Transport Canada initiated a thorough defect investigation into a specific model of Lion-manufactured school buses following a series of incidents, including fires and smoke-filled situations. The probe commenced after a recent fire incident in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, where no injuries were reported among the five children and the bus driver. This development led to the suspension of 1,200 Lion school buses in Quebec for precautionary inspections.
Prior to this, several incidents involving the LionC school bus model were documented, dating back to November 2024. Despite being aware of these incidents, Transport Canada did not formally launch an investigation until the most recent fire. The delays in action have sparked criticism from stakeholders, with calls for more proactive measures to ensure public safety.
The defect investigation, which is ongoing, involves inspections of the vehicles, collaboration with the manufacturer, and analysis of relevant data. Fleet operators have been advised to conduct immediate inspections on LionC buses. However, questions have arisen regarding the timely communication of safety concerns and the accountability of manufacturers in reporting defects promptly.
Transport Canada emphasized the importance of responding to potential safety trends promptly. The incidents were found to share commonalities related to the heating and ventilation systems. This prompted Transport Canada to initiate a formal defect investigation to address the root causes of the issues.
While Transport Canada’s response and the manufacturers’ obligations to report safety defects promptly were highlighted, concerns remain about the timeliness of actions taken in such situations. The need for greater accountability, urgency in addressing safety concerns, and enhanced regulatory measures have been underscored in light of these incidents.