Bus Delays & Cancellations
Why Might a Bus Be Delayed or Cancelled?
Road Conditions and Hazards
Individual routes may be delayed or cancelled due to:
- Poor road conditions, including ice, drifting snow, or low visibility
- Road hazards such as accidents, debris, or obstructions
- Unexpected road closures issued by a town, city, or Leduc County
📌 Please note:
Safety cancellations are made on a route-by-route basis by the bus contractor.
Bus Breakdowns
Before the Route Begins
- Every effort is made to arrange a replacement bus
- If a replacement bus is unavailable, the route may be cancelled
During the Route
- The driver remains with students
- A replacement bus or alternative transportation will be arranged
Extreme Cold
Bus service may be cancelled when temperatures reach -40°C or colder, with or without wind chill.
- Black Gold uses The Weather Network to monitor temperatures across the Division
- Extreme cold bus cancellations are determined for each community or area. This means buses may be cancelled in one location while continuing to operate in another, depending on local temperature conditions
- If buses are cancelled in the morning due to extreme cold, they will also be cancelled for the afternoon
📌 Please note:
Schools remain open even when buses are cancelled due to extreme cold. Schools only close in the event of a facility emergency (e.g., a water main break).
When Are Alerts Posted?
Delays, Breakdowns, and Route Cancellations
- Shared as soon as Transportation is informed of a delay, breakdown, or route cancellation
Extreme Cold Cancellations
- Shared as close to 6:30 AM as possible
How to Receive Transportation Alerts
Bus Status 4
- Download the Bus Status 4 app from the Apple or Google Play store
- Find your child's bus number in the Bus Planner Parent Portal
- ⭐ Star your child's bus number
- 🔔 Turn on notifications
Additional Alert Methods
Delays and cancellations are also shared through:
- blackgold.ca
- Your child's school website
- SchoolMessenger text messages
📌 Please note:
SchoolMessenger text messages are sent only for bus cancellations and delays of more than 15 minutes.
Parents & guardians should continue to monitor Bus Status 4 and blackgold.ca for the most up-to-date transportation information.
🏠 Parent & Guardian Responsibility
Parents & Guardians Are Responsible for:
- Monitoring transportation alerts
- Ensuring their child's safety at the bus stop and while travelling to and from the bus stop
- Ensuring their child is dressed appropriately for the weather in case of delays or unexpected service disruptions
Have questions?
Start with our FAQs, it's the quickest way to find answers. If you cannot find the information you need, please email transportation@blackgold.ca.
Have an urgent concern?
Visit our Contact Us page for additional ways to reach Transportation.
Black Gold School Division
1101 5 Street, 3rd Floor
Nisku, AB
🕒 Regular Hours: 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
🕒 Summer Hours (July 6–August 14): 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 12:45 PM–4:30 PM. Please note: The Division Office is closed on Fridays from July 6 to August 14.