Transport Canada to make seatbelts mandatory on new highway buses by 2020
OTTAWA — Transport Canada says it will soon require all newly built highway buses to have seatbelts.
The federal department said Wednesday it will make seatbelts mandatory on medium and large highway buses starting Sept. 1, 2020.
“We’ve all heard the message to buckle up over the years, and I think it’s time we brought this approach to highway buses too,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in a release. “By having seatbelts on highway buses, we can help reduce injuries in severe collisions, such as rollovers, and improve safety for everyone.”
The department said it first proposed the change in 2017, and has consulted industry groups. It said it takes time to design and build vehicles so the date will allow enough time to make the changes.