Start the school year with safety in mind

Slow down in school zones. While most students in the region start school on Sept. 2, some start on Aug. 27

As students head back to school, please drive carefully, especially during the busy morning and after-school rush. School zone speed restrictions are back in effect on Aug. 27 throughout Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Stay alert and be prepared for increased traffic

Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic on the road, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Pay attention to students using bikes, push scooters and skateboards. Remember that privately owned e-scooters are only allowed on private property.

Know the signs

• School Zone: 30 km/h from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all school days.
• School bus stop sign: when the red lights are flashing and the school sign is displayed, do not pass the bus. When yellow lights are flashing, be prepared to stop.
• Fire lane: don’t park in fire lanes, even if it’s just for a quick drop-off. This blocks emergency vehicles. Follow all no parking signs and restrictions to prevent accessibility and visibility.
• Playground Zones continue to be in effect all year long: 30 km/h from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. everyday.

When doing school drop-off, be sure to let students out of the vehicle in a designated and safe location. Unless otherwise posted, remember to not stop or park a vehicle, even for drop-off within:

• 10 metres of a stop sign or yield sign,
• 10 metres of a crosswalk or intersection, or
• 5 metres of a fire hydrant.

Always use a crosswalk when crossing the street. Pedestrians should stop, look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before entering. Drivers should approach crosswalks with caution and yield to pedestrians. Always scan for pedestrians between cars in busy areas around schools.

2025-26 School Transit

RMWB Transit has made significant service changes with minimal impact to school routes.

All areas serviced last year by special school routes will continue to be serviced by school routes this year. The school routes have new route numbers, with pick-up and drop-off times based on school bell times.

Students that took a regular Transit route to school last year are reminded to review the new routes and schedules at rmwb.ca/transit.

Review the 2025-26 Student Guide and find all school routes and regular routes that service each high school in Fort McMurray on these webpages:

• Composite High School
• École McTavish
• Father Mercredi
• Holy Trinity
• Westwood
  

Students are reminded to ride the right way and stay safe when using public transit:

• Wait in line when boarding and let riders exit first
• Hold handrails when standing.
• Exit through the back door.
• Wait until the bus leaves before crossing the street.
• Never cross in front of the bus.

Please be courteous and follow all the rules to ensure everyone has a safe and respectful ride on RMWB Transit. For questions or concerns, reach out to Pulse by calling 780-743-7000 or 1-800-793-9663 (toll free) or by visiting rmwb.ca/pulse.

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