Area school buses are undergoing a makeover this summer as part of a new provincial mandate.
Beginning July 1, buses across Ontario will now be equipped with a new amber-red eight light warning system. The new amber lights will indicate when the bus is beginning to slow down.
The goal of the system, which is already used in the United States, is on increasing rider safety and decreasing the number of drivers who fail to stop for school buses.
Passing a school bus with its red lights flashing can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and a docking of six demerit points.
The retrofitting of school buses to incorporate the new lights should be completed before classes begin this fall. For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/school-bus-safety