Future. It is a mosaic of pictures that create a larger picture. The artwork fully framed is $225 and unframed is $95. Please contact Kelli Pickett for more information.
ASTAC members work diligently in the industry continuing to discuss safety, parent & student issues, funding issues, government involvement and compliance.
History:
Formed in January of 1993, the Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council (ASTAC) has members from both the Alberta School Bus Contractors Association and the Student Transportation Association of Alberta. Since its inception, the ASTAC has taken a leadership role in the promotion of student transportation safety in Alberta.
The annual ASTAC Conference and Trade Show is consistently recognized as the premier school transportation conference in Canada – and for good reason! Each year over the course of 3 days we offer many hours of networking opportunities and a minimum of 6 workshops to choose from. Workshops include industry information on D250 standards, Alberta Education grants, special needs transportation, budgeting and planning, routing and computer systems. The full in-door trade show is a venue for showcasing new busses, parts, supplies, computer routing systems, video systems and more. The host venue consistently offers the best in high quality meals and accommodations.
Their most prominent programs are:
- School Bus Safety Week
- “S” Endorsement Program – a school bus driver improvement program that consists of a series of training modules, a written exam, pre-trip inspection and on-road evaluation.
- School Bus Convention – a yearly event help to promote school bus safety through workshops, panel discussion and guest speakers.
- Provincial School Bus Roadeo – held in various locations in Alberta.