Electric School Bus Recall Rocks New Brunswick: Half the Fleet Pulled Due to Steering Safety Concerns

A significant safety recall has cast a shadow over New Brunswick's innovative electric school bus program, as nearly half of its cutting-edge fleet – 30 out of 66 vehicles – have been pulled from service due to a potential steering shaft defect. This unprecedented move, affecting buses manufactured by the Quebec-based Lion Electric Company, has prompted a scramble by provincial authorities to ensure student transportation remains uninterrupted, especially as the new school year approaches.

The alarm was first raised in January 2024 by a vigilant school bus technician in northern New Brunswick, who discovered the potential issue with a steering shaft bolt.

This crucial finding led to an in-depth investigation by Transport Canada, culminating in a formal recall notice issued on May 29, 2024. The recall specifies that a bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may not have been properly torqued during assembly, posing a serious safety risk if it were to loosen and cause a loss of steering control.

New Brunswick has long been a trailblazer in electric school transportation, boasting the largest fleet of electric school buses in Canada.

This initiative, aimed at reducing emissions and operational costs, has been a source of provincial pride. However, this latest recall highlights the challenges and complexities that can arise with new technologies. While the 30 affected buses represent a relatively small fraction (approximately five percent) of the province's total school bus fleet, their absence creates immediate logistical hurdles.

In response to the recall, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has moved swiftly to mitigate the impact.

Officials are actively working to replace the recalled electric buses with available diesel-powered vehicles from the provincial fleet, ensuring that school districts have the necessary capacity for the upcoming academic year. This proactive approach aims to prevent any disruption to student commutes when classes resume.

Lion Electric Company has taken full responsibility for the defect, confirming it will cover all costs associated with the inspections and necessary repairs.

The company anticipates that replacement parts, primarily new steering shafts, will be available by mid-July, with all repairs expected to be completed by the end of July. This timeline offers a glimmer of hope that the affected buses could be back on the road before the start of the school year in September.

This isn't the first hurdle for New Brunswick's electric bus program.

Previous reports have detailed delays in getting these eco-friendly vehicles on the road due to software glitches and charging infrastructure challenges. Despite these setbacks, the province remains committed to its green transportation goals. This current recall serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous safety standards required for public transportation and the continuous vigilance necessary to maintain them, ensuring the well-being of thousands of students.