Community members will hold a rally from  from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at New Westminster Secondary School, calling on the provincial government to fund the continuation of the Queensborough school bus program, which currently serves more than 230 students but is scheduled to end in June 2026 due to a lack of provincial funding.

Steve Kooner, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, says the rally follows the B.C. NDP’s failure to deliver on an election promise made in October 2024 to make the bus program “permanent and free.” The program, which began as a pilot in January 2024, costs approximately $250,000 per year.

“This is a clear broken promise,” said Kooner. “Families were told this bus would be permanent and free, yet students are still without the service they rely on. For a relatively small cost, the government could ensure safe, reliable transportation, but instead, they’ve left families waiting.”

The dedicated bus was introduced to address long commutes and safety concerns for Queensborough students travelling to New Westminster Secondary School.

Critic for Education Lynne Block, said the bus issue reflects a broader pattern of unmet commitments in education.

“This isn’t happening in isolation,” said Block. “During the election, families heard promises about student supports for transportation, educational assistants, counsellors, and school capacity. When governments fail to follow through, it’s students and parents who feel the consequences.”

Both MLAs say they expect the government to explain why a clear commitment to Queensborough families has not been honoured, particularly as the rally takes place in the government’s own backyard.

“Queensborough students should not be left behind, Kooner said. “The government should show up, listen, and fix this.”