The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) is experiencing significant driver shortages and some service contract issues. While OSTA has secured transportation for almost 95% of students, there are approximately 221 routes across 47 OCDSB schools where service will be affected. While the direct impact on individual schools varies considerably, you are receiving this letter because your child’s school is impacted.
We know how challenging this can be for affected families and we apologize for this inconvenience. While OSTA continues to work on finding alternate solutions to prevent service disruptions, we want to make sure that families know how to access the most up-to-date information about service.
If your child takes a school bus or van to school, it is important that you do the following before the first day of school:
- Read the OSTA Transportation Update for the Return to School 2023-24.
- and the OSTA Long-Term Cancellation list.
- Register for or log onto the OSTA Parent Portal.
- Click “My Students” to see your child’s eligibility, route and run information as well as the bus stop location and time. Be sure to check the “Information” section for a small blue “To PDF” button on the bottom left of the screen.
- Click on the ‘My Subscriptions’ icon in the Parent Portal to set up alerts for transportation (e.g. delays, cancellations). Transportation alerts will notify families by email when there are updates to their assigned bus. The OSTA Parent Portal Guide explains how to use the portal, set up subscriptions, and ensure you are getting alerts.
If your service is affected, the following information may be helpful:
Carpooling, walking or biking to school
Where possible, families are encouraged to connect with one another to carpool, walk or bike to school if it’s safe to do so. OSTA has prepared walking route maps you may find helpful.
OC Transpo: Single ride vouchers for parents and free transit for children 12 and under
All children 12 and under are free to take OC Transpo. In addition, affected families living within the Urban Transit Area can receive Single Ride Vouchers (SRV) for OC Transpo. These allow an individual (16 or older) to accompany younger students on a bus for free.
Complete the application at this link.
The application only needs to be made once. SRVs will be sent to schools every two weeks and will be distributed to students to bring home as long as yellow bus or van transportation remains unavailable.
Increased traffic congestion
With more families driving, walking or cycling to school, we anticipate an increase in traffic congestion. Please respect traffic and parking regulations in and around the school. We encourage you to park a short distance from the school and walk your child to the building.
Student safety
All drivers are asked to slow down and be extra cautious for students who may be walking or biking to school. Students should also be reminded about traffic safety when heading to school.
School-level supports
Please know that our school staff will do what they can to help families navigate this situation. We will be working with classroom teachers to ensure that every class has a Learning Management System (LMS) on-line which is updated regularly. Our school staff will be finding opportunities to connect with students and/or parents/guardians where a student is at home for two or more consecutive school days. Arrangements can be made for students who are affected by transportation disruptions and who require technology and or internet access to access the LMS or other remote learning.
If you are unable to arrange for a student to come to school. Please let the school office know and we will work with you to find ways to support your child’s learning.
If your bus service is not affected by the current service interruptions, please ensure your child arrives at the bus stop early and is aware of the bus route number.
We continue to work with OSTA and will provide updated information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenge.