Recognizing that the use of personal vehicles to transport elementary students to school is now a common part of school life, CTAC has been working with St. Martin School for the past year to implement a safe drop-off and pick-up area for those children getting rides from caregivers.  

This Kiss & Ride program now adopted by St. Martin School involves a structured system for handling the influx of students being transported during peak times, while reducing vehicular congestion in front of the school.

“This program satisfies the safety concerns of most parents because it allows children to be delivered to school by caregivers and ensures children get safely into the school under the supervision of school staff,” said St. Martin School Principal, Barb Van Hatten.

In celebration of the official opening, CTAC presented Kiss & Ride attendants with safety coats for the winter season. These bright yellow coats will make attendants highly visible to motorists and children using the program. 

“This program could only be accomplished through the cooperation of school board administration, school staff, volunteers, parents, and City of Thunder Bay support staff,” said Judi Marton, Chair of CTAC.

St. Martin is the second school in the City to offer a specialized area designated for a Kiss & Ride program. CTAC originally began a pilot project with St. Bernard school in 2005, where the program has been running effectively since. The Committee is working with additional schools to take on the Kiss & Ride program.

-END-