OSTA

We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with BusPatrol to launch a new program aimed at reducing unsafe driving around our school buses and improving student safety. A select number of school buses are equipped with cameras that detect when motorists illegally pass a stopped bus. This initiative will help us to understand just how often cars fail to stop for school buses and how we can make roads safer. During the pilot program, no citations will be issued. For more information, visit ow.ly/U5SU50Z3NJA

OSTA's Joint Custody forms for the 2026-2027 school year are now available on our website. Variable Transportation is when OSTA provides transportation services to students who have a joint custody/access arrangement and whose two homes meet all eligibility requirements. The deadline for NEW applications is June 1 to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September. For details: ow.ly/140c50YMNI3

Reminder! Opt out of transportation - June 1 deadline. Did you know that if your eligible child doesn't require school bus transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, you can opt out? Please fill out an online form by June 1 to let OSTA know that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility. For more information: ow.ly/hcWb50YMLVV

OSTA is pleased to announce Jennifer Borrel-Benoit as our new General Manager and CAO, effective May 11, 2026. As a bilingual leader with over 25 years of experience at the OCDSB, Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise in strategic operations and specialized student transportation. We look forward to seeing all the great work she will do for our students and their families. 🔗 Read the full announcement here: ow.ly/zpmB50YRhCO

Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate National Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌 School bus drivers play an important role in each student’s day, providing a safe, calm, and welcoming start in the morning and a dependable ride home in the afternoon. They show up with patience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to safety. From early mornings to busy afternoons, they do far more than drive—they help create a positive and consistent environment that supports students in their journey to school. Thank you for the care and dedication you bring to every route every day. #BusDriverAppreciation #ThankYouDrivers #StudentTransportation

It’s a beautiful spring day! But a phone screen can make you blind to danger. 🎧 Students: If you are wearing headphones, keep the volume low or remove one earbud so you can hear oncoming traffic or sirens. 📱 Keep your heads up and phones down when crossing the street. A split second of distraction can have consequences. #SpringIntoSafety #HeadsUp #PedestrianSafety

OSTA's Joint Custody forms for the 2026-2027 school year are now available on our website. Variable Transportation is when OSTA provides transportation services to students who have a joint custody/access arrangement and whose two homes meet all eligibility requirements. The deadline for NEW applications is June 1 to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September. For details: ow.ly/iQ9x50YMNIf

Reminder! Opt out of transportation - June 1 deadline. Did you know that if your eligible child doesn't require school bus transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, you can opt out? Please fill out an online form by June 1 to let OSTA know that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility. For more information: ow.ly/BqJG50YMLVU

📢 Important Update for Families along the Lower Ottawa River As water levels on the Ottawa River between Arnprior and Hawkesbury rise, OSTA is taking proactive steps to keep your child’s commute safe and reliable. Our team is actively assessing the situation and collaborating with City of Ottawa officials to evaluate road conditions in real-time. Should road closures impact your specific route, we will notify you via: ✅ Direct Email (Parent Portal) ✅ The OSTA App (Push notifications) ✅ Our Website & Social Media We will continue to evaluate conditions throughout the weekend. For a full list of resources and more information on our contingency planning, please visit our website: 🔗 ottawaschoolbus.ca

Get the latest OSTA news! Our spring update includes: ✅ Opt out of transportation for 2026-2027 school year ✅ Joint custody forms for 2026-2027 school year ✅ Check your eligibility ✅ First Rider information ✅Important KG reminders ✅ Download OSTA's app For more information, visit: ow.ly/vNIn50YJ089

Please note we will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 7. Happy Easter!

‼️School Transportation Update: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 A weather assessment was conducted this morning. Please be advised that school bus/van transportation will be running today for the English and French school boards operating within the City of Ottawa: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) However, please note that there may be delays.

OSTA will hold a virtual Public Governance Board Meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The OSTA Board of Directors welcomes all members of the public to attend and welcomes constructive public input into its deliberations from delegates. To register as an observer or a delegate, please visit: ow.ly/ttYN50YxvN9 The deadline for registration is 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

School Transportation Update: Thursday, March 12, 2026 A weather assessment was conducted this morning, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Please be advised that school bus/van transportation will be running today for the English and French school boards operating within the City of Ottawa: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) However, please note that there may be delays in service this morning.

‼️School Transportation Update: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 A weather assessment was conducted this morning, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Please be advised that school bus/van transportation is CANCELLED today for the English and French school boards operating within the City of Ottawa: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) For students assigned to public transit (OC Transpo), while public transit is running, there may be delays.  Schools remain open.

📢 Introducing: OSTA's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan! Ottawa Student Transportation’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan is a multi-year document that encompasses our Strategic Goals and helps to set a clear direction for the organization through the next five years. We have developed a new, streamlined Vision and Mission while staying true and consistent with the Values that guide our work on a daily basis. For more information: ow.ly/yvs350YrS5H

Stay Connected - Know right away when inclement weather affects student transportation: Parent Portal: Ensure you have an account to receive email notifications. Mobile App: Download our Progressive Web App (PWA) to get the latest information sent directly to your phone. Social Media: Follow us on X and Facebook for immediate posts. Website: Check our homepage for the most up-to-date status dashboard. For more info: ow.ly/2Rmn50YrZST

OSTA is proud to share our 2024-2025 annual report which highlights our commitment to delivering safe and efficient transportation for OCDSB and OCSB students. In the report, you will find: ✔️ A message from the General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer ✔️ Information on who we are and who we serve ✔️ Summaries of last year’s events and projects ✔️ And more! Read it now: ow.ly/tzj450YpiRM

‼️School Transportation Update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 A weather assessment was conducted this morning, Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Please be advised that school bus/van transportation will be running today for the English and French school boards operating within the City of Ottawa: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) However, please note that there may be delays in service this morning.

School Transportation Update: Friday, February 20, 2026 A weather assessment was conducted this morning, Friday, February 20, 2026. Please be advised that school bus/van transportation will be running today for the English and French school boards operating within the City of Ottawa: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) However, please note that there may be delays in service later in the afternoon.